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:
Strategic agreement for eSIM solutions
Avnet Silica
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
This agreement between Avent Silica and Thales covers the latter’s eSIM solutions that are compliant with GSMA SGP.22 and SGP.32 standards.
Read more...
High precision multi-GNSS antenna
RS South Africa
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The Amphenol PCTEL GNSS-L125-DH-NF multi-GNSS antenna is a high-performance antenna designed for reliable global navigation satellite system reception in demanding environments.
Read more...
Designing IoT devices for deterministic LPWAN environments
Editor's Choice Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Built on Ultra Narrow Band communication technology, the Sigfox network focuses on low power, wide area M2M connectivity rather than maximising data throughput.
Read more...
Robust LoRaWAN for distributed IoT
CST Electronics
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
InHand Networks has unveiled its latest LoRaWAN gateway, the EC312, marking an evolution in industrial-grade connectivity solutions for distributed IoT environments.
Read more...
Miniaturised tuneable harmonic filter bank
RFiber Solutions
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Modern RF and microwave communication systems require compact, high power filtering solutions to suppress unwanted harmonic signals generated by power amplifiers, and to address this challenge, Tri-TeQ has developed a miniaturised broadband tuneable harmonic switched filter bank.
Read more...
Nordic accelerates cellular IoT leadership
RF Design
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
The company unveiled its next-generation portfolio featuring Cat 1 bis, satellite NTN, and advanced LTE-M/NB-IoT with edge AI, delivering secure and resilient connectivity across billions of IoT devices.
Read more...
Powering the future of industrial automation
IOT Electronics
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
5G, the 5th generation of wireless broadband technology, enables users to establish reliable connectivity, which in turn enables flexible, autonomous, and efficient processes from production to logistics.
Read more...
Wi-Fi 7 tri-band connectivity module
iCorp Technologies
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Quectel has introduced the FCE870Q, a compact short range wireless connectivity module designed for next generation IoT devices that require high throughput, low latency, and reliable operation in dense wireless environments.
Read more...
Compact cellular IoT SiP with GNSS
RF Design
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Combining low-power connectivity, edge processing, and positioning capabilities in a compact module, Nordic’s nRF9151 targets applications such as asset tracking, smart metering, industrial monitoring, and smart city infrastructure.
Read more...
Enabling the next generation of high-performance wireless designs
iCorp Technologies
Telecoms, Datacoms, Wireless, IoT
Espressif Systems has expanded its wireless connectivity portfolio with the introduction of the ESP32-E22, a high-performance connectivity co-processor designed for next generation embedded and IoT systems.
Read more...
printer friendly version