Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!rice!uw-beaver!milton!blake!djo7613
From: djo7613@blake.acs.washington.edu (Dick O'Connor)
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.lans
Subject: Why Ethernet-over-twisted-pair, anyway?
Keywords: Ethernet, twisted pair, cost-benefit
Message-ID: <4645@blake.acs.washington.edu>
Date: 27 Nov 89 20:47:49 GMT
Organization: Univ of Washington, Seattle
Lines: 28

OK, Ethernet-over-twisted-pair fans, why is this innovation something to
get excited over?  From theoretical or practical standpoints, why is 
this new standard a boon to PC networking?

I've heard comments about one of the obvious benefits: the cost of twisted
pair wiring, as opposed to the (higher) cost of RG-58 thin coaxial cable.
Perhaps cabling is easier, too.  But is it really cheaper than standard
thinnet cable for small groups?

Example: There are 7 AT machines in our office that form a workgroup with
peripheral and data sharing needs.  In addition, there is interest in
purchasing "LAN packs" of certain software packages and running them from a
server machine.  Ethernet cards that support twisted pair run about $100
more than the comparable (WD) standard Ethernet cards (at retail).  The
cabling *is* cheaper, but this small workgroup doesn't need too much
wire (400 feet in a bus).  But then you add in the $2500 12-port concentrator 
necessary (?) for Ethernet over twisted pair, and suddenly you have a
*much* more expensive proposition than a standard coaxial bus arrangement.

I guess what I'm after is the answer to: Is twisted pair Ethernet a  
special-purpose solution for large LANs (where wiring costs might predom-
inate) or small spurs off a large LAN?  Where's the benefit for a small
standalone workgroup?

"Moby" Dick O'Connor                            ** DISCLAIMER: It would
Washington Department of Fisheries              ** surprise me if the
Olympia, Washington  98504                      ** rest of the Department
Internet Mail: djo7613@blake.u.washington.edu   ** agreed with any of this!