Data transmission can take place in many different ways. Digital communications are supported by channels made of:

• Optical fibers
• Storage devices
• Wireless channels and
• Copper wires as well.

When one talks about copper wires, one of the technologies that comes to mind is Ethernet over copper. Here are the most important aspects of this technology.

What is Ethernet over copper?

Ethernet over copper is a data packet transmission technology which is delivered through conventional twisted copper telephone wires and takes care of Ethernet in the first mile. One of its most salient characteristics is the fact that it is extremely cost-effective and uses traditional technology and infrastructure such as RJ-45 jacks.  

Compatibility

Since Ethernet over copper uses traditional infrastructure, it is also said to be extremely compatible with conventional data routers and networks. This makes Ethernet over copper a rather popular option when it comes to connectivity. The physical layers that this technology uses, however, are different from the physical layers used by normal Ethernet. So, anybody or any business organization wanting to adopt this technology will need to invest in special adapters. An Ethernet over copper connection cannot be obtained by using a normal Ethernet port that is available on any device.  

Cost effectiveness

One of the ways in which Ethernet over copper helps any business organization is with its cost-effectiveness. Since it can be deployed over traditional twisted telephone wire infrastructure, this technology is extremely affordable. It also helps to:

• reduce investment in new equipment
• enjoy faster connectivity because of faster deployment
• provide consistent performance and
• reduce overheads associated with the connectivity landscape.

Application

Another aspect of Ethernet over copper is the fact that it is compatible with data networks and private networks such as the following:

• virtual private network
• WAN or wide area networks and
• MPLS or multi protocol label switching.

It can also be used along with:

• SIP or Session Initiation Protocol and
• PBX or hosted private branch exchange.

This makes this technology extremely popular with most business organizations.  

Symmetrical speeds

Ethernet over copper is also capable of delivering symmetrical data speeds to its user. This simply means that download and upload speeds are the same. In most connectivity options, these speeds are different. This can prove to be a very patchy experience when it comes to data transmission. When you compare this technology with other connectivity solutions such as cable and even most DSL connections, you will find that the other solutions often offer higher download speeds. Ethernet over copper, on the other hand is all about uniforms speeds.

There are plenty of service providers to choose from as far as this solution goes. If you are looking for the most suitable of them all, it would help to look through the websites and check which one offers you the maximum value for your money. Customer support and technical information is also extremely important here.   Thus, thanks to its aspects such as practicality, speed of data transmission and reliability, Ethernet over copper has come to be a rather popular solution for a lot of users.