[lug] OT--Quality ethernet switches

[D. Stimits]

Stephen Queen wrote:

> I am working on an application where we are using ethernet
> in a harsh/noisy environement. I think we have a situation
> where the noise (emf) becomes so great that the ethernet
> connection becomes swamped with errors, and our applications
> program thinks its lost its connection. I was also thinking
> that the ethernet switch that is receiving the data is an
> off the shelf Netgear switch, which is good in an office
> environment, could be changed out with a more robust switch.
> Does anyone know of a good switch for a hostile environment.
>
If it is really important go to fiber. If using cables, I suspect cable 
quality matters more than anything. Can't say I know of one switch being 
better than another for noise, though 3Com has a nice reputation. I've 
had good luck with linksys for a lot less money, but am not in a noisy 
environment. If you can't afford fiber and are having noise problems, 
I'd start with the cable. If necessary, put the cable in the protective 
steel pipes/conduits that you can use for running power cables through, 
and make sure the conduits are well grounded...as well as having 
connections between them electrically good and not just mechanical.

D. Stimits, stimits AT comcast DOT net