What You Need to Know about EOC
Published on June 3, 2011.

Are you looking for a low cost alternative

to traditional Internet Service?

Consider Ethernet over Copper

The name makes it sound like some new-fangled thing; however, Ethernet over Copper, or EOC, actually takes advantage of good, old-fashioned copper telephone wires to provide faster, more affordable service than its newer cousins. There is, of course, some new whiz-bang technology that makes it all work. However, what’s really important is what it can do for your business.

The Benefits of EOC

• EOC uses existing carrier loops. That’s right. The copper wires initially installed to carry phone services have been adapted to meet today’s business telecommunication needs.
• EOC is faster and can handle larger amounts of information. Transmission speeds of up to 100Mbps are possible depending on location and distance to the serving office.
• EOC is economical. The cost of a 40 MBps over EOC is roughly equivalent to a bonded T1 with 3 Mbps. That is more than 10 times the bandwidth for about the same monthly price tag.
• EOC is dependable. Unlike DSL or cable, EOC uses multiple copper wire pairs to increase speeds, so if one pair goes off line, the others take over, minimizing the risk of lost data.
• Installation time is minimal. Because EOC uses the existing wires present in 99% of metropolitan area buildings, it is quick to deployanywhere from 2 weeks to 20 days, in most instances.
• EOC and fiber work together to reduce costs. Fiber optic cabling is expensive to deploy. Incorporating EOC connections can dramatically reduce overall network costs.

Limitations

EOC is a perfect solution for many small and mid-sized businesses operating in metropolitan areas. It does, however, have limitations, the main one being distance. Companies need to be within 2 miles of the local service office to use EOC. The lines also need direct connections, as branches can create noise that interferes with transmission.In some areas, the local provider may have replaced the copper wires with fiber already. If that’s the case, then EOC will not be available in those areas.

Lastly, the condition of the wiring is important. Water condensation can damage the lines and render them unreliable for business network use.

Is EOC right for you?

Ask yourself…do I need more bandwidth and faster network speeds at lower prices? If you do, then EOC should be on your list of options to consider. Of course, you will need to determine availability in your area.

EOC can be a great solution for businesses that are outgrowing their current T1 services, that are located in centralized business districts and need disaster recovery solutions and/or redundancy to protect their information assets.

Cory Communications can help you determine whether EOC is right for you, and can offer you complete planning, installation and equipment that give you the best return for your telecommunications investment.