Switched vs. Repeater
The steep decline in prices and incline in capabilities of Ethernet switches means that switching is usually the preferred technology for new CobraNet installations. You must install a switched network if ANY of the following statements are true for your installation:
- The distance between the most distant network devices is greater than 2 kilometers
- I want to put PCs or other non-CobraNet Ethernet devices on this network
- Fault tolerance or remote fault detection of network components is desired.
- I plan on distributing more than 64 audio channels on this network or would like the option of expanding beyond 64 channels in the future
- I’d like to use Gigabit Ethernet.
Repeater hubs may be considered if ALL of the following are true for your installation:
- My network is relatively small (diameter less than 2 kilometers).
- I am distributing less than 64 audio channels.
- I wish to dedicate separate network gear to the audio distribution application.
- Future expansion of the network is unlikely.
