Newsgroups: comp.dcom.lans
Path: utzoo!utgpu!cathaus.utcs.utoronto.ca!eric
From: eric@cathaus.utcs.utoronto.ca (Eric M Carroll)
Subject: Re: Infrared Bridging
Message-ID: <1990Nov14.171801.14092@gpu.utcs.utoronto.ca>
Sender: news@gpu.utcs.utoronto.ca (USENET)
Organization: UTCS, Network Development
References: <90316.113523ANDQC@CUNYVM.BITNET> <11588@hubcap.clemson.edu>
Date: Wed, 14 Nov 90 17:18:01 GMT

>> We are trying to connect our building to a campus Ethernet, which then goes on
>> to TCP/IP.  We cannot draw a cable under the street.  (Or if we can it will
>> take us ten years to find out.)  The computer center is about 1/4  mile
>> away.  We understand the Infrared is the way to go.
>> 
>Why have you forsaken the standard leased phoneline and modem pair.  At 18k,
>you should be able to run that line for years.  The speed for that distance
>should be pretty high.


Because all the world is not the US. In Canada, at least, a free air IR laser
from LCI pays for itself in 3 years in comparison to a 56kb/s leased line
running LESS THAN 1 KM! T1 is very expensive, and T3 is unavailable.

Assuming T1 in the US, I would suspect ethernet speeds on a free air laser 
more than compensate for the occasional atmosphere induced downtime.
I would also guess the 18k still pays for itself in less than 5 years,
even in the US. I have no idea what T3 costs, but I bet its still
alot, even in the US.

Lasers in certain circumstances are great things. LCI makes a good product.
I would recommend them without hesitation.

Eric Carroll		University of Toronto Computing Services
			Network Development Support

Disclaimer: I was just a happy customer, I no longer use their product.
--
Eric Carroll		University of Toronto Computing Services
			Network Development Support