RAD Introduces New Fiber-to-Copper Converter

RAD Data Communications has introduced its new ETX media converter, which provides a simple, cost effective method of converting from fiber to copper media for Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet services.

 

Service providers offering Metro Ethernet services to their customers need a way to bridge the distance between the Central Office (CO) or Point of Presence (POP) to the customer premises. This is usually achieved by running fiber optic cable up to the customer premises, or nearby. Since the customer premises, and even the vicinity around it, are typically wired with copper, there is a need for simple and affordable fiber-to-copper media conversion. RAD's ETX Ethernet media converter modules are designed to do just that. Used in the LRS-20 converter rack, the ETX Ethernet media converter can be deployed at the central site for converting fiber to copper. Up to 16 ETX Ethernet media converter modules can be installed in the LRS-20, connecting up to 16 users per chassis. For deployment on the remote side, an ETX Ethernet media converter module is installed in a compact single-slot LRS-1 standalone unit.

The ETX Ethernet media converter product line provides a variety of Ethernet media conversion modules, including modules supporting Fast Ethernet (FE) and Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) rates, as well as transparent Layer 1 and Layer 2 options. Each module is available with a choice of several optical interfaces, reaching distances of up to 120 kilometers (75 miles). Single-strand fiber modules are also offered for both GbE and FE technologies, enabling substantial fiber cost reduction by utilizing a single fiber for both receive and transmit traffic. Copper UTP interfaces are terminated in RJ-45 connectors. An important added value is that the same modules can be used at both the central and remote sites, lowering costs and simplifying operations and inventory management.

The UTP ETX Ethernet media converter module ports support automatic MDI/MDIX crossover function, correcting connection polarity errors. This allows using either straight or crossed cables for the LAN connection.

 

The user-configurable fault propagation mechanism automatically shuts down the UTP port if a failure is detected on the fiber optic port. The UTP link is re-established when the fiber optic connection is restored. The auto-negotiation function automatically matches the UTP port duplex mode and data rate to the user equipment requirements. LEDs indicate the fiber optic link status, data transmission and duplex modes statuses of the UTP port.

Using a special management module installed in the LRS-20 rack, ETX Ethernet media converter modules, both in the rack and in the customer-located LRS-1 units (Layer 2 modules only), can be managed from a central site. There is no need to provide an IP address to each ETX Ethernet media converter at the customer premises since a single IP address is used by the LRS-20 to manage all the remotely connected ETX Ethernet media converter modules.