Ethernet Media Converters

• Operates over multimode, single mode or single-strand fiber optic cables
• Available with 850, 1310 or 1550 nm laser interface
• Installed in the 16-slot LRS-20 converter rack at CO/POP sites
• User-configurable MDI/MDIX crossover function
• User-configurable fault propagation
• Auto-negotiation
• LED indicators for connection status
• Remote management via LRS-20

• Provide cost-effective UTP-to-fiber media conversion for Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet services
• Fiber extension of Metro Ethernet services
• Transparent operation without signal degradation

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 conversion modules are designed to do just that.

Used in the LRS-20 converter rack, they can be deployed at the central site for converting fiber to copper. Up to 16 Ethernet media conversion modules can be installed in the LRS-20, connecting up to 16 users per chassis.

Variety of Ethernet conversion modules

The ETX 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 km (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.

Ethernet features

The UTP ports of the ETX modules 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 status of the UTP port.

Remote manageability

Using a special management module installed in the LRS-20 rack, ETX modules can be managed from a central site. There is no need to provide an IP address to each ETX converter at the customer premises since a single IP address is used by the LRS-20 to manage all the remotely connected ETX modules.