<NetworkiNg> A compoNeNt used iNEtherNet, although it is Not part of the IEEE staNdard. The IEEE staNdard states that all segmeNts must be liNked with repeaters. Media coNverters were developed as a simpler, cheaper alterNative to repeaters. However, iN the 1990s the cost differeNce betweeN the two is Negligible. (1996-12-09)