With increasing business expansions, and the creation of humongous amounts of data, the demand for high speed and seamless connectivity is ever increasing. The legacy networks are falling short in terms of the speed and size of data being transferred as also in terms of geographical distance of transmission. Hence, fiber optics is increasingly blended by businesses into their legacy networks. This requires various devices such as Ethernet media converters, switches, and more. Additionally, there are various types of Ethernet networks based on the speed and transmission rate they offer. Upgrading to a higher version of Ethernet network may also serve the purpose for some businesses. This post discusses about various such Ethernet network types, fiber optics, use of Ethernet media converters, and more.
What is Ethernet?
What is an Ethernet Network?
What Are the Various Types of Ethernet Networks?
- Fast Ethernet: As the term suggests, this is quite a high-speed internet, and can transmit or receive data at about 100 Mbps. This type of network is usually supported by a twisted pair or CAT5 cable. If a laptop, camera, or any other device is connected to a network, they operate at 10/100Base Ethernet and 100Base on the fiber side of the link.
- Gigabit Ethernet: This type of network transfers data at an even higher speed of about 1000 Mbps or 1Gbps. Gigabit speed is an upgrade from Fast Ethernet which is slowly being phased out. In this type of network, all the four pairs in the twisted pair cable contribute to the data transfer speed. This network type finds a large application in video calling systems which use CAT5e or other advanced cables. For extended networks, the distance of up to 500m, 1000Base SX fiber cables may be used for multimode, as well as 1000Base LX for single mode systems. VERSITRON manufactures Gigabit Ethernet Media Converters that can handle 10/100/1000Base speeds on the Ethernet side and 1000Base Gigabit speed on the fiber side by using Fiber SFP modules.
- 10-Gigabit Ethernet: This is an even more advanced and high speed network type with a data transfer rate of 10 Gigabit/second. It is supported by CAT6a or CAT7 twisted pair cables, as well as fiber optic cables. By using a fiber optic cable, this network area can be extended up to around 10,000 meters.
- Switch Ethernet: This type of network requires a switch or hub. Also, instead of a twisted pair cable, a normal network cable is used in this case. Fiber Optic Network switches are used for data transfer from one device to the other, without interrupting any other devices in the network.
What are Ethernet Uses in the Home Applications?
- Home Networking: Ethernet enables the creation of a wired home network, connecting computers, printers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and other devices for seamless data sharing and internet access.
- Smart Home Devices: Many smart home devices, such as smart hubs, security cameras, and home automation systems, rely on Ethernet connectivity for stable and secure communication with the central network.
- Home Entertainment: Ethernet facilitates high-quality multimedia streaming, online gaming, and video conferencing, ensuring smooth and uninterrupted entertainment experiences.
- Home Office Setup: For remote work or home office setups, Ethernet provides a faster and more reliable internet connection, improving productivity and video conferencing quality.
- File Sharing and Data Transfer: Ethernet allows for faster file transfers between devices, making it ideal for sharing large files and backing up data.
- Smart Appliances and IoT Integration: Ethernet connectivity enables seamless integration of smart appliances and IoT devices into the home network, enhancing automation and convenience.
- Home Security and Surveillance: Ethernet connections provide a stable and secure link for home security cameras and surveillance systems, ensuring real-time monitoring and video storage.
- Home Theater Systems: Ethernet can be used to connect home theater components like media players, AV receivers, and streaming devices, enhancing the overall entertainment experience.
- Network-Attached Storage (NAS): Ethernet facilitates the connection of NAS devices, enabling centralized data storage and access from multiple devices in the home.
- Smart TVs and Streaming Devices: Ethernet offers a more reliable and faster connection for smart TVs and streaming devices, ensuring smooth playback of high-definition content.
What's the difference between internet and Ethernet?
How the Ethernet Protocol Works
What is an Ethernet Media Converter?
What Are the Types of Ethernet Media Converters?
- 10/100Base Ethernet media converters: These are double duty connectors that convert 10/100Base Fast Ethernet UTP electrical signal into light signals, and are suited for single mode as well as multimode networks.
