VIDEO EXPLORES POWER OF COPPERLINK ETHERNET EXTENDER12.23.2011 By Susan J. Campbell, TMCnet Contributing Editor Ethernet offers a number of benefits, but it is not without its limitations. It does have some distance limitations as it is effective for 100m and this must be overcome. The CopperLink Ethernet Extender solution from Patton is an Ethernet extender that will extend this distance to over five miles. In a recent video on CopperLink Ethernet extenders, we get a unique view of this unique product on the marketplace. The Patton CopperLink is unique in that there isn’t much competition in the market. What is Ethernet Extension – it is taking Ethernet past its natural limits using the existing copper infrastructure and Patton’s CopperLink technology. The market opportunity is significant as Ethernet is becoming the most common network interface as a result of its low cost standards-based interfaces. Ethernet ports are found on all workstations, PCs, info kiosks and Point of Sale (POS) stations as it is the most natural transport for IP. Ethernet also requires a separate and expensive CAT5 cabling infrastructure. CopperLink can use readily available and existing voice grade wiring. And, while LANs generally need to be segmented to avoid a bottleneck, the CopperLink Ethernet Extenders only pass packers have addresses outside of their LAN. Even with these limitations, the number of Ethernet-based networks continues to grow, making the need to implement Ethernet extenders beyond the 100m limitation critical. As a result, Ethernet extension is applied in three broad applications, including Ethernet connectivity that connects Ethernet terminals and devices; Ethernet access that connects devices and users to a central network; and Ethernet networking that connects multiple users and servers. For Patton, the focus is on extending Ethernet connections or utilizing existing copper. This ensures the company’s solution will support line rates from 144Jbps to 50Mbps; will extend Ethernet up to 5.7 miles; provide asymmetric or symmetric line rates; and operate over a single 2-wire twisted pair.The CopperLink Ethernet extender can also support 50Mbps communications links, extend Ethernet connections to 1 mile, enable transparency to high-layer protocols and support 802.1Q (VLAN tagging) and more. The CopperLink Model 2174 is optimal in situations where existing single-twisted-pair, Cat 5e/6/7, or coaxial cable must be used to deliver extremely high-speed asymmetrical or symmetrical Ethernet--or extend Ethernet connections up to 10,000 feet (3 kilometers). The advantages in the CopperLink Ethernet extender include unmatched speed and distance over copper wire, Cat5e/6/7, or coaxial cable; it’s easy to deploy as it is delivered as a plug and play; it delivers Ethernet over long distances; it’s flexible; it can be used in standard Ethernet plus VLAN networks; it enables maximum throughput to remote Ethernet devices; it supports plug and play Ethernet connections; it saves money; and it delivers enhanced reliability and increased up time. As the demand for Ethernet continues to grow, Patton expects to continue to enjoy significant opportunity in this healthy market. |
