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

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.

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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.

Transition Networks

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.

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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.

Electro Standards Laboratories

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 tong 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.

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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.

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 re placing 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.

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IMC Networks

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[degrees] C to 70[degrees] 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.

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Versitron

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.

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For more information from:

Aaxeon: rsleads.com/803cn-261

Electro Standards Laboratories: rsleads.com/803cn-262

IMC Networks: rsleads.com/803cn-266

TC Communications: rsleads.com/803cn-259

Transition Networks: rsleads.com/803cn-260

Ultra Electronics-DNE: rsleads.com/803cn-265

Versitron: rsleads.com/803cn-267

Ultra Electronics-DNE