Ethernet over Copper (EoC) Explained

This tutorial section on Ethernet basics covers the following subtopics:

• Ethernet over copper
• Ethernet Business
• Gigabit Ethernet
• 40Gbps Ethernet PHY
• 100Gbps Ethernet PHY
• 10Gbps Ethernet PHY
• Ethernet types

Ethernet is widely used throughout the world for data communication, as well as serving as the backbone infrastructure for the internet. Ethernet can operate over copper, wireless media, and fiber optic links. IEEE approved a standard referred to as Ethernet over Copper in 2004, offering speeds of 10Mbps. This version of Ethernet technology utilizes existing twisted pairs of copper telephone lines as a “first mile” connection.

This concept requires dry copper cabling from the CO (Central Office) to the customer premises, with no other services carried over this connection. The physical layer for Ethernet over copper (EoC) differs from traditional Ethernet networks. The function of the physical layer is to provide reliable data communication from the source to the destination. A typical physical layer converts data into a format suitable for transmission and provides forward error correction, enabling corrupted data to be corrected at the destination.

The two physical layers standardized by IEEE are 2 BASE-TL and 10 PASS-TS. These physical layers are specified in IEEE 802.3-2008, mainly for long-distance and short-distance full-duplex point-to-point voice-quality copper links.

Figure depicts Ethernet over copper network.

As shown in the figure, adapters are needed at customer premises to interface the telephone line with Ethernet-compliant devices such as routers and switches. This EoC connection cannot be directly interfaced with said Ethernet devices. These adapters are basically designed with physical layer specifications developed by IEEE as mentioned.

Merits

Ethernet over copper works on existing twisted-pair telephone wires and does not require the installation of any extra wiring. Hence, it is affordable from both the operator and user’s point of view.

Demerits

In developed countries, such as those in Asia and Africa, the cost of laying fiber is cheaper compared to copper. This is due to the higher prices of copper relative to fiber. Hence, Gigabit Ethernet and Ethernet using fiber links to homes and business establishments is the ideal choice compared to Ethernet over copper.