Tuesday, March 8, 2011




A Brief Guide To Ethernet Over Copper

The first thing that strikes you about Ethernet over Copper (EoC) is that it is an option that provides a cost saving solution and in addition allows for quicker implementation. On the flip side, there are certain constraints regarding the amount of upgrades you can enjoy and there are certain susceptibilities to outside influences such as aging of the copper line and there can also be interference.

Compared to fiber, copper does not offer as many benefits and in fact, fiber offers as much as hundred times better distance. However, fiber is also a costlier option. At the same time, Ethernet over Copper has the ability to offer certain benefits especially when distances involved are not high. As for dealing with possible interference; this can be minimized by making use of the right cabling.

The technology that goes into making of copper is much more cost beneficial as compared to fiber optics and especially when distances involved are short. It is only over longer distances that fiber optics offers the better solution in regard to maintenance.

The trouble with copper wires is that they are more susceptible to interference. If there is some electromagnetic radiation burst from explosions or when the magnetic field fluctuates, it will cause coupling of electromagnetic fields with electric or electronic systems. This will produce dangerous surges in voltage and currents. The end result of that will be damage to the electronic equipment as well as to the electrical infrastructure.

Notwithstanding these downsides, copper interfaces are still widely being used and they are also a cheaper option. Ethernet over Copper has become the best selling access network service. All the major carriers are making a beeline to add this coverage as quickly as they possibly can. Some of the big players have even expanded their Ethernet over Copper networks by more than thirty percent.

This technology has grown rapidly because of changing priorities in the network industry. Wide Area Networks (WANs) have always ruled the roost in the telephone industry. Businesses have relied on T1 lines for their point to point needs and have used Ethernet connections as well.

EoC uses the kind of copper that is already being used in telephone lines. The question that arises is just why should this old but trusted copper be used when there is ready availability of the more advanced fiber optics. The answer is that copper is widely available and it offers tried and tested functionality. Businesses already have their copper based telephones bundles already installed in their premises.

If they were to switch to fiber optics, they would need to pay a heavy price to install the fiber optics in their buildings. When copper works for a minimal to practically free cost, why spend the additional money for fiber optics?

With Ethernet over Copper, it is also possible to extend the local area network (LAN) across an entire city and also the entire country. In fact, it also allows for connecting to international destinations. All in all, Ethernet over Copper offers quick and reliable connectivity to the Internet and this is the major reason why it continues to be used by businesses.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jacob_Richard

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