If your network currently uses copper cabling, it likely has a distance limitation of approximately 100 meters. Such a limitation can reduce the capabilities of your network and make remote operation impossible. Fortunately, there are several ways to exceed this 100-meter barrier without having to invest in costly fiber optic cabling. One such solution is to utilize Ethernet extenders. To learn about how you can use Ethernet extenders to extend over existing copper lines, continue reading.

What Is an Ethernet Extender?

Let’s start with the basics. Before you can understand how Ethernet extenders can be used to extend over existing copper lines, it’s important to be familiar with what an Ethernet extender is. An ethernet extender refers to a computer networking communication device that uses various transmission technologies and physical media to leverage ethernet distance.

The primary purpose of Ethernet extenders is to expand the communication capabilities of Ethernet LAN or network segment beyond current IEEE 802.3 specifications for twisted pair wiring. As previously stated, the current distance limitation of most common forms of twisted pair wiring is roughly 100 meters or 328 feet.

Extending Over Existing Copper Cabling

In some cases, Ethernet extenders can extend the LAN of a network by utilizing the existing twisted-pair copper cabling. To do so, you can simply add an Ethernet extender to each end of the cabling, which will allow you to convert the Ethernet to DLS and then back to Ethernet as necessary.

Antaira’s Ethernet extenders are particularly beneficial for this application. Our Ethernet extenders allow an Ethernet network to significantly exceed standard distance limitations while maintaining fast data transmission speeds over existing copper cabling lines. As such, there is no need for rewiring.

In addition, our innovative Ethernet extenders also include useful features such as simultaneous voice and data transmission and 1*10/100/1000 Base-TX LAN support. Contact us today to learn more about our Ethernet extenders or other high-quality industrial networking communication products, such as industrial Ethernet switch PoEs, media converters, or serial communication devices.