RE: PMD discussion
Paul,
We did "fixate" on the installed fiber for 802.3z. I think that was part of
the success of 1000BASE-SX. As you and I both know, that by the time the
standard is complete, the new MMF will be part of the installed base. What
is going to be the percentage of new versus old? Who is going to have to
handle the customer calls to determine if the customer is using the
"correct" MMF for the job? Not you, not I, but rather my customer. I just
want to ensure that we don't create a bigger mess (which equates to poor
marketability) for them.
I look at what has made Ethernet so popular in the past, and that has been
its simplicity for the users. Five PMDs with 10 port types is not simple.
Thanks,
Brad
-----Original Message-----
From: Kolesar, Paul F (Paul) [mailto:pkolesar@xxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Thursday, June 01, 2000 11:32 AM
To: '802.3ae'
Subject: RE: PMD discussion
Brad,
Your customer's view is understandable considering the
present installed
fiber situation. But don't make the mistake of fixating only
on the existing
cable, as was done by supporters of 100BASE-T4 and T2.
Cabling
infrastructure composition is dynamic and is ever advancing
to more capable
and refined products, just like equipment end points evolve.
By the time the
standard is complete new MMF will be an installed base
fiber. The 802.3
experience with 100BASE-T should be our guide. The fact that
3 copper PMDs
existed neither retarded the market or caused unmanageable
complications for
equipment providers. And new Cat 5 UTP became the installed
base in less
than two years, going into horizontals which are much more
difficult to
upgrade than building backbones and equipment rooms.
Regards,
Paul Kolesar