[ale] Ethernet

[Mike Harrison]

> If you need to make a really long run, fiber is the only option. You can
> even pickup fiber transceivers at microcenter now. I don't know if you can
> get a roll of fiber and ends and the tools to apply ends.

Last couple of times I needed "one 1200' run" of fiber, the guys at
Graybar Supply had them waiting at the counter for me when I got there.
Not sure if they were doing it as Graybar, or someone who does business 
there does it for them...

Not cheap, and yet, worth every penny. :)

At home, I have 3 sets of fiber tools.. seems like every time I buy the 
tools and waste a few connectors figuring out the latest "system", the 
next time when I need ends, the ends for that system are no longer 
available.  I no longer try, I just don't do it that often....

Even more off topic: If you ever get to watch or assist fusing fiber, 
especially "ribbon cable" with one of the incredible microscoped
'automated' splicers, it's worth watching.. at least a few times :)