Media Converters
Conversion choices
As simple to install as patch cables
and connectors, media converters function as
physical layer devices and do not interfere
with upper-level protocol information.
Media converters, among the simplest and
perhaps most useful devices in the network
infrastructure, change signals on a copper
cable to signals that run on
fiber–facilitating the use of fiber in the
network. This capability comes in handy for
budget-strapped IT managers who need to
upgrade their systems from copper to fiber
but do not have the financial or staffing
resources for more-comprehensive upgrades.
Working on the physical layer of the
network, media converters receive data
signals from one media and convert them to
another, while remaining invisible to data
traffic and other net devices. These devices
normally have two media-dependent interfaces
and a power supply, and can be installed
almost anywhere in a network.
As simple to install as patch cables and
connectors, media converters function as
physical layer devices and do not interfere
with upper-level protocol information. This
lets them support quality of service (QoS)
and Layer 3 switching.
This month, Communications News
looks at a representative sampling of the
latest media converters from leading
vendors.
TC Communications
TC3240 fiber-optic
Ethernet media converter
Featuring high security, long-distance
capability and rate control, the TC
Communications Model TC3240 10/100M
four-port switching/bridging fiber-optic
Ethernet media converter converts or
connects 10/100BASEe-TX (UTP) networks to
100BASE-FX (fiber-optic) networks. The
TC3240 includes a built-in switch that
enables distances up to 100 kilometers
without additional hardware. It can be
managed through any Web browser, SNMP,
telnet or serial console.
The TC3240 allows up to four different IP
address aliases, manageable privilege levels
for users and is password protected.
Configuration settings can be stored and
recovered to simplify network
administration, and firmware can be remotely
uploaded. Virtual LAN and network time
protocol are supported. Rate control can be
set in 32-Kbps increments. The TC3240
provides 10/100-Mbps autonegotiation and
automatically adapts to full- or half-duplex
mode.
For more information from TC
Communications
(click here)
Transition Networks
SBFFG media converter
The MEF 9- and MEF 14-certified xBFFG
media converters from Transition Networks
deliver Ethernet private line and Ethernet
virtual private line services. They are
designed for customers that require the
ability to remotely manage multiple Gigabit
Ethernet media converters. IEEE 802.1q
virtual LAN (VLAN) management, including
double VLAN tagging and VLAN tunneling,
supports network security and segmentation.
Quality of service and a wide variety of
link monitoring, troubleshooting and
reporting features increase network
performance.
Digital diagnostics enable network
administrators to measure the quality of the
optical connection and report it over the
operation, administrative and maintenance,
and simple network-management protocol
(SNMP) connections. Link-loss notification
signals the fault to the management system.
IEEE802.1x and Radius enable user
authentication and increase network security
and ease of user management.The xBFFG
product family can be managed via graphical
user interface, as well as any Web browser,
telnet or local serial command-line
interface. The xBFFG product includes
auto-negotiation, autocross, symmetrical or
asymmetrical pause, bandwidth allocation,
transparent link pass-through and automatic
link restoration.
For more information from
Transition Networks
(click here)
Electro Standards Laboratories
Fiber 485
converter
Fiber 485 HP fiber/RS-485 converters from
Electro Standards Laboratories connect
fiber-optic-linked terminals to a controller
having an RS-485/RS-422 interface port. The
RS-485 is a versatile communication standard
that communicates over long distances at
fast data rates. This system offers
full-duplex connection between two devices
having RS-422 ports. Plus, the ports of the
connected terminals are protected from
damage by potential differences (ground
variations) that exist between them. The
Fiber 485 Model 4127 connects via a DB-15
connector; Model 4129 connects via an RJ-45
connector. These products convert
RS-485/RS-422 serial communication interface
to HP versatile link plastic core cable. The
data transfer rate is greater than 20 Kbps.
