Ethernet extenders enable network communication over distances that exceed the limits specified in IEEE 802.3, a communication standard from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Ethernet is a local area network (LAN) protocol that uses a bus or star typology and supports data transfer rates of 10 Mbps. Variants include Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet. Ethernet extenders are used with two types of Fast Ethernet: 100Base-X and 100Base-T. 100Base-X uses two physical links, one for transmission and one for reception, between nodes. 100Base-T uses medium access control protocol (MAC). Both types of Fast Ethernet support data transfers at rates up to 100 Mbps. Ethernet extenders are also used with Gigabit Ethernet, a high-speed LAN backbone that provides speeds up to 1000 Mbps over single-mode or multi-mode fiber optic cable, and unshielded twisted pair (UTP).

Suppliers of Ethernet extenders specify products according to infrastructure type. Devices that are designed for fiber optic networks are suitable for either point-to-point or multi-point configurations. Built-in redundancy and daisy chain topology are common features. Ethernet extenders can also be used with LANs over two-wire or four-wire copper cable, synchronous optical network (SONET) architectures, and T1 or T3 lines. Ethernet extenders for copper cable are suitable for modem-to-modem connections over distances up to 6 miles. Ethernet-over-SONET or packet-over-SONET products can cover greater distances and often cost less than internet protocol (IP) routers or asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) systems. Ethernet extenders that are designed for framed or unframed T1 and T3 lines help maximize the use of IP addresses via remote management features. In some cases, multiple T1 extensions over a fixed band can support distances up to 50 miles.

Ethernet extenders enable network communication over distances that exceed the limits specified in IEEE 802.3, a communication standard from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Ethernet is a local area network (LAN) protocol that uses a bus or star typology and supports data transfer rates of 10 Mbps. Variants include Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet. Ethernet extenders are used with two types of Fast Ethernet: 100Base-X and 100Base-T. 100Base-X uses two physical links, one for transmission and one for reception, between nodes. 100Base-T uses medium access control protocol (MAC). Both types of Fast Ethernet support data transfers at rates up to 100 Mbps. Ethernet extenders are also used with Gigabit Ethernet, a high-speed LAN backbone that provides speeds up to 1000 Mbps over single-mode or multi-mode fiber optic cable, and unshielded twisted pair (UTP).

Suppliers of Ethernet extenders specify products according to infrastructure type. Devices that are designed for fiber optic networks are suitable for either point-to-point or multi-point configurations. Built-in redundancy and daisy chain topology are common features. Ethernet extenders can also be used with LANs over two-wire or four-wire copper cable, synchronous optical network (SONET) architectures, and T1 or T3 lines. Ethernet extenders for copper cable are suitable for modem-to-modem connections over distances up to 6 miles. Ethernet-over-SONET or packet-over-SONET products can cover greater distances and often cost less than internet protocol (IP) routers or asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) systems. Ethernet extenders that are designed for framed or unframed T1 and T3 lines help maximize the use of IP addresses via remote management features. In some cases, multiple T1 extensions over a fixed band can support distances up to 50 miles.

Selecting Ethernet extenders requires an analysis of product specifications and approvals. Specifications include data rate, line coding, line interface, physical connection, protocol type, address aging, frame latency, and frame buffer size. In the United States, Ethernet extenders must conform to regulations from the Federal Communication Commission (FCC). In Europe, products that bear the CE Mark conform to EMC directive 89/336/EEC and Low Voltage Directive 73/23/EEC. Ethernet extenders that bear marks from Underwriters Laboratory (UL) and the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) are also available.