It may no longer be 2011, but even products from that far-off time can gain recognition in 2012. Patton’s (News - Alert) CopperLink 2174 Ultra-High-Speed Ethernet Extender proves the rule, as the electronics company announced today that its product released in September 2011 has been named the 2011 Product of the Year by TMC’s (News - Alert) Cable Spotlight Web magazine.

Product manager for the CopperLink brand stated “I believe the acknowledgement is well-deserved. Because it combines multiple physical media options with extreme speed and distance profiles, I am personally convinced the CopperLink 2174 is the world’s most versatile Ethernet extender.”

The world seems to be in agreement with Grant, as the product is currently shipping worldwide, availing homes and businesses with line rates up to 168 Mbps and distances up to 10,000 feet (3km). The 2011 Product of the Year operates over copper twisted-pair, coaxial or CAT-5+ cabling, eliminating both the expenses and hassle involved in the replacement of installed cable infrastructures when inter-connecting IP-enabled devices.

The CopperLink 2174 also enables network engineers to put existing cable installations to use in various ways, including converting legacy coaxial CCTV circuits to Ethernet/IP. The cable can improve Ethernet speed and distance performance, as well as replace serial RS-232/422/485 twisted-pair circuits with Ethernet connections.

Customers can specify their needs when ordering, choosing between BNC, RJ-45 or terminal block connectors. The product contains a built-in switch and four Ethernet ports, enabling the transmission of IP traffic from four sources over a single Ethernet connection. These sources include by are not limited to light and motion sensors, video cameras, entry-card readers, and PCs.

CEO of TMC Rich Tehrani said of the product, “Patton has proven its dedication to quality and excellence while addressing real needs in the marketplace,” adding that the company’s “commitment to the advancement in the communications technology industry is commendable.”

Patton’s win marks the Third Annual Cable Spotlight Product of the Year Award, and its product is currently featured on the Cable Spotlight Website, as well as published in its e-newsletter.

Patton hasn’t stopped working from September 2011 though—just last month the company announced another addition to the CopperLink family, the CopperLink 1314, which uses twisted-pair infrastructure to interconnect LANs up to 3.4 miles apart, exceeding even the 2174.

Contenders for the 2012 Product of the Year had better stay on their toes.