What is Network Adapter?

A network adapter interfaces a computer to a network. The term “adapter” was popularized originally by Ethernet add-in cards for PCs. A network interface controller (also known as a fiber optic network cards, network adapter, LAN adapter) is a computer hardware component that connects a computer to a computer network.

PCI 100M Fiber Optic Network Card Adapter Multimode with SC Connector 2km

Modern network adapter hardware exists in serveral forms. Traditional Ethernet adapters for desktop PCs were PCI cards. PCMCIA (also know as “credit card” or “PC card”) adapters or similar devices that connected to USB ports were more commonly used in laptop computers. Nowadays, though, both Ethernet and wireless network adapters are simply integrated circuit chips pre-installed inside the computer.

Most Network Interface Cards are designed for a particular type of network, protocol and media, although some can serve multiple networks.

While network interface controller implementation expansion card inserted into the computer bus, the low cost and ubiquity of Ethernet standard means that most new computers with network interface on the motherboard.

It allows users to connect to each other or through the use of cable or wirelessly if the NIC is a wireless NIC (WiFi/WNIC). Each entity in the network, computers, printers, routers, etc., needs and other equipment must have a network card if it is network communication. In the old computers, network card may be an expansion card, usually PCI or serial bus.

High performance card can speed less that $30. NIC functionality is now often integrated into the motherboard chipset or implement with a dedicated Ethernet chip on the motherboard.

A similar situation applies to laptops. At the same time, a PCMCIA network card would be used in a laptop computer for the NIC just as the PCI card was used in desktop computer, but now, the function of the card is usually combined with the motherboard.

Ethernet is the dominant standard for cable connections for wired computer networks. An Ethernet connector looks similar to telephone, only larger. This connector is called RJ45 connector. Ethernet cable are either a shielded or unshielded cable of four twisted pairs of 24 AWG connectors, specified in the impedance of 100 ohms. Maximum cable length for CATX cables is 100 meters.

Early versions of Ethernet cable is CAT3 or CAT4 (CAT is referred to as “category). These versions were not long lived. Cat5 and Cat5e are currently the most commonly used cables, with Cat6 available and the configuration of the near-future. A Cat 7 cable specification is in development, and should be available in a few years.

Each Ethernet NIC has a unique serial number called “media access code” (MAC address), is used to identify the network adapter, and associated computer on the network. No two NIC will have the same address, because the NIC manufacturers must purchase blocks of addresses from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

The NIC card are capable of different speeds. Speeds of up to one gigabit per second (Gbps) are now available. Two NIC can communicate if they differ in speed ratings, but they will communicate at the rate of the slower NIC.

An Ethernet network controller typically has an 8P8C socket where the Ethernet cable is connected. Older NICs also supplied BNC, or AUI connections. A few LEDs inform the user of whether the network is active, and whether or not data transmission occurs. Ethernet network controllers typically support 10 Mbit/s Ethernet, 100 Mbit/s Ethernet, and 1000 Mbit/s Ethernet varieties. Such controllers are designated 10/100/1000 – this means they can support a notional maximum transfer rate of 10, 100 or 1000 Megabits per second.

On a very simple network, NIC can be used to link PC. If the computer is directly to one another, the network is a “peer-to-peer” network. If computers are connected directly to one another, a “cross-over” Ethernet cable is needed. This cable is not “straight-through” like standard Ethernet, but crosses the send and receive connectors, so that send line from computer A connects to the receive line of computer B.

For networks of a few computers, a “hub” can be used, with all of the computers connected to the hub. Any message sent from any PC will be seen by all of the computers, but only the computer with the correct MAC address will receive the message. P2P networks are useful for many purposes. File and printer sharing are the most common applications.

Benefits From LSZH Jacked Cables

If protection of equipment or people is a design requirement, consider low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH) jacketed cables. They emit fewer toxic fumes than standard PVC-based cable jackets. Typically, LSZH cable is used in confined spaces such as mining operations where ventilation is of concern.

What is the difference between LSZH cable and common cables?

The function and technique parameter of LSZH fiber optic cable is just like common fiber optic cables, and inner structure is also similar, the basic difference is the jackets. LSZH fiber optic jackets is more fire-resistant compared with common PVC jacketed cables, even when they are caught in fire, the burned LSZH cables provide low smoke and no halogen substances, this feature is not only environment protective but the low smoke when it got burned is also important to people and facilities in the fired place.

LSZH jacket is made up of some very special materials which are non-halogenated and flame retardant. LSZH cable jacketing is composed of thermoplastic or thermoset compounds that emit limited smoke and no halogen when exposed to high sources of heat. LSZH cable reduces the amount of harmful toxic and corrosive gas emitted during combustion. This type of material is typically used in poorly ventilated areas such as aircraft or rail cars. LSZH jackets are also safer than Plenum-rated cable jackets which have low flammability but still release toxic and caustic fumes when they are burned.

