Media converters (MC) or Ethernet extenders (EE) is a popular solution for cost-aware networking teams trying to balance their technical needs with funding requirements, as well as space restrictions. These little devices are pretty flexible – they come in various sizes and offer features for a lot of applications.
This article is a simple guide to help integrators and network designers how to choose the best media converter for their unique network. This article will also take a closer look at the applications and benefits of these devices, as well as hot to figure out which model suits the user’s needs. For more info about this subject, read more here for details.
Benefits and basics of Ethernet Extenders
These devices are also called repeaters. Both names can be used interchangeably. These things extend the Ethernet network by repeating or boosting the signal so it can travel past the standard one hundred-meter limit for Ethernet transmissions over Unshielded Twisted Pair and coax cables.
Network designers usually opt to use more than one EE in series to link multiple devices. These things are also traditionally embedded in larger multi-port switch nodes. EE allows individuals to use basic copper Unshielded Twisted Pair or coaxial cables instead of fiber-optic cables to connect various devices – even if the distance professionals should cover more than one hundred meters.
With the right device, professionals can extend their Ethernet limits up to three thousand feet or nine hundred fourteen meters at ten megabits per second or two thousand feet at one thousand megabits per second over Unshielded Twisted Pair cables.
People can go even further over coax – up to five thousand feet at speeds of ten megabits per second. The capability to transmit data and info over longer distances using Unshielded Twisted Pair and coax cables is a massive benefit for networking groups and the biggest reason why EEs are popular network devices.
To know more about UTPs, visit https://www.techtarget.com/searchnetworking/definition/Unshielded-Twisted-Pair for more info.
EE applications
These things are used for various applications. Listed below are some of the most common applications of these devices.
- Wi-Fi access points (Outdoor)
- Metering systems
- Transpo systems
- Very high-speed digital subscriber line retrofits
- Surveillance systems and security cams
- Network retrofits that connect existing analog devices to any Ethernet-based systems
- Unshielded Twisted Pair and other factory automation enablement
- Close-Circuit Television systems in casinos, offices, schools, airports, and other places
- Ethernet speeds of ten to one hundred megabits per second
- High-speed comp links
- Internet Protocol video
How to choose the right EE for the network
Once technicians have determined they need an EE, the next thing they need to do is choose the right one for the network. Listed below are some questions people should ask, as well as something they need to consider that can help them focus their search and ensure they pick the right device that meets their needs.
What is the bandwidth requirement?
EEs are excellent for speeds of ten to one hundred megabits per second, but people’s bandwidth will determine how far they can extend their Internet signal. The higher the bandwidth, the shorter space they can extend their network.
What kind of cable will they be using between extenders?
People can use these things to transmit data over coaxial or Unshielded Twisted Pair cables. Most devices are made for one or the other, but not for both cables. That is why professionals need to ensure that the gadget they pick is compatible with their cabling.
What is the path length between gadgets?
It may seem like a simple thing, but overlooking the length between gadgets is a costly and easy mistake people usually make. Users can avoid it by knowing and understanding the distance they should cover, as well as picking an EE that can handle their requirements.
What are their power requirements?
Some of these things are designed to provide a pass-through POE, while others may need a separate source for power. If they need POE capability, people should make sure that it is included in the specifications for the gadget they choose.
What type of switch capability do they need?
This article has already mentioned that EE is usually used in conjunction with Internet switches to ensure traffic reaches its destination at full power. If the person is purchasing a switch and extender combination, they need to think about whether they want unmanaged switches, self-manage switches, or switches with advanced uplink management capabilities.
How many gadgets are the user connecting, and how many ports do they need?
These things will determine the size of the extender they choose. The last thing they want to do is purchase one that does not have enough Internet ports for their needs.
What are their operating conditions?
Humidity condensations, vibration levels, temperature, mechanical shock risks, low-line voltages, and high-line voltages – all these things are very important. They will determine whether users need standard EEs or one that is specially hardened and designed for various harsh conditions.
Does the system use multicast or unicast transmission? How about massive frames?
EEs are usually designed to support various transmission modes. It is very important to ensure the EEs people choose to support their mode, especially if they use massive frames.
How to enable EEs? Visit this site for details.
Users should not forget about compatibility, signal protection, and installation requirements
High-quality extenders are designed for compatibility with different equipment, signal protection from power surges, ease of installation, as well as other voltage transient situations. It is worth taking the time to ensure people are purchasing a gadget they can trust instead of low-quality models.
High-performance Internet expert design and equipment support
As mentioned above, these things can help users with cost-effective system expansion, but there are other factors they need to consider when choosing the perfect one. There are a series of EEs that uses unique and advanced technology to help extend the user’s network well beyond the one hundred-meter limit.
Some companies offer free design support that will answer customer questions, as well as make the right recommendations about compatibility, bandwidth, power requirements, as well as anything else they need to know when looking for the right solution for their network.