초록 ▼

In an environmentally hardened network, a data and power distribution cable is employed in connection with reliable end connectors, high performance physical layer transceivers clocked at a lower rate than is specified and full duplex switched packet transmission techniques between switched nodes in

In an environmentally hardened network, a data and power distribution cable is employed in connection with reliable end connectors, high performance physical layer transceivers clocked at a lower rate than is specified and full duplex switched packet transmission techniques between switched nodes in order to extend operational distance between network elements. In a specific embodiment, the data and power distribution cable comprises a data distribution element, a power distribution element, an optional strain distribution element, an optional hollow conduit, and an extra shield and outdoor sheath. The cable may incorporate: 1) a Gel filled outdoor UTP (CAT-5) cable; 2) end connectors of type DB-9 [D-Sub] for connection of the UTP to network equipment; 3) power transmission cable of wire gauge sufficient to carry the power required by network equipment (switches, etc) for the specific segment of the network; and optionally 4) a hollow conduit that permits installation of optical fiber before or after installation of the cable.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A network, comprising:a first network device located outdoors and above ground, wherein the first network device is coupled to an AC power source and includes a first data connector and a first power connector;an outdoor, above-ground cable, wherein the cable is greater than 1

What is claimed is: 1. A network, comprising:a first network device located outdoors and above ground, wherein the first network device is coupled to an AC power source and includes a first data connector and a first power connector;an outdoor, above-ground cable, wherein the cable is greater than 100 meters in length and includes a first set of wires and a second set of wires within an outer sheath, wherein the cable is configured to carry data on the first set of wires, wherein the cable is further configured to carry power on the second set of wires, wherein the cable includes, at a first end of the cable, a first connector that couples the first set of wires to the first data connector, and wherein the cable includes, at the first end of the cable, a second connector that couples the second set of wires to the first power connector, and wherein the cable includes, at a second end of the cable, a third connector coupled to the first set of wires and a fourth connector coupled to the second set of wires; anda second network device coupled to the first network device via the cable, wherein the second network device includes a second data connector and a second power connector that are respectively coupled at the second end of the cable to the third and fourth connectors, wherein the second network device is configured to operate without a direct coupling to an AC power source;wherein the second network device is configured to receive data and power from the first network device via the cable; andwherein the first and second network devices include physical layer transceivers having a specified clock rate and are configured to communicate data at 100 Mbps via the cable over distances greater than 100 meters by using clock rates for the physical layer transceivers that are lower than the specified clock rate.