Integrated Solution Sets New Standard in Fiber Optic Networking for Mission Critical Applications.

PHOENIX -- Control By Light, the technology leader in fiber optic networking for mission critical applications, will introduce the industry's first single-fiber, self-healing, self-managed gigabit switch here this week at ITS America in booth 326. The new switch offers an integrated networking platform with sense and control capabilities for mission critical networks.

The Quasar(TM) Smart Switch has a unique ability to interface with legacy equipment and devices through a serial port with an RS232 connection. Customized discrete input/output controls can be configured for specific sense and control applications and software upgrades can be made through the front panel, allowing for upgrades, hot swaps and reconfiguring while the network remains stable.

The self-managed Smart Switch auto-configures into a self-healing network utilizing Control By Light's patent-pending Quasar Ring technology. The self-healing ring is automatically created without spanning tree or complex design. If a failure occurs, the redundant single-fiber ring automatically recovers in less than a second, virtually eliminating downtime.

"What sets apart the Smart Switch is its flexibility and simplicity," said John R. Thomas Jr., president and CEO. "Its ability to accommodate legacy equipment is a key advantage because the Smart Switch can provide centralized control over a broader range of industrial functions. And its ease of installation and redundancy make it virtually trouble-free."

The Quasar Smart Switch is available in two models, the IQ100 and the IQ1000. The IQ100 handles up to 100 Mbps on the fiber side and auto-negotiates 10/100 Mbps full or half duplex on the copper side. The Quasar IQ1000 will do the same at 10/100/1000 Mbps. The Smart Switch is compatible with both single mode and multi-mode fiber with three RJ-45 Ports, and two SC fiber ports. Standard configuration allows for stand alone, rack or DIN-rail mounting.

Control By Light is the only supplier of industrial switches and transceivers for both the Ethernet and LON protocols. All Control By Light's products are based on a patented, single-fiber, self-healing technology that creates 2-way communications on a single strand of fiber optic cable for easy cost-effective implementation. Control By Light is privately held and based in Milford, Mass. For more information, visit the company's website at www.controlbylight.com.