Low smoke zero halogen is becoming very popular and, in some cases, a requirement where the protection of people and equipment from toxic and corrosive gas is critical. This type of cable is ever involved in a fire very little smoke is produced making this cable an excellent choice for confined places such as ships, submarines, aircraft, high-end server rooms and network centers.

Every coin has two sides. Since LSZH cables have so many benefits listed above, what are the Cons of the cable?

1. LSZH is more susceptible to jacket cracking. Special lubricants have been made to minimize damage during installation.

2. LSZH jacket has a high filler content, around 50% to provide the required flame and smoke performance. This results in a lower mechanical, chemical resistance, water absorption and electrical properties then non LSZH compounds.

3. The current generation of LSZH cables has not yet established a proven history of long time performance.

The LSZH cables are available with 1, 2, 12, 24 fibers, and variable sub-cable dimensions that support specific termination and routing requirements. They are suitable for halogen free and many international installations. LSZH cable contains no flooding gel and is OFNR Riser rated, is perfect for installation in conduits between buildings and run directly thru risers to a convenient network or dome fiber optic splice closure without a separate point of splice at building entrance.

There are also LSZH fiber optic patch cords available. Both LSZH fiber optic cables and LSZH fiber optic patch cords are required for the Rosh compliant cable assemblies, but Rosh standard is more strict besides it require the cables to be LSZH type. LSZH fiber jumper are used widely used in the places where expensive equipment would be damaged if exposed to corrosive gases, and they are also used in crowded areas like commercial centers and sports centers.

Cisco Launched SDN Strategy and Keep the Competitive Advantage Continues

Cisco’ core proposition is to let customers get excited about the intelligence that’s already in the OpenFlow and SDN network and letting users program it. Unlike dealing with BGP and VLAN setups, once you want a connection between two points, and describe your SLA, the underlying network will do the rest. A PDF of Cisco’s webcast slides are available, and for our readers, we’re providing an exclusive summary of the key points below.

Enable Cloud Providers and Enterprises to Deploy Differentiated Cloud Services:

Cisco Applications

Unified Data Center

Cloud Intelligent Network

Lead in Selected XaaS Categories, where Cisco has Differentiated Application IP:

Cisco WebEx Collaboration Suite

Cisco Cloud Security for Web and Email filtering

Cloud-based management for “Lean IT” solution

Cisco And Open Protocols

Cisco also announced supports for OpenStack and OpenFlow. For OpenStack, which describers how to get services, networking, and storage systems working together in a private cloud environment. The CloudStack is getting more traction in the markets vs. OpenStack. Mr. Tucker stated that he is seeing significant deployments in CloudStack and Cisco is very supportive of it being able to run on UCS. Cisco is contributing a lot of their resources to that technology, particular around an area of focus on extending the model of cloud computing to bring our networking as a service, defining those APIs, collectively contributing code so it can become a part of OpenStack.

What SDN Promises

One of the tenants of SDN is that it doesn’t make a lot of sense for every single networking device to have all the smarts necessary for it to do its job. In fact, because of autonomous nature of switches, they can end up making forwarding decisions that might sense to it, but are simply bad choices further down the road. A reasonable analogy is driving to work. You go the same way every day, but if three lanes of a four-lane road are closed one day, it would have made more sense for you to go a different route. If there was a central controller helping you-think of your navigation system, or Google Maps on steroids – you’d end up talking a better route that avoided the problem. The central controller has turned out to be a better way to manage wireless networks, where congestion or spectral noise can frequently cause localized problems.

The Cloud Opportunity for Cisco

When queried how much of the cloud opportunity for Cisco would fall under services and how much under product revenue, Mr. Tucker opined that services will likely emerge as the as the primary component of Cisco’s cloud computing strategy. As new technology comes into the market, particularly around cloud computing, there is an opportunity to help customers move from a kind of visualized environment into Cisco’s cloud platform environment.

Published by FiberStore – Industry News – www.fiberstore.com

Modern 110 Connecting Blocks For Data Networking

110 connecting block is one type of punch blocks used to connect sets of wires in a structured cabling system. The “110″ designation is also used to describe a type of insulation-displacement connector used to terminate twisted pair cables which uses a similar punch-down tool as the older 66 block. People are preffered to 110 blocks rather than 66 blocks in high-speed networks because they introduce less crosstalk and allow much higher density terminations, and meet higher bandwidth specifications. Many 110 blocks are certified for use in Category 5 and Category 6 wiring systems, even Category 6a. The 110 block provides an interconnection between patch panels and work area outlets.

