The Physical Infrastructure of Your LAN

How to build a high performance network (blogger@L-com.com)

An Ethernet network is composed of three things: active equipment (routers, switches, AP's, servers, etc.), passive equipment (bulk cable, cable assemblies, connectors, adapters, jacks, antennas, etc.), and a framework (racks, enclosures, patch panels, cable run ladders, faceplates at the drop point, etc.). Today, I'd like to talk about the third part: the network framework.

Industrial Rated Networking Equipment

IP67 and Harsh Environment Rated Active Networking Equipment (customerservice@L-com.com)

The benefits of connectivity are everywhere, nowadays. This includes factories, controlled environments, and even the outdoors. But the equipment needed to set up and maintain a network is often sensitive to dust, water, temperatures, changes in voltage, etc. So in these situations, you need an industrial rated Ethernet device.

The most common Ethernet networking devices that need to be protected from the harsh environment are Ethernet routers and Ethernet switches. Hirschmann and GarrettCom are two manufacturers that provide excellent quality industrial rated products, though there are many on the market.

In addition to switches and routers, you may need media converters, cables, and peripheral devices like IP cameras. You may also want to consider getting a IP67 rated enclosure, or using sealing grommets to allow cables to go between harsh environments and office environments without letting the elements seep in.

If you have very specific requirements for your active device, let L-com know! We may be able to contact our many manufacturing partners and find a device that fits your needs.

Surface Mount Boxes and Wall Plates

How Do You Create Modular Ports for Your Users to Plug Into? (customerservice@L-com.com)

Undoubtedly, one of the most important technological advances of our time is the modular network. Networked together, machines throughout an office, a building, a whole country, or all over the world can all communicate. In order to make a network user friendly, it's a good idea to provide easily accessible ports or jacks where your users' machines are.

Traditionally, there are two main ways of mounting modular jacks: in a wall or in a box mounted on a surface. By far, wall plates and face plates are the most popular way to go. With them, the jacks are flush with the wall, out of the way, but still easy to get to. But in some cases there are either no walls close by, or the walls cannot have anything running inside them. In those cases, surface mount boxes provide a perfect solution.

Boxes and face plates often come separate from the jack itself, allowing you to mix and match the correct jack with the correct mounting medium. Make sure you get a plate with the proper hole size already in it so you can easily mount the jack. The most common hole size is called Keystone, and though it is not standardized it is roughly the same from company to company.