- Gigabit Ethernet media converter with fiber:This type converts 10/100Base or 1000Base Ethernet to 1000Base Gigabit speeds over fiber. These are 10/100/1000 media converters for single as well as multimode networks that support a distance of up to 100km. They are compliant with IEEE 802.3, 802.3ab, 802.3u, and 802.3z protocols.
- 10/100Base-TX to 10/100Base-FX Ethernet media converters: This type converts Ethernet or Fast Ethernet electrical signals to light signals that can be sent over a multimode fiber cable. This is configured for 10/100Mbps copper to 100Mbps fiber and is set to IEEE 802.3 and 802.3u standards. This converter has advanced features such as auto-MDI/MDI-x, far end fault detection, and auto negotiation.
What Are the Various Types of Ethernet Cables?
- 10Base2: This is a thin twisted pair coaxial cable.
- 10Base5: This is thick twisted pair coaxial cables.
- 10Base T: This is a twisted pair cable which offers a speed of around 10 Mbps.
- 100BaseTX: This is a twisted pair cable and offer a speed of 100 Mbps.
- 100Base FX: Fiber optic protocol which offers a speed of 100 Mbps.
- 1000Base SX: Fiber optic protocol which utilizes a wavelength of 850nm for multimode networks.
- 1000Base LX: Fiber optic protocol which utilizes a wavelength of 1310 nm, for multimode networks and up to 1550nm for singlemode networks.
What is the Difference Between Wired Ethernet Network and Wireless Ethernet Network?
- Wired Ethernet Network: This is the most conventional wired LAN or WAN type of connectivity. An Ethernet cable is connected to a modem directly, and its other end is connected to a device such as a laptop or a desktop. This must be at least a Cat5 cable or beyond. Here, since the connectivity is direct, the speed is also much faster than wireless networks. In fact, this is a good option for single users to connect to the internet. Of course, this can be done for more than one user, such as in a small business network. You can connect around 1- to 15 devices in such a network, in an area up to 10 km. While wired Ethernet has almost become obsolete, it is actually beneficial for small groups, much faster and safer than wireless ones and can load and transfer bulky files such as videos and audios as well as live stream hem seamlessly.
- Wireless Ethernet Network: A wireless network basically uses high frequency radio waves and does not involve cables to be connected to the receiving device such as a laptop. Hence, it is more flexible than wired networks and the device would connect if present within a given range or periphery where the modem and router are connected. This is easy to install but there may be problems related to signal strength at times, especially when transferring bulky files. Popularly known as Wi-Fi, here the data is transmitted in the form of wireless signals unlike over a cable. If there is a modem and a router, you need to connect the modem to the router with the help of an Cat5 or Cat6 ethernet cable. The virtually connected device picks up signals from the router.
What Are the Advantages of Ethernet Media Converters?
- Ethernet media converters can be installed as standalone or rack mountable in a media converter chassis, and can be placed in cramped areas, as they are quite small and compact.
- They can also be easily wall mounted or DIN rail mounted in industrial applications.
- Allow a user to transmit data over distances up to 100km by using fiber optic conversion
- They can be used to convert any IP device such as a camera to fiber optic.
FAQ
What are the types of networks?
What are different types of networking?
Who created Ethernet and how does Ethernet work?
Is Ethernet the same as LAN?
What type of computer network doesn't need cables?
Which transmission medium transmits data the fastest?
Which two characteristics describe Ethernet technology?
Which type of port transfers data using light waves?
Related Products Table:
Model |
Product Name |
View Details |
10/100 Base TX to 100 Base FX Fiber Optic Media Converter, Multimode ST |
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10/100 Base TX to 100 Base FX Fiber Optic Media Converter, Multimode SC |
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10/100 Base TX to 100 Base FX Fiber Optic Media Converter, Single-mode SC |
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10/100Base-TX to 100Base-FX Single Fiber Media Converter |
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10/100/1000Base-T to 1000Base-SX/LX "Triple Duty" Gigabit Media Converter with SFP GBIC Technology |
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Multimode to Singlemode | Fiber Optic Media Converter |
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10/100/1000Base-T to 100/1000Base-X PSE Converter | Gigabit Ethernet with PoE+ Technology |