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The LattisNet hub was the first implementation of 10 Mb/s over unshielded twisted pair wiring in a star topology.[1]

LattisNet was a family of computer networking hardware and software products built and sold by SynOptics (also rebranded by Western Digital)[citation needed] during the 80-90s. Examples are the 1000, 2500 and 3000 series of LattisHub concentrators/hubs.

Ethernet variants

During the early 1980's most networks used coaxial cable as the primary form of premise cabling in Ethernet implementations. In 1985 Synoptics shipped the first LattisNet HUB for fiber optics and shielded twisted pair.[1] In January 1987 Synoptics announced intentions to manufacture equipment supporting 10 megabits/sec data transfer rates over twisted pair telephone wire.[2] In Augues 1987 New York based LAN Systems, Inc. compleated the equipment testing and praised Synoptics for successfully deploying a 10Mb/s network that supported workstations up to 330 feet from the wireing closet, because of their carefull control of EMI and RFI.[3] Novell reported that the LattisNet equipment performed better than RG-58U coaxial.[4]

In 1987 SynOptics manufactured the first ever unshielded twisted-pair device, that operated in a star network topology instead of coax cable.[5][6] This same year HP proposed that the IEEE create a study group be formed to look into Ethernet on telephone wires.[7][8] Synoptics investors, Menlo Ventures explains its position on joining the IEEE for standardization.

When we [Menlo Ventures] initially made the investment, SynOptics had a patent on this architecture, which Xerox Corporation had filed for them. [The patent] basically would have precluded anyone else from implementing Ethernet hubs. And so in one sense, you might look at this patent and say: 'That is a powerful barrier of entry. It will keep competitors away from the door.' Unfortunately, in the networking business [a central patent] works against you in that the IEEE will not allow any company to have a patent on something that is going to give that company an advantage, if the technology covered by the patent is to become an industry standard." So Synoptics had sort of a dilemma: If we retain the patent rights and defend our exclusivity, we basically have to give up the idea of becoming the industry standard. On the other hand, if we want to have our technology and architecture adopted as the industry standard, we basically have to throw our patent on the pile and offer a free license to anyone. So we decided to go for the standard and to give free license to the patent. By becoming the standard, the market acceptance of this technology would be dramatically increased. In fact, had we kept the proprietary standard, I believe someone else would have gone to the IEEE and a different approach would have been adopted, and we would have been left in the dust.

— Tom Bredt, July 2, 1995, The Triumph of Ethernet

In 1990 the IEEE issued an Ethernet over twisted pair standard known for transmitting 10 Mb/s, or 10BASE-T (802.3i).

Ethernet compatibility

Note that, of the SynOptics hubs, the 2500 series was only compatible with LattisNet twisted-pair Ethernet; the 1000 and 3000 series featured modules for modules for LattisNet and standard 10BASE-T. In the 1000 series, the 505 modules are LattisNet and the 508 modules are 10BASE-T. A method to identify the type of 3000-series modules is noted here: [1].


References

  1. ^ a b Urs von Burg. The Triumph of Ethernet. Stanford University Press. ISBN 0-8047-4094-1.
  2. ^ Musich, Paula (3 August 1987). "User lauds SynOptic system". Network World. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |Page= ignored (|page= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ Paula Musich (3 August 1987). "User lauds SynOptic system". Network World. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |Page= ignored (|page= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ Eric Killorin (November 2, 1987). "LattisNet makes the grade in Novell benchmark tests". Retrieved March 27, 2011.
  5. ^ History of SynOptics Communications, Inc.
  6. ^ 1980
  7. ^ User lauds SynOptic systems
  8. ^ Understanding the Network A Practical Guide to Internetworking, page 131, accessdate-20 March 2011

Ethernet / 10BASE-T / LattisNet usenet discussions:

  • LattisNet Network World, WC Wise, PhD, October 24 1988,
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