Ethernet length?

[Joe]

So we want to run Ethernet out to the presses. We'd like full gigabyte ethernet. Max length for Ethernet cable is a little over 300 feet. The presses are further away then that. Is anyone using Ethernet from more than 300 feet by maybe either adding a switch every 300 feet or by using an Ethernet to Fiber media converters.

[Joe]

I've found this:

GSM1010 Gigabit Ethernet Fiber Media Converter

Anyone ever use anything like this?

Extends Gigabit Ethernet for a maximum distance of 49.7 miles.

That should be far enough?

[Jezza]

No, the only time I ever had to do something like that we put a switch in. Not sue how this particular box works... 49.7 miles? Is that to the inch? Seems odd to me, how on earth did they measure it. Haven't time to check the details. If you find out any more, can you let us all know.

[mattbeals]

Go optical...

[Joe]

Originally Posted by mattbeals

Go optical...

And how do I go optical? Sounds like it might be the right thing to do. The word optical just sounds cool. Seriously though, we're wanting to setup softproofing at the presses so we need good speed.

Also Matt...what is your opinion of devices like the one I linked above? Do they work? Price/performance against "optical"?

[mattbeals]

well using the device mentioned would be using "optical" as in fiber optical. I have no experience with such devices. a phone call to a friend confirmed my suspicion that it would work well for that application. Especially since you may have to route around power lines, flourescent lights, etc.

[Joe]

Thanks Matt.

[mattbeals]

Now that you've got the connection taken care of, what is it you are going to be softproofing on? Eizo? LaCie, Cinema Display, etc.? Getting there is one thing but softproofing in a meaningful and useful way is something entirely different.

[Joe]

Originally Posted by mattbeals

Now that you've got the connection taken care of, what is it you are going to be softproofing on? Eizo? LaCie, Cinema Display, etc.? Getting there is one thing but softproofing in a meaningful and useful way is something entirely different.

Not sure yet. One bridge at a time.

[marco-bct]

Many commercial-grade switches (HP, 3Com, etc) have what are often called mini-GBIC ports on them. These allow you to plug in modules for fiber. You would probably want a 1000TX-SC connector for the fiber. That would connect it to your main network, and then to something like this:
Local Traffic Aggregator with four RJ-45 (switched, VLAN) ports
...on the remote end (or 1 for each end if you don't want to invest in a new switch with fiber.)

In a 100,000 sq. ft. plant that I did the IT infrastructure for, I had our cabling company run 3 pairs of fiber (all fiber connections involve a pair, and I needed one for a network connection, another for a demarc extension, and a third for redundancy) through flex conduit to the far end of the building to overcome ethernet cabling limitations... about 1,000 feet. Both ends (in the equipment racks at both ends) had a fiber terminator box of some sort (forget the exact name) that then connected to the switches.

Hope that helps.