CopperLink

The CopperLink product line from Patton Electronics serve as a means to extend the local Ethernet LAN or T1/E1 connections to remote buildings or locations, bypassing the typical Ethernet distance limitation of 328 feet. The devices operate as modems in pairs; one at the local LAN, and the other at the remote location. They are connected via voice-grade twisted pair copper wiring.

The devices are billed as plug and play; upon connectivity and power up, they communicate with one another, automatically establishing a communications link which is then used to forward appropriate Ethernet traffic from the network. One device must be designated as a local device, while the other is a remote device (accomplished via dip switches). Some models feature the ability to adjust the line rate used as well as select symmetrical or asymmetrical communications; allowing the administrator to implement the pairs over potentially longer distances (but typically with slower transmission speeds). Supported distances between the two modems depends on the models and the type and quality of the wiring between them; but ranges from about 800 feet to 5.7 miles.

Once connected, the vendor states that the devices are transparent to higher level protocols (including VLAN transmissions and TCP/IP communications); passing the original data unaltered to the other side of the link. Additionally, the devices can automatically add and delete MAC addresses; only passing packets across the line that are actually intended for the remote peered LAN.

The CopperLink family ranges from the 2155, with a maximum transmission rate of 144 kb/sec over 5 miles, to the newest entry in the family, the 2172R, a "ruggedized" version of the vendor's 2172 (and that can be used in combination with the 2172) that supports 50 Mb/sec transmissions at up to 800 feet and a maximum distance of up to 5,500 feet using slower communications. (The 2172 itself can also be adjusted to support lower rates at longer distances; down to 1 Mb/sec upstream and 4 Mb/sec downstream at 6,000 feet.) The 2172R features a ruggedized metal case that is wall and DIN-rail mountable; supports operation in temperatures from -10 to +70 degrees Celsius; and can include an optional conformal coating for condensation protection in high-humidity environments.

Also available in the CopperLink line is the CopperLink-T Model 2113 & 2115, which provide extension of T1/E1 communications over voice grade twisted pair wiring. T1 extension is supported for over 3 miles, while E1 communications are supported to almost 5 km.

Previously available from the vendor were the FibreLink devices, which provided the same type of distance extension but over Fibre (multimode or singlemode models were available) connections at distances of up to 2 km and 30 km, respectively. The FibreLink devices were end-of-lifed in April of 2007.

The CopperLink products are available now. Visit the Patton Electronics Web site for further information; and note that not all features described above may be available in all models.

product submission by EITPlanet Staff

Latest category updates via our RSS feed