Network isolator: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Device protecting from electrical spikes}}

{{no footnotes|date=May 2014}}

'''Network isolators''' are installed as part of a wired [[Ethernet]] system as [[galvanic isolation|galvanic isolators]] to reduce the potential for [[electrical injury]] and limit the extent of damage due to [[lightning]] strikes.

Through the applied principle of [[electromagnetic induction]], network data is transmitted across an electrically non-conducting barrier. High frequency [[AC voltage]]s conveying [[Data (computing)|data]] are [[transformer|induced]] across an isolating gap.

The network isolator is a [[passive device]], and functions without any requirement of an external power supply. A functional equivalent to network isolators is Ethernet over a small stretch of [[optical fibre]], using media converters or Ethernet switches/network cards with fiber connections on each end.

==Applications==

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[[Network cards]] and other [[Computer network#Basic hardware components|active network components]] which are designed to meet IEC 60950 (Safety of Information Technology Equipment), will usually not comply with the more demanding isolation requirements of IEC 60601-1 (Medical Electrical Equipment), and therefore require additional isolation before being used in medical applications.

The transmission quality of a network isolator can be determined by measuring the industry standard parameters or characteristics, for example, [[insertion loss]], [[return loss]], and [[near -end crosstalk]].

By definition, a network isolator completely eliminates each and every direct electrical connection between devices connected through a network connection - specifically all the data lines, and the [[Shielded cable|cable shield]].

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==Models==

Network isolators are commercially available in various designs, to suit customers’ requirements:

* stand-aloneStandalone devices, ready for immediate and simple installation;

* isolatingIsolating components, suitable for [[Original equipment manufacturer|OEM]] manufacturers;

* integratedIntegrated into network wall sockets, for permanent installations.

Voltage ratings (rated in kilovolts) and maximum transmission speeds (e.g. 1000BASE-T) vary between models.

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* [[Ethernet physical layer]]

==SourcesReferences==

* Krankenhaus IT Journal Ausgabe 05/2008

* DeviceMed Ausgabe 10/2008

==External links==

* [https://www.emosystems.com/wp-content/uploads/PD1168-Ethernet-Performance-of-Network-Isolators-White-Paper-1.pdf Ethernet Performance in Network Isolators]

* [http://www.emosystems.com/medical-applications/ EMO Systems white paper on network isolators for medical devices]

* [http://www.emosystems.com/audio-applications/ EMO Systems white paper on network isolators for audio systems]

[[Category:Networking hardware]]