LAN Wiring for Future Needs - LAN Wiring - page 90

Wireless networking, however, has a clear advantage in places where running
cable is impractical, impossible, or prohibitively expensive. It may be used as a very
cost-effective link between buildings, especially across public rights-of-way.
Practical or aesthetic reasons may tilt the scales toward wireless. For instance, a con-
nection in a large arena or auditorium might be much easier to accomplish with a
wireless link. Finally, if the workstation is mobile, wireless is crucial. (Picture a fork-
lift-mounted workstation with a network cable trailing along behind!) Check
Chapter 13 for more wireless information.
No, the demise of copper wiring is not imminent, but neither does it meet all
possible needs. Each technology should be applied where it is the most appropriate
and cost-effective.
Future (Wiring) Shock
Alvin Toffler, in his famous work, Future Shock , spoke of the pace of technological
advancement as a shock to the individual and to society. In some ways, we in the
computer industry have become accustomed to the rapid obsolescence of our equip-
ment and methods. Computers, printers, and even network switches are relatively
easy to upgrade or replace, as they are movable objects, attached only by their wire
connections. LAN wiring is more of an immovable object, fixed into place within
walls, ceilings, and cubicles. What can be the result when the irresistible force of
change meets your wiring? How can you prevent this from happening?
Migrating to Higher Speeds
The Queen kept crying “Faster! Faster!”
“Are we nearly there?” Alice managed to pant out at last.
“Nearly there!” the Queen repeated. “Why, we passed it 10 minutes ago!
Faster!”
Higher network speeds are upon us, like it or not. Actually, many data-
transfer applications have begun to overload some networks, so the change
may be welcome indeed. However, few network managers have the luxury of
being able to totally upgrade their networks to the higher speeds of 1000
Mbps or higher. These networks will have to be gradually migrated to higher
data rates, as money and the availability of technology allow.
Preparing for Higher-Speed Networking
Migrating to higher speed networks is a much broader subject than the LAN
wiring issues being covered in this topic. So, for simplicity, we will outline only
the wiring implications of high-speed networking.