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Ethernet will be in five years what T1s are now - the standard
for commercial broadband. Ethernet allows customers to connect
DIRECTLY to the carrier's network at speed of 10 mbps to 10 gbps for
under $20 per meg. The problem with ethernet is it's
availability. Never before have carriers ever disclosed where
they have their expensive fiber that makes ethernet possible.
These carriers have now entrusted this highly valuable information
to Telarus for use on ShopforEthernet.com. If you would like
more information on ethernet, see Shop for Ethernet.
About Ethernet Services:
What is Ethernet?
Ethernet is a technology the was developed to allow computers on
the same network to communicate at speeds ranging from 10 mbps to
100 mbps (also known as 'Fast Ethernet'). The next version of
Ethernet, called Gigabit Ethernet, increased the data transfer speed
to 1000 mbps (or 1 gbps). This version, created in 1999, allowed
gigabit Ethernet to become the new standard of unshielded twisted
pair (UTP) date communication - called 1000BASE-T. This technology
is now commonly found in your Ethernet card in your personal
computer.
Gigabit and fast Ethernet runs over copper wire found in category
5 cables. Due to the high rate of speed and the physics of
transmission lines, the maximum distance between the two points on
the network is limited. Below is a chart of the varying connections
and their maximum specified distances.
| Name |
Medium |
Max Distance |
Max Distance |
| 1000 BASE-CX |
balanced copper cabling |
25 meters |
82 feet |
| 1000 BASE-T |
unshielded twisted pair |
100 meters |
328 feet |
| 1000 BASE-SX |
multi-mode fiber |
500 meters |
1,640 feet |
| 1000 BASE-LX |
single-mode fiber |
2 km |
6,561 feet |
| 1000 BASE-BX10 |
single-mode fiber, over single-strand fiber |
10 km |
32,808 feet |
Note that the distance
Gigabit Ethernet can reach is dependent upon the bandwidth (which is
measured in MHz*km). The greater the bandwidth of the fiber, the
further the distance supported.
Why is Ethernet Important to Businesses?
When a business connects to the Internet, they are in essence
accessing the ISP's network by way of a Local Loop provided by the
local telephone company, as illustrated below:
"Regular" (or SONET) connections include DS1 (T1), Bonded DS1,
DS3 (T3), Frame Relay, and OCX. Each service actually requires the
cooperation of the two companies between you and the Internet (the
local phone company and your ISP). Having two companies in between
you and the Internet adds cost to the equation, not to mention
multiple points of failure.
Connecting directly to your ISP is obviously ideal in that it
reduces cost and increases the amount of speed your ISP can provide.
Ethernet technology allows business to "plug" directly in to their
ISP of choice providing that the customer is within a close physical
proximity to the ISP's access point, or what we call "Lit Building".
Using Ethernet, your connection to the Internet will look like this:
Ethernet technology makes is possible for businesses who reside
close to the physical Lit Buildings of ISPs to hop directly on to
their networks. The ISP is then able to control the quality of the
customer's LAN connection to the outside world, or to other points
within the network.
Why is the Distance to a Lit Building Important?
As discussed above, each transmission medium has a limit to how
far it can transmit at 1 gbps. Balanced copper cabling can only
transmit up to 25 meters and is primarily used in server racks.
Unshielded twisted pair can effectively carry a signal up to 100
meters (328 feet) before the signal strength falls below the
acceptable threshold. As you get into the single and multi-mode
fibers, your transmission distance increases to 2 km, but the cost
per meter also increases accordingly. Likewise, fiber-capable
routers that can send and receive signals over fiber are also much
more expensive than traditional 1000BASE-T and 1000BASE-CX routers.
All in all, your ability to access the Internet at very fast
speeds using Gigabit Ethernet technology depends on two factors:
- How far away (in feet) are you from the ISPs hardware?
- What capability does your ISP's hardware have?
There is really no easy way to get Ethernet connectivity to your
ISP. Careful research must be done to determine the specific
situation, but the tools provided on this web site provide the basis
for beginning that research. Knowing which carriers to contact - and
which ones not to contact - save time, money, and headache. But in
the end, getting a great Ethernet connection to the Internet is well
worth it. Please click here for more
information
Shop for Ethernet
Ethernet Equipment:
 
A Guide to Ethernet Components and Terminology
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