Fiber optics, coming soon in a flexible plastic cable: the greatest savings are likely to come in installation and maintenance

Article Abstract:

Codenoll Technology Corp introduces a networking system that uses plastic fiber-optic cabling. The plastic system, demonstrated at Comdex/Fall in Nov 1990, is less expensive, easier to install and less fragile than conventional cabling. Codenoll representatives say they foresee a time when their product is as cost-effective as copper wire. Codenoll's partner in developing the plastic cabling is Packard Electric, which is a subsidiary of General Motors Corp. Fiber-optic cables have advantages over copper: fiber-optic networks are immune to electrical interference from other electrical equipment, and fiber optics cannot be 'tapped.' Plastic fiber-optics systems solve various problems of glass: plastic fibers are unbreakable, and they are much easier to install than glass. The next step, according to Brian J. Ramsey, director of marketing at Codenoll, is to raise the speed of plastic fibers to match glass.

Innovations, Product information, Telecommunications services industry, Telephone companies, Fiber optics, Electric power distribution, Telephone systems, Networks, Telephone System, Telephone Company, Codenoll Technology Corp., CODN

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NCR introduces its version of a network without wires; it's easy to set up, but too slow for some uses and the relative cost is in dispute

Article Abstract:

NCR Corp demonstrates a wireless network system called Wavelan. The system connects AT-class microcomputers using a wireless technology called spread-spectrum radio transmission. The system works with DOS and with Novell Netware 286, allowing computer users to share files, programs, electronic mail, laser printers and other office resources. Files can be transferred over a spread-spectrum network almost ten times faster than on other wireless networks, which use infrared light, but the NCR system, which can transfer 2 megabits a second, is still not fast enough for some applications, such as sending or receiving large graphics files. Although NCR's product is essentially a broadcast station, no FCC broadcast license is required. NCR is working with regulatory agencies to explore the possibility of increasing the power and frequency available for spread-spectrum.

Computer networks, Product introduction, NCR Corp., NCR, Local area networks, Radiotelephones, Radio Communication, NCR WaveLAN (Pre-packaged LAN)

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Radio waves that really bind, from Motorola: faster and less susceptible to interruption, but costlier than wires

Article Abstract:

Motorola Inc demonstrates a wireless local area network (LAN) device at Networld 1991. The device permits computers to receive and transmit data at high speeds within a building, using radio frequency waves. The central command module costs around $3,995, and user modules, which can connect up to 32 computers, cost $3,495. Computers are connected to user modules via wires and through a network adapter card; the cost to connect a computer varies between $715 to $1,000. Industry observers note some of the shortcomings of the current product, such as its impracticality in historic buildings and warehouses, but also note that the product is moving in the right direction. The system, which is called the Altair Ethernet network, transmits and receives data in the 18 to 19 GHz range.

Usage, Product development, Telecommunications equipment industry, Telecommunications equipment, Motorola Inc., MOT, Trade shows, Ethernet, Wireless local area networks (Computer networks), Radio waves, Communications Equipment, Trade Show, Radio Frequency, 1991 AD, NetWorld+Interop, NetWorld

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