Amplicon announces iCON series of Ethernet Extenders

24th March 2010

ES Admin

0 0

Ethernet extenders use DSL (Digital Subscriber Line – technology used by Telcos to transmit high-speed broadband data from the telephone exchange to your house over your phone line) to extend Ethernet links up to 10km over a single pair of low-grade copper wires. The units operate transparently as part of an existing network with no drivers to install or complex setup procedures. All 'IP' traffic that could be sent across a standard patch cable can be sent across an Ethernet Extender link.

The potential to save money using Ethernet Extenders becomes very apparent when they are used instead of a fibre-optic link or a wireless bridge. An old pair of telephone wires or some defunct RS485 cabling from a security camera can suddenly become a very precious commodity on a site that requires long-range Ethernet connections. Even in simple applications where a run of Cat5 cable exceeds the 100m distance limit for Ethernet, Ethernet Extenders can be deployed to save the cost of signal repeaters, power supplies and associated housings for the equipment.

One of the main early adopters of this technology is the building controls sector. BMS system controllers were traditionally connected together using RS485 cabling to provide slow but reliable site-wide communication. With the transition to Ethernet based controllers and general convergence on IP based systems in industry, many system integrators found themselves having to re-install a communication network based on CAT5(E) cabling to support high speed Ethernet links. By using Ethernet Extenders, existing RS485 cables can be used giving a system integrator a huge commercial advantage over a competitor whose bid contains a substantial ‘cable installation’ fee.

In a highly competitive market, simply being aware of an Ethernet Extender solution could transform your business fortunes.

David Evans, Product Development Manager at Amplicon comments: There is a huge potential for these products in both industrial and IT based applications. The difficulty lies in educating the market because the 'you appeal' is specific to each and every customer. Our Ethernet Extender products have been used in submarines, nuclear plants, on trains, in observatories and even in Graceland - Elvis Presley's estate.

He continues: “We are also delighted to announce the addition of the new iCON series of Ethernet Extenders to our range. They are rugged, versatile and the selling price that we have achieved on this line will open up many more avenues of opportunity.”