Path: utzoo!utgpu!watmath!clyde!att!rutgers!apple!bloom-beacon!bu-cs!kwe
From: kwe@bu-cs.BU.EDU (kwe@bu-it.bu.edu (Kent W. England))
Newsgroups: comp.dcom.lans
Subject: Re: broadband
Summary: Broadband design is for experts
Message-ID: <26166@bu-cs.BU.EDU>
Date: 20 Nov 88 17:02:43 GMT
References: <2477@nijmeg.UUCP>
Reply-To: kwe@bu-it.bu.edu (Kent England)
Followup-To: comp.dcom.lans
Organization: Boston Univ. Information Tech. Dept.
Lines: 29

In article <2477@nijmeg.UUCP> ron@nijmeg.UUCP (Ron Werther) writes:
>I am looking for calculations schemes, formulas, trics and hints for
>developping a broadband network for data, video, and other communicatons
>Who can send me the basic things about this issue, (attenuation,
>amplifiers, splitters, cables and connectors).
>

	Broadband network design is not for amateurs.  Broadband
network installation is definitely *not* for amateurs.  You simply
must hire an expert to design, install, and certify your network.  You
should work closely with your LAN vendor on developing the design and
specs. 

	I can tell you that designing a broadband cable plant for LANs
is not the same as designing a broadband cable plant for TV.  TV
system designers design for minimum cost and consequently achieve
minimum flexibility for change.  A LAN cable plant should be designed
for maximum flexibility for change and not be concerned with minimum
parts count.

	If you want video, broadband is the way to go.  If you only
want data, then consider fiber optics.  You should still seek expert
help with fiber designs, but it is much easier to design, install, and
maintain than fiber.

	Within a few years, fiber will be preferred over broadband for
video and data.

	Kent England, Boston University