UPDATE: Patton has just been awarded the prestigious 2025 Innovators Award from Cabling Installation & Maintenance for its groundbreaking CopperLink® CL-SFP Ethernet Extender. This recognition highlights the device as one of the most innovative products in the structured cabling industry today.
Announced earlier today, December 11, 2025, in Gaithersburg, MD, Patton’s CopperLink CL-SFP is celebrated as the “world’s smallest” Ethernet extender, capable of delivering high-speed connectivity over existing copper infrastructure. This award comes from a panel of expert judges who evaluated products based on innovation, sustainability, and industry impact.
Patrick McLaughlin, Chief Editor of Cabling Installation & Maintenance, expressed his congratulations: “This competitive program allows us to celebrate the most innovative technologies impacting the industry.”
The CopperLink CL-SFP extends Ethernet connections up to 20,000 feet (approximately 3.8 miles) while achieving speeds up to 18 Mbps. This significant advancement allows businesses to enhance their network capabilities without needing extensive infrastructure changes.
“We are honored to accept this award,” said Gary Portellas, Patton’s Senior Product Manager for Connectivity. “For decades, Patton has been at the forefront of miniaturizing communication technologies. The CL-SFP is our smallest form factor Ethernet extender to date.”
The CopperLink CL-SFP seamlessly integrates with existing routers, Ethernet switches, and media converters, proving essential for organizations looking to upgrade their network systems efficiently. Since launching the first Ethernet extender in the 1990s, Patton continues to innovate, offering a diverse range of products including VoIP gateways and cybersecurity solutions.
In addition to this award, Patton recently achieved compliance with NIST SP 800-171 and CMMC Level 2, reinforcing its commitment to secure government data management. This dual recognition underscores Patton’s dedication to advancing technology while maintaining high security standards.
As the structured cabling industry evolves, the CopperLink CL-SFP positions Patton as a leader in delivering innovative solutions. For more information about this award-winning product, visit patton.com/ethernet-extender/cl-sfp.
Stay tuned for further updates as Patton continues to break ground in networking technology!
