matthews@cbnewsm.ATT.COM (john.matthews) (01/16/90)
Can anyone give me some good feedback as to how stable twisted pair ethernet really is? We are going to be building a new network in a new building that we are moving to and I would like to use this if I don't hear to many bad things about it. I would like to hear from people that have actually installed it and are putting ethernet under a reasonable load. Thanks in advance, John Matthews
mep@AQUA.WHOI.EDU (Michael E. Pare) (01/17/90)
I've installed thick, thin and twisted pair ethernet and highly recommend twisted pair. Try to have 22AWG wire installed (greater distances) and make sure it isn't shielded (unless you intend to use IBM's shielded wire system). Unshielded wiring is more flexible and easier to work with. I have both and know this from experience. You will need a backbone format which could be thick, thin or fiber optics to link the floors together. You shouldn't run twisted pair ethernet vertically (makes for a nice antenna). You should also have at least 2prs for each connection in order to support the new 10BASET standard. Some twisted pair ethernet formats use 2pr now. I'd recommend at least 4prs for each office for data alone. Voice extra. The key step will be in selecting your twisted pair ethernet vendor. Good luck.