Trends in network media and wiring strategies: LAN life cycle cost implications

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to present this author's assessment of the impact that alternative network media and wiring strategies have on the life-cycle cost of a local area network (LAN). In terms of trends and issues related to media such as twisted-pair, optical fiber and coaxial cable and wiring strategies, the author sees the following: 1) a general feeling of confusion among many potential LAN customers, 2) for those organizations which did choose a particular media and wiring strategy such as broadband or baseband coaxial cable, an increased move toward multiple media networks which can support various communication architectures, and 3) increasing management concern for LAN life-cycle costs. These subjects are addressed further as part of this paper.