Thin wire or twisted pair?

[John M. O'Shaughnessy]

Twisted Pair networks are likely to cost more in terms of hardware than
thin Ethernet networks because they require a concentrator, and you can't
daisy chain stations.  

Twisted Pair 10Base T may save you money in installation costs if the
wiring in your facility is up to spec, and if you have enough spare pairs
to use for Ethernet (2-pairs).

We have found twisted pair networks to be much more reliable due to the
terminal-hub nature of the network connection.  One station's problems
won't affect anyone else.  There are also a number of management tools
available frm the concentrator manufacturers that help you to manage the
network, keeping track of usage, etc.

In an area not staffed with technical people, users appreciate the simple
telephone cord-like connection as opposed to a cable TV like coaxial
connection.

I still prefer thin Ethernet for lab areas, or other areas with many
machines in close proximity, but for the office environment, we almost
always choose twisted pair 10BaseT Ethernet.

John


-- 
John M. O'Shaughnessy            osh at osa.com
Open Systems Architects, Inc.    Minneapolis, MN