overview - ethernet

Ethernet

Ethernet is the standard means for networking computers and has been for about 25 years. Using four wires (two pair), Ethernet provides the highest speeds at the lowest hardware costs. Without question, this is the best solution for your property as it can support all of the newer Internet-based services, such as Voice Over IP and Video-On-Demand.

There are three common speed classifications for Ethernet networks:

10baseT: speeds up to 10Mb/sec over Category 3 wire
100baseT: speeds up to 100Mb/sec over Category 5 wire
1000baseT: speeds up to 1000Mb/sec (also known as Gigabit Ethernet) over Category 5 or Category 5e wire

Why is Ethernet the lowest cost solution? Because the technology has been around for a long time and can be manufactured at much lower costs when compared to newer technologies. For example, a 24 port (connections) managed switch costs approximately $29 per port compared to over $100 per port for the lowest price xDSL solutions (xDSL does NOT include HPNA).

The following figure shows a common Ethernet network. Note that features such as UPS, wireless (including HotSpots) and printing are options.

If you are considering higher-bandwidth solutions either now or in the future, wired Ethernet networks provide the most stable, most expandable content delivery platform bar none. Ethernet networks are also the least complex to design, install and support. If you need to contract out support for your network, it will cost you less money to support an Ethernet network than a DSL or wireless network.