For more information from Electro
Standards Laboratories
(click here)
Aaxeon
Aaxeon's extended-range Optolinx media
converters are available as standalone
converters, 19" rack-mounted converters and
DIN rail-mountable industrial media
converters, all with both multimode and
singlemode options. Also offered are managed
and unmanaged solutions with optional
support for Gigabit Ethernet. The
FCU-100SC-S5, 50 km, is a singlemode fiber
converter with a 50-kilometer range, while
the FCU-100SC-S5 can extend to 80
kilometers.
These Fast Ethernet converters are
compact units with metal cases to fulfill
FCC emission standards. The converters
feature LED diagnostics for power, activity,
link and full-duplex/half duplex operation.
All converters are fully compliant with the
IEEE 802.3 and 802.3u Fast Ethernet
standards and feature one STP-RJ-45
10/100BASETX port, as well as one
fiber-optic 100BASEFX SC port. Each unit is
powered by an external power supply.
For more information from Aaxeon
(click here)
Ultra Electronics-DNE
CV-MCU2 converter
Ultra Electronics-DNE Technologies'
modular multiplexing protocol converter, the
CV-MCU2, can be software-configured to
perform CDI/non-return-from-zero/fiber
conversions or up to 4:1 multiplexing in a
single 1RU chassis. The CV-MCU2 allows the
user to configure a single unit as either a
multiplexer or a modem, or any combination
of the two, allowing the circuits to operate
independently or be combined, as needed,
without replacing hardware modules when a
reallocation of circuits is required. A
universal copper/fiber/non-return-from-zero
module used in the CV-MCU2 provides both an
increase in port density and circuit
flexibility to the tactical user, supporting
up to five 20-Mbps protocol conversions per
1RU chassis. The CV-MCU2 also uses these
same universal fiber modules to multiplex up
to four digital trunk groups onto a single
16-Mbps aggregate, allowing field traffic at
a communications van or shelter to be
consolidated for more efficient throughput
to high-speed radios. The CV-MCU2 combines
the features of both conditioned diphase
modems and fiber-optic modems, and offers a
conversion to and from non-return-to-zero
protocols. The universal fiber interface
provides connectivity to singlemode and
multimode fiber, and JTC3A 9109C devices,
such as the ITT GSC-54 and Northrop Grumman
MD-1272.
For more information from Ultra
Electronics-DNE
(click here)
IMC Networks
IE-ModeConverter
The IE-ModeConverter from IMC Networks is
a compact, flexible, fiber-optic mode
converter. Fiber-optic network engineers
often have to combine network segments and
devices operating with different fiber modes
or wavelengths. The IE-ModeConverter allows
operators to mix and match these segments.
The IE-ModeConverter offers two small
form-factor pluggable (SFP) ports for two
same-speed SFP modules. SFPs are compact
optical transceivers that function as
modular connectors, allowing operators to
change fiber modes and wavelengths by
changing the SFP, rather than replacing the
entire mode converter. This architecture is
an alternative to purchasing a variety of
fixed-mode converters. A pair of same-speed
SFPs operating at rates ranging from 10 Mbps
to 2.4 Gbps can be selected. The IE-ModeConverter
operates in extended temperature
environments (-35° C to 70° C) often
required for installations in manufacturing
facilities, outside building premises or
other areas where extreme temperatures pose
a concern. The converter also has flexible
powering options, offering AC operation with
an optional AC adaptor, or with DC power via
a built-in 7 VDC to 50 VDC powering block.
For more information from IMC
Networks
(click here)
Versitron
M7260M triple duty
The M7260M Triple Duty 10/100/1000BASE-T
to 1000BASE-X
media converter is the latest addition to
Versitron's LAN networking line of
copper-to-fiber connectivity products. In
addition to autonegotiation and loop-back
test functions, the M7260M includes
Web-based management, GBIC fiber-optic
module technology, and carries a lifetime
warranty. These converters also support
802.1Q VLAN and QoS and offer a full
complement of LED indicators for diagnostic
status. The M7260M may be used as a
standalone unit or installed in a choice of
four Versitron rackmount chassis. Multimode
or singlemode options are available.
For more information from
Versitron
(click here)