Why IP-over-Ethernet vs. Coax?
What are the benefits of Ethernet and the Internet Protocol for an Interactive Patient TV System? In our view, anything less would miss the mark.
The reasons to prefer an Ethernet/IP solution are many, and we will try to hit the highlights here.
Ethernet is the most widely deployed network technology in the world, and was designed at its inception as an interactive communications medium. Coupled with TCP/IP, the protocol that built the Internet and is used for nearly all modern network communications, there is no more suitable delivery network for Interactive applications.
| Ethernet | Coaxial (RF) |
|---|---|
| Designed as an interactive, bi-directional, medium | Designed as a broadcast (one way) medium |
| Digital signals –“noise” resistant and reliable | Analog signals – highly subject to “noise” degradation |
| Native Digital Media delivery | Native Analog Media Delivery |
| 100% end to end Digital Connectivity | Requires digital-to-analog and analog-to-digital conversion |
| Guaranteed Quality (Quality of Service - QOS) | Limited Error Correction |
| Reception quality is identical to the source | Reception is inherently lower quality than the source |
| Dedicated bandwidth/segment for each TV | Shared bandwidth/segment for many TVs |
| Cost Efficient Scalability | Cost Prohibitive Scalability |
| Video on Demand is not limited by Channel availability | Video on Demand is limited by Channel availability |
| No channel maximum | Inherent channel maximum |
| Multicast (directs channels only to current viewers) | Broadcast (all channels go to all TVs at all times) |
| A known technology to in-house IT staff expertise | Requires specialized skills |
| Easily add to network without affecting other devices/TVs | Adding to the network affects everyone on the segment |
| Streaming video is accessible by any networked computer | Only TVs connected to coaxial network can access video |
| Can share existing Ethernet infrastructure (if desired) | Requires a separate cable plant and a legacy technology |