General information

The history of data technology is inextricably linked to developments in cabling and connection technology. Without the right cables and wires and without high-quality connection and coupling components, high-performance data networks (local area networks, or LANs for short) would not be possible.

In view of high-speed networks such as 40 Gigabit and 100 Gigabit Ethernet, it is hard to imagine today that data networks originated in telephone cabling. Telegärtner was involved in pioneering developments from an early stage.

The 10Base-2 Ethernet variant used coaxial cables. In order to avoid having to shut down all end devices every time changes and expansions were made, Telegärtner developed the EAD, an uninterruptible connection box that allowed end devices to be plugged in or unplugged while the data network was in operation. Soon after, the shielded version scEAD ("screened EAD") came onto the market, which was used until the 21st century.

Ethernet is constantly evolving, enabling ever higher data rates. As of 2019, copper data lines can transmit 10 Gbit/s over up to 100 meters and 25/40 Gbit/s over up to 30 meters. Approaches to transmit 25 Gigabit Ethernet over copper data lines over up to 50 meters are quite promising.