The Details Behind Gigabit Ethernet

Gigabit Ethernet is becoming increasingly popular as networked professionals A/V applications need bigger bandwidths. Because of this, we are continuously pushing the limits of networking technology. You'll learn the details behind this valuable technology in this article.

Gigabit Ethernet or GigE is standardized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE). It is described in a single standard, IEEE std. 802.3-2005. GigE was explained in two distinct standards before 2005. The first standard, 802.3z, described the upper layers (media access control and conding) of GigE, in addition to its three physical interfaces - a shielded copper wire (not compatible with existing 10Base-T and 100Base-T) and two fiber interfaces. This standard was finished in 1995. The second standard, 802.3ab, defined the coding and physical layer for 1000Base-T, which is compatible with 10Base-T and 100Base-T.

The gigabit interface converter or GBIC was launched by 1000Base-X fiber technology. The GBIC, an optical-to-electrical interface, plugs back into the back of a switch or device. There are different GBICs that support different types of fiber, laser frequency and fiber modes. You can replace only the GBIC of your fiber-based equipment when you want to repurpose the switch.

Compared to previous Ethernet implementations, 1000Base-T requires more complicated signal coding. Using phase amplitude modulation, five signal levels are coded. GigE over UTP supports half and full duplex modes as with fast Ethernet. Duplexing offers 2 GB over overall bandwidth across the link, 1 GB in each direction, and removes the requirement for any collision detection and handling circuitry.

You should consider whether you will stick with UTP copper wiring or convert to fiber networking when using your GigE. Unlike UTP, fiber has way more advantages. You information can travel farther with fiber, and you can get more fiber in a restricted space. Moreover, unlike UTP that does not even work with 10GigE, it seems like that some fiber types will be compatible with speeds beyond 10GigE. Fiber offers electrical isolation between interconnected devices; this is the most vital thing. This can be helpful in situations where lighting or high RF fields make copper an undesirable interconnection medium.

Let's discuss a little more about 10GigE since we have already mentioned it. Work is well ongoing on a new standard that will giver 10GB/s connectivity. 10GigE does not only give high speeds, but also travels long distances - up to 40km over fiber optic cables. It seems like the search for a faster and more efficient networking speed would never end anytime soon.

When you order your next GigE or gigabit converter, you have already known your device a little better. You would even like to have the 10GigE; but for now, content yourself with the existing available gigabit Ethernet. Al least you will be sure that what you need is a 1000base GBIC and not a 100Base-T.

www.opticfit.com

About the author

Rahim Bidgoli is a honored writer for various technical industry authorities. He has spent the better part of her last 5 years announcing events, statistics, strategies, and other news. Bidgoli has been accredited globally with degrees from multiple countries. He speaks 3 languages and also has a strong finance background. Bidgoli is expected to play a big part in the technical infrastructure and urbanization journalism for years to come.

Additional articles about Transceiver modules

Please Rate This Article

Select Rating Excellent Very Good Interesting Fair Could Use Improvement

Number of ratings: 0
Rating: 0