More products in the Netshield range

While technical components and product features certainly have their merit, Netshield's main concern revolves around producing quality products that can satisfy their customers' needs.

To this end, the company offers a variety of additional products, namely Media Converters, Switches, GBIC and Compatible SFP Modules, Netshield X21 compatible cables and Netshield Fibre Patch Leads.

Media Converters

Netshield's media converters can be grouped into three categories, namely Fibre to Data, Fibre to Video and Fibre to Voice converters. Additionally, the company offers both locally produced and imported ranges.

The local range can be identified by product codes that start with 'NTF' and, while they are slightly more expensive than their imported counterparts, they also offer superior quality. As the true bridging converter assures that there is no delay in data transmission, it is typically used in applications where no such delay of data transmission is wanted, such as Fibre to IP (camera) scenarios. These converters are available in 10/100 only, have a lifetime carry-in warranty and are slightly bigger than their imported counterparts. The table top versions have plastic casings and come with an internal Power Supply Unit (PSU), while the rack mountable versions can be mounted in a 6 and 16 way chassis. It is also possible to mount both imported and local Netshield media converters in one chassis, as well as mix 10/100 and 10/100/1000 (1 GB) as the chassis only supplies power. The chassis comes standard with one power supply.

The imported range of converters can be identified by product codes that start with 'NB,' and they are competitive both from a price and quality point of view when compared to other media converters on the market. These bridging converters can act as two-port switches, and are available in 10/100 or 10/100/1000 (1 GB). However, a slight delay might occur in data transmission, depending on the layout of the users' network. This range consists of table top units that come in metal boxes and have external Power Supply Units (PSU). If many of them are used on one site they can be organised, along with their metal box, into a Netshield 14 way chassis. They can also be converted to fit into a Netshield 6 or 16 way chassis.

GBIC and Compatible SFP Modules

The Netshield compatible GBIC or SFP Module is an expansion module that connects to a switch - such as those from offered by 3Com, HP, Cisco, Nortel or Avaya - and adds fibre capabilities.

The GBICs are available in 1 GB, while the SFPs are available in either 1 GB or 10 GB. The difference between the two is that the GBIC modules are suited for use on the old standard switches and the ports are approximately the size of a match box, while SFP modules are used on the new standard switches and the ports are half the size of their GBIC counterparts.

Switches

Netshield offers a lower-end table-top 10/100 Ethernet switch, which has copper ports and is available in 5, 8, 16 or 24 port variations. The 5 port and 8 port units come standard with plastic casings (N5PFES/N8PFES), while the 16 port and 24 port units come standard with metal casings (N16PFES/N24PFES).

Netshield X21 Compatible Cables

X21 compatible cables are typically used between the modem and the Cisco or 3Com Router. The cable has a DB15 connector, which can either conform to the Cisco HD60PW standard and has a large connector, or Smart Serial, which is approximately the size of a USB connector. While the compatible cables come in standard lengths of 1.8 m, longer lengths are also available.

Netshield Fibre Patch Leads

Fibre patch leads can either be standard or ruggedised, which offer extra protective shielding. While Netshield's range is standard, ruggedised ones can be obtained if quantities justify it.

Fibre patch leads are used between the splice tray and equipment such as a media converter or a switch. It is always important to remember that a fibre patch lead has two sides, and is able to transmit as well as receive, and thus it is important to take into account the connector on both sides. Netshield's range is available in single mode and multi mode. While standard lengths are 1 m, 3 m and 6 m, other lengths can be obtained.

For enquiries on any of these products, contact Netshield on 086-111-4428 or
012-841-0320, or visit www.netshieldsa.com.

Article first published in TechSmart 100, January 2012.