Ethernet

A standard protocol for transmitting data, Ethernet uses three mediums:

1. Twisted Pair – copper cabling
2. Fibre – glass or plastic optical fibre
3. Wireless

Ethernet over Plastic Optical Fibre (EoPOF)

The use of POF to transmit data between electronic devices.

Optical fibre

Uses light instead of electrical signals to transmit data (using glass or plastic).

OSI Model

The Open Systems Interconnection Basic Reference System Model is a layered description system for communications and computer network protocol design. The OSI Model has seven layers, from top to bottom: Application, Presentation, Session, Transport, Network, Data Link and Physical.

OSI Model: Physical Layer

The Physical Layer is the electrical and physical specification for devices. The major functions and services performed by the physical layer are:

• Establishment and termination of a connection to a communications medium.

• Participation in the process whereby the communication resources are effectively shared among multiple users. For example, contention resolution and flow control.

• Modulation, or conversion between the representation of digital data in user equipment and the corresponding signals transmitted over a communications channel. These are signals operating over the physical cabling (such as copper and optical fibre) or over a radio link.

(http://en.wikipedia.org – OSI Model, 15/07/2007)

Plastic Optical Fibre (POF)

Optical fibre made of plastic, used to transmit light. Also known as Polymer Optical Fibre.

Twisted Pair (Cat5e)

Also referred to as copper cabling, or electrical transmisson.