Laser offers cost-effective network communications alternative
8 September 2004
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Networking technology has advanced to a stage where businesses are now faced with a major dilemma when upgrading their communications infrastructure: do they select wired or wireless networking technology, or a combination of the two?
According to Mark Dorfling, NetShield business development manager at Comztek, while companies have many options available to them today, they have also invested vast amounts of capital in infrastructure they cannot simply throw out during the upgrade stage.
"However, they need to ensure that their old infrastructure communicates with the new and that is when the use of media converters or laser links makes perfect business sense. They ensure that networks communicate successfully with one another, especially where wired and wireless infrastructures are used in combination. In addition, a laser link provides guaranteed bandwidth of up to 100 Mbps full duplex, a critical consideration if it is to act effectively as a 'last mile' connection medium," he says.
Dorfling explains that connecting two office blocks can be difficult if the only option is to lay cable - prohibitively expensive - or when crossing a road.
"A laser link connection relies on a direct line-of-sight communication set-up. These solutions are used extensively on mines and many other industrial applications, and are therefore perfectly suited to any corporate communication need," he adds.
Dorfling points out that locally-developed technologies such as those offered by NetShield are not only cost effective, but they can be tailor-made to application specific networks. He says that where a customer has a specific communication need, there are several solutions that can deliver all a company needs for voice, data or video communications. These include NetShield serial encapsulation into IP protocol for transmission on Ethernet networks, multiplexers or laser links.
"For companies that want to upgrade their communications infrastructure but want to keep their old network, they should consider solutions to upgrade the network using media converters. This will extend the life of the old network and the company concerned will also be able to connect to the new network. This ensures that the initial outlay in networking technologies is not wasted and the company is also able to keep its old infrastructure," he concludes.
For more information contact Mark Dorfling, Comztek, +27 (0)11 237 1800.
Further reading:
SMT-mountable card connectors
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Würth Elektronik introduces four new SMT-mountable Nano SIM and microSD card connectors and expands its range with solutions for the smallest packages.
Read more...
Module for smart city and smart utility devices
iCorp Technologies
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Quectel Wireless Solutions has launched the Quectel KCM0A5S, a high-performance Wi-SUN module designed for smart applications such as street lighting, precision agriculture, industrial IoT, smart meters and smart cities.
Read more...
Ultra-low-power wireless module
Altron Arrow
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The STM32WBA5MMG from STMicroelectronics is an ultra-low-power, small form factor, certified 2,4 GHz wireless module that supports Bluetooth LE, Zigbee 3.0, OpenThread, and IEEE 802.15.4 proprietary protocols.
Read more...
Quectel partners with GEODNET
Quectel Wireless Solutions
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Quectel Wireless Solutions has partnered with GEODNET to deliver Quectel’s Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) correction services, enabling high-precision positioning for IoT applications.
Read more...
Bringing Bluetooth Channel Sounding to automotive and beyond with KW47
Altron Arrow
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
NXP’s new Channel Sounding-certified KW47 and MCX W72 wireless MCUs are set to help automakers with distance measurement, bringing an additional ranging solution for car access and autonomous systems, and will be utilised across a broader spectrum of applications.
Read more...
Dual-band GNSS antenna
RF Design
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The Taoglas Accura GVLB258.A, is a passive, dual-band GNSS L1/L5, high-performance antenna for high precision GNSS accuracy and fast positioning.
Read more...
What is Wi-Fi HaLow and why choose it for IoT?
iCorp Technologies
Editor's Choice Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Wi-Fi HaLow introduces a low power connectivity option that, in contrast to other Wi-Fi options, offers greater range of approximately 1 km, which opens up a raft of IoT use cases.
Read more...
Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth LE coprocessor module
Altron Arrow
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The ST67W611M1 from STMicroelectronics boasts an all-in-one design which, together with its capabilities, contribute to making it an attractive choice for IoT edge devices requiring a single-chip solution.
Read more...
Futureproofing IoT connectivity
SIMcontrol
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
A managed private APN assigns every device to an isolated carrier slice, producing a single ingress to the enterprise network, with traffic bypassing shared internet paths and reducing exposure.
Read more...
Extra slim 2,4 GHz radio module
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The Thyone I radio module from Würth Elektronik now has a little sibling: Thyone-e, which takes up 30% less space and represents a cost-effective alternative for applications in which the long-range mode is not required.
Read more...
printer friendly version