Talk:Ethernet extender

What is this?
How does an Ethernet extender differ from a hub, switch or bridge. --Kvng (talk) 18:22, 29 June 2010 (UTC)


 * It was sometimes called a "half bridge" since two of them back-to-back essentially performed as a bridge. Generally used in pairs of course. This was back in the 1980s when routers cost tens of thousands of dollars. Even earlier in the coax days analog repeaters were used, but the link in between is point-to-point, so technologies like symmetric DSL, fiber optics, point-to-point wireless, etc. were used for better range. Other early-day protocols were RS-422 with synchronous signalling, or even ISDN, DS1 lines (known as T1) etc. LAN Extender was essentially the same thing, just that the PC Novell NetWare people often used that, since some early PC nets used Ethernet-like protocols like StarLAN, token rings, etc. Now days since routers cost a few bucks, the distinction is fuzzier. Residential gateway might be the closest, or stand-alone cable modems etc. As a start we might merge with LAN Extender, or maybe merge them all with Bridging (networking)? A diagram of course might help. W Nowicki (talk) 20:09, 29 August 2011 (UTC)

Merge proposal

 * Support merging LAN Extender into this article. LAN Extender is actually about Ethernet. --Kvng (talk) 17:36, 31 August 2011 (UTC)
 * Complete Support - don't even know why we have the LAN Extender article, a merge of both would be perfect. Also, some info on those plugs that you use to extend networks over the mains electricity would be good. CJ Drop me a line! • Contribs 18:12, 9 October 2011 (UTC)
 * ✅ --Kvng (talk) 20:37, 13 October 2011 (UTC)

Brand list
Do we really need this list of brand products? I'd rather remove the list as it's not really relevant for the page. However, special features could be listed with source references. --Zac67 (talk) 18:05, 15 December 2016 (UTC)

A key point that will help clarify. Ethernet Hub, Switch and Bridge products all are based on IEEE 802.3 specifications and are not tied to any brand with the exception of Xerox as the originator. LAN Extender (Ethernet Extender, CAT5/6 Extender) are branded under different companies as they use a hybrid of Telecom technologies combined with IEEE 802.3 specs to create the concept of LAN Extension. IEEE 802.3 devices use 2-pair or 4-pair signaling for Ethernet speed specs, whereas a LAN Extender will use the IEEE 802.3 spec with a 1-pair Telecom signaling. The LAN extender is a converter from one technology to another and then back again on the remote end transparently. — Preceding unsigned comment added by Ethernetextender (talk • contribs) 18:44, 15 December 2016 (UTC)


 * That doesn't answer my question do we really need this list of brand products? to which I'd say no. As it appears, you have a WP:COI here, so it'd be wise to document your details. --Zac67 (talk) 19:26, 15 December 2016 (UTC)