| Remember when transmitting data at 300 bits per second over phone lines was considered state-of-the-art? These days, Fast Ethernet networks run over 300,000 times as fast, at 100,000,000 bits per second (100 Mbps). Even this speed has become too limiting for many of today's networking applications, and a shift is now underway to Gigabit Ethernet at 1000 Mbps.
The impressive bandwidth that Gigabit Ethernet offers, ten times that of Fast Ethernet, makes it a natural choice for network backbones. Savvy industrial integrators are keeping their networks up to date by using Gigabit Ethernet switches for any new or replacement network installation. In addition, Gigabit Ethernet has enabled integrators to implement large scale video streaming applications, such as IP video surveillance and audio/video conferencing. With traffic continuing to grow rapidly in networks around the world, Gigabit Ethernet is set to take over as the preferred high-speed network solution.
My network is fast enough, thank you
Although there are obvious advantages to the greater bandwidth of Gigabit Ethernet, many industrial users have been hesitant to take the plunge. Existing Ethernet solutions are proven and seem to work fine, they think, so what's the rush to upgrade?
However, experienced administrators know that it doesn't take long for Ethernet networks to become strained, since they inevitably end up supporting more and more types of data and applications over time. Since network-based solutions provide such a high degree of convenience and flexibility, new network users, devices, and applications are constantly being added. Administrators often begin to find ways to replace expensive proprietary communication systems using Ethernet-based alternatives that offer far greater flexibility, lower costs, smarter systems, more comprehensive control, easier installation, and easier wiring. It's only a matter of time before network performance suffers due to the increase in traffic.
For example, proprietary analog video surveillance systems are typically limited to tape-based video recording, and it is expensive and difficult to add new camera locations or view live video feeds outside the control room. With Ethernet-based video surveillance, cameras are easily connected anywhere to a wired or wireless Ethernet network. The system is easily configured to record and share digital video files, trigger special alerts, capture key frames, or support live video feeds to any network or Internet host. In order to enjoy these advantages at the scale required by typical industrial users, you will need the network bandwidth provided by Gigabit Ethernet.
Securing enough bandwidth for both present and future needs is especially critical for integrators that are responsible for the network backbone. For these integrators, the bandwidth of Gigabit Ethernet should be considered a non-negotiable requirement. There is really no excuse for using Fast Ethernet to save a few bucks in the short term.
Once those networks are in place, do you really want to upgrade them again when IP-based video monitoring and voice communication is implemented system-wide?
Upgrading isn't worth the cost or trouble
Most industrial users understand the inherent benefits of increased network bandwidth, but may fret about the high cost of adopting new technology, with new wiring, training for new protocols, and replacing existing devices. Sure, upgrading sounds good, but it's probably expensive and a lot of trouble, right?
What these integrators fail to realize is that Gigabit Ethernet has been a well-established standard for over five years. Many desktop PCs are already offering Gigabit Ethernet ports as standard. What's more, upgrading a Fast Ethernet network to Gigabit speeds can be done with minimum to no re-wiring. The spec supports the use of existing Cat5 and Cat5e cables, so integrators can conceivably upgrade to Gigabit Ethernet by simply swapping out the Ethernet switches. There's no need to be concerned about rewiring costs or tricky installation.
As far as the cost of replacing switches and network devices, Gigabit Ethernet switches have reached a stable price point that offers an excellent return on investment in terms of vastly improved performance and productivity. Furthermore, Gigabit Ethernet provides the bandwidth necessary to support applications such as IP-based phone and video surveillance systems. When factoring the savings achieved by replacing expensive proprietary systems, using Gigabit Ethernet switches can result in huge net savings overall.
Do the math. Are you really saving money by postponing your upgrade to Gigabit Ethernet? It might actually be costing you.
I'm not ready to jump in just yet
It's not hard to determine that Gigabit Ethernet is easily implemented, extremely cost-effective, and practically essential for future network traffic demand. Even faced with these facts, some industrial integrators are still hesitant, viewing Gigabit Ethernet as unfamiliar technology. Others may find it difficult to justify investing in a Gigabit Ethernet network unless there is a specific application requiring it. Why not just wait until we really need it, right?
It's a valid point, and there is certainly no pressing reason to run out and upgrade your network right now if you don't have any network performance issues. However, if you are in the process of setting up a network backbone, it would not be in your best interest to handicap future network growth by using Fast Ethernet. You'll only be delaying the inevitable, and you'll end up spending more money and effort when you upgrade the network at a later date.
Some integrators may be itching to get started with Gigabit Ethernet, but their current budget is unable to handle the cost of a full upgrade. These integrators may find it worthwhile to explore the use of Ethernet switches with different combinations of both Gigabit and Fast Ethernet ports. Depending on your application, you may be able to meet your present and future needs using switches with two or three Gigabit Ethernet ports, minimizing your extra costs. There are also switch systems that have a modular design, so you can mix and match ports as needed. Instead of making an expensive upfront purchase, you can simply add Gigabit Ethernet ports as your network demands.
At this point, anyone who is in the process of a network upgrade or installation needs to make Gigabit Ethernet part of the equation. If you don't jump in now, you will essentially be spending time, effort, and money on installing out-of-date network equipment.
The bottom line
So why aren't you using Gigabit Ethernet? You're only postponing the inevitable, and you might just be digging a deeper hole for yourself. A forward-thinking, cost-conscious industrial integrator should already be making plans for Gigabit Ethernet, especially for the network backbone. Even if you don't think you need Gigabit Ethernet now, make sure you are prepared when the time comes to upgrade, perhaps by using Ethernet switches that have a modular design. Chances are, the time to upgrade will come sooner than you think.
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