Modern homes usually have phone service entering the house to a single 110 block, when it is distributed by on-premises wiring to outlet boxes throughout the home in series or star topology. At the outlet box, cables are punched down to standard RJ-11 sockets, which fit in special faceplates. The 110 block is often used at both ends of Category 5 cable runs through buildings. In switch rooms, 110 blocks are often built into the back of patch panels to terminate cable runs. At the other end, 110 connections may be used with keystone modules that are attached wall plates. In patch panels, the 110 blocks are built directly onto the back where they are terminated. Category 6 – 110 wiring blocks are designed to support Category 6 cabling applications as specified in TIA/EIA-568-B.2-1 with unique spacing that provides superior NEXT performance.

What is the difference between a “110 block” and a “66 block”?

Both 66 and 110 blocks are insulation displacement connection (IDC) devices, which are key to reliable data connections. 66-clip blocks have been the standard for voice connections for many years. 110 blocks are newer and are preferable for computer work, for one thing, they make it easier to preserve the twist in each pair right up to the point of connection.

1. Although 66-clip blocks historically have been used for data, they are not an acceptable connection for Category 5 or higher cabling. The 110-type connection, on the other hand, offers: higher density (more wiring in a smaller space) and better control (less movement of the wires at the connection). Since more and more homes and businesses call for both voice and data connections, it is easy to see why it makes sense to install 110-type devices in most situations. Most cat 5e modular plug also use type 110 terminals for connecting to the wire.

2. The 110 block is a back-to-back connection whereas the 66 block is a side-by-side connection. The 110 block is a smaller unit featuring a two-piece construction of a wire block and a connecting block. Wires are fed into the block from the front, as opposed to the side entry on the 66 block. This helps to reduce the space requirements of the 110 block and reduce overall cost. The 110 block’s construction also provides a quiet front, meaning there is insulation both above and around the contacts. Since the quiet front is lacking on the 66 blocks, a cover is often recommended.

3. 110 blocks have a far superior labeling system that not only snaps into place but is erasable. This is particularly important for post-installation testing and maintenance procedures.

110 Connecting Blocks enable you to quickly organize and interconnect phone lines and communication cable, preserve the twists in each pair right up to the connection point. Plus, most networking cable equipment also use 110 type terminals for cable connections.

The Chanllenges of Technology And Cost 100G Faced

More and more high bandwidth services such as high definition(HD) video, online games and video conference challenging the traditional network, 100G as a ease network bandwidth technology, becomes the new hope of the operator.

100G industry chain has matured, with all components and subsystems have commercial capacity of multiple manufacturers, the market also needs the support of 100G system, the backbone network will be fully transferred to the 100G-leading era. From the early 2013, the focus point of 100G is from the laboratory into 100G network deployment and the commercial 100G has started.

Four Technical Challenges Of 100G

Although the 100G has been carried out, but the 100G transmission technology meets four technical challenges.

First, high power consumption. The achievement mechanism of 100G technology is complex, the optical receiver requires the use of coherent reception and processing of the DSP, the key chip has no ASIC, resulting in high power consumption of the whole 100G system. When large-scale commercial 100G technology, the average power consumption of each wavelength is still a problem waiting to be solved. Currently the power consumption of per wavelength is above 200W, the average power consumption of per frame is 7000W, so there will need three frames. Obviously, the 28nm process can help to reduce energy consumption, but there is no 100G solution of 28-nanometer. In addition, although the light energy consumption is not large, but due to the use of next-generation fiber transceiver will increase greatly, reducing the power consumption is very necessary.

The second is integrated, especially in the field of optical circuit and photoelectric integration. How to add mass active and passive optical devices such as laser, fiber amplifier, wavelength division multiplexing(WDM) and transmitter/receiver to the network to achieve highly integrated? Using semiconductor technology to the integration of CWDM and laser?

The third is test. The challenges of 100G testing include the quality evaluation of the deployed 100G system signal and the system maintenance after deployed. 100G using polarization multiplexing, and the signal spectrum is wide, the common OSDR and test instruments can not real-time test it, only by shutting off the laser method. How to achieve real-time test is industry’s future research topic, many of today’s online testing system are worth studying.

The Fourth is few prospective studies. How to make the current transmission system gradually shift to user-oriented management from the traditional network management? Quickly and efficiently allocate the physical resources?

The key is the problem of cost

The key reason why 100G failed to be applied large-scale currently is the opportunity cost is relatively too high. In the era of 100G, the cost of optical module is very high. The mainstream CFP module, the actual sales price is more than $10,000. From the point of optical module cost, 100G module is several times higher than 10G optical module. It also requires manufacturers continue to make efforts in chip integration, integrated optical module miniaturization and system design, to achieve the overall cost of products are reduced.

Especially the regard of optical module technology, the cost of this part is the key of the whole 100G system cost, the optical module itself has to face the challenges of control power consumption and improve board integration.