networking / fiber

[Fred Martin_1]

I'm posting this here as I didn't get enough response in another forum.

I am looking to have a short dialog with someone who has set up a fiber optic cable inside a building, connected to 10BaseT on either end.

You can respond to me directly at fmartin@applicatorssales.com, if this is an inapropriate forum.

Thanks,
Fred

[Tim Malnati]

Just to follow up a bit. I suggested adding a switch as a cheap and quick alternative. Upgrading to fiber optic is an expensive alternative that I doubt is worth it. You don't get any improvement in speed. If noise is a problem, shielded cat5 cable should take care of any problems, or you where this is in a factory, installing the cable inside electrical metalic tubic (EMT) or rigid conduit will act as the best shielding available. The 100 meter maximum is not an absolute thing. Using good cable and good shielding you could go beyond this distance and not experience any problems. This is particularly true at 10 mbs. Blackbox also has a cat5 extender (model LE681A for $295) that should be more than adequate. Calling these people directly is usually a good idea where they have something a little cheaper available that is not otherwise prominent in their catalogs.