The key to designing reliable network communication architectures is understanding the options for both infrastructure and protocols to be utilized by the system. There are not always existing fiber optic cables available to deploy a high speed Ethernet solution. But sometimes there are legacy copper cables in the ground that historically have been utilized for interconnection and other, low speed data communication types. A lot of times, communication enhancement projects will require the combination of various technologies and elements, including high speed fiber optics, broadband wireless, cellular systems and more recently, Ethernet-over-Copper to provide the needed backbone communication. These hybrid networks, when designed and implemented correctly, are able to deliver scalable, manageable, and secure Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) at a cost effective price.An old 1200-baud frequency shift key (FSK), or an abandoned copper wire infrastructure, can be enhanced and converted today into a high speed Ethernet solution with affordable technologies. These alternative technologies are both cost effective and easy to deploy. Implementing a high performance Ethernet over Copper (EoC) solution for a City’s communication network typically requires both VDSL technology and a fully managed Layer 2 switch. The Symmetric VDSL technology offers the fastest data transmission speeds (up to 45 Mbps over existing copper twisted pair or an existing telephone line), while a fully managed Layer 2 Ethernet capability switch, that is designed and hardened to operate in outdoor environments, manages comm traffic on the network and enables true ethernet capabilities for the system. The Layer 2 switch should feature, at a minimum, IEEE802.1Q VLAN Tagging, Dynamic VLAN, IP Multicast Filtering through IGMP Snooping, and RSTP for Ethernet redundancy.
By implementing an Ethernet-over-Copper solution, you can have a cost effective and scalable network that provides for seamless integration between today’s needs and tomorrow’s demands.
