Alameda, California-based Farallon Computing Inc has launched what it claims is the industry’s first plug-and-play family of daisy-chainable 10Base-T Ethernet products based on its new Etherwave technology. The company says that Etherwave’s flexible topology makes building small Ethernet networks easier than using Thinnet and conventional structured wiring, citing the two 10Base-T RJ-45 ports on each product which allow for daisy-chain configurations, enabling users to run 10Base-T Ethernet over unshielded twisted-pair wiring without requiring a hub. Farallon also claims that the Etherwave technology will simplify network moves or additions. Because the technology combines standard 10Base-T hub and transceiver technologies into a single application-specific integrated circuit, Etherwave devices behave like non-reclocking repeaters, enabling users to add nodes to 10Base-T networks without impacting hop count limitations. Also, network changes are simplified because an auto-crossover feature enables a user to attach to any existing 10Base-T hub port or jack. The Etherwave boards, transceivers and adaptors are available immediately from Farallon resellers at US prices ranging from $150 to $400 – final pricing has yet to be set.
