Dual fiber uses the same wavelength on two fiber strands; one for transmit, and one for receive.  Single-fiber operates with bi-directional wavelengths, often referred to as BIDI. Typically BIDI single-fiber uses 1310nm and 1550nm wavelengths over the same fiber strand in opposite directions. The development of bi-directional wavelengths over the same fiber strand was the precursor to Wavelength Division Multiplexing.

Dual fiber to single-fiber conversion can be required when:

1. Connecting dual fiber equipment to a single-fiber network
2. A building has dual fiber, while the connection to the Service Provider or outside plant is single-fiber
3. Splitting dual fiber into two single-fiber strands to increase fiber capacity

Dual Fiber to Single-Fiber Conversion Products

Convert Dual Fiber to Single-Fiber

Networks may require conversion between dual and single-fiber, depending on the type of equipment and the fiber installed in the facility. In this application, two dual fiber switches are connected via single-fiber using dual fiber to single-fiber media converters. Since BIDI single-fiber uses two separate wavelengths over the same fiber strand, the transmit (Tx) on the media converter at one end of the fiber link matches the receive (Rx) from the media converter other end, and vice versa.

Double Fiber Capacity with Dual Fiber to Single-Fiber Conversion

Dual fiber can be converted to single-fiber as a technique to double the capacity of the existing dual fiber infrastructure.

In example A, a dual fiber link connects two switches in different buildings.

In example B, new switches are added to each location, and fiber-to-fiber media converters double the capacity of the dual fiber link by converting each strand of the dual fiber to a BIDI single-fiber link. This can also be used as a technique to create redundant fiber links between two locations with dual fiber switches.

Fiber networks can require wavelength conversion to connect network equipment with standard wavelengths (1310 or 1550) to CWDM or DWDM multiplexers.

• Connect equipment with fixed fiber (SC, ST and LC) connectors to CWDM multiplexers
• Transponders are less expensive than proprietary CWDM or DWDM pluggable transceivers
• CWDM or DWDM pluggable transceivers are not available for proprietary switches

Fiber Wavelength Conversion Products

Convert Standard Wavelengths to CWDM Wavelengths

Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM) technology provides the flexibility to increase capacity of existing fiber infrastructure by enabling multiple channels (wavelengths) over the same fiber cabling. Each channel carries data independently from each other, allowing network designers to transport different data rates and protocols for different customers or applications.  Each wavelength can support data rates up to 10Gbps.

Fiber optic communications equipment with fixed fiber interfaces (ST, SC, LC or MT-RJ connectors) operating over legacy wavelengths (850nm, 1310nm, 1550nm) must be converted to CWDM wavelengths using a fiber-to-fiber transponder. A transponder is a device that automatically receives, amplifies, and then retransmits a signal on a different wavelength without altering the data/signal content.

The iConverter xFF is an SFP to SFP protocol-transparent fiber converter and transponder, designed to provide conversion between different wavelengths, multimode and single-mode, dual fiber and single-fiber.

The following example shows an OC-12 circuit from an ATM router, which is connected to an iConverter CWDM/X Multiplexer channel port. The fiber interface on the router uses fixed fiber SC connectors and legacy 1310nm wavelength. The channel port on the CWDM/X requires a 1530nm CWDM wavelength, so a transponder is used to convert the wavelength from standard 1310nm to CWDM 1530nm.

The iConverter xFF converts the wavelength with a 1310nm standard SFP transceiver, in one port, and a 1530nm CWDM SFP transceiver in the other port.

High-Density CWDM or DWDM Wavelength Conversion

In this application example, CWDM is used to expand the capacity of a fiber link between two fiber switches with SFP fiber ports. The fiber switches can be Ethernet, Fibre Channel, or any other network protocol. The fiber switches require the use of proprietary (name-brand switch manufacturer) CWDM SFPs that can be very expensive. Using third-party CWDM SFPs can void the manufacturer’s warranty and service contract.

Transponders are used to convert the standard wavelength SFPs to CWDM wavelengths, and can cost 50% less than buying proprietary SFPs and installing them in the switches.  Since the transponders are external to the switches, they do not void the warranty or service contract from the switch manufacturer. 

Eight iConverter xFF Transponders are installed in a 19-Module Chassis with an 8-Channel iConverter CWDM/X multiplexer.  The eight xFF Transponders convert the fiber from standard wavelength 1310nm fiber to CWDM wavelength fiber using Small Form Pluggable (SFP) transceivers. 1310nm Standard Wavelength SFPs are installed in the xFF Transponders, and connect to the fiber switches with fiber patch cables. CWDM Wavelength SFPs are installed in the other fiber port on the xFF Transponders to support specific CWDM wavelengths (1471nm, 1491nm, 1591nm, 1611nm, etc.) enabling connectivity to the corresponding channel ports on the iConverter CWDM/X multiplexer with fiber patch cables. The eight wavelengths are multiplexed over the CWDM Common Line, and de-multiplexed with the same equipment configuration on the other end.

NOTES:

• The 19-Module Chassis can support 16 CWDM channels distributed from 2U of rack space with 16 iConverter xFF Transponders and three CWDM Mux modules (two 8-Channel Mux modules and a band splitter).
• Transponders can convert wavelengths and multimode to single-mode fiber.
• Transponders can be deployed to convert wavelengths when proprietary SFPs are not available for a specific brand of network switch.
• iConverter XG Transponders are used for DWDM wavelength conversion, or for network data rates up to 11.32Gbps.

More Application Examples with CWDM and DWDM Wavelength Conversion

>> Ethernet Data Center DWDM Wavelength Conversion

>> Fibre Channel Data Center CWDM Wavelength Conversion

>> DAS Fronthaul CWDM Wavelength Conversion

Integrate Copper and Fiber in Point-to-Point Ethernet Networks

Copper-to-Fiber Ethernet Media Converters

Ethernet Point-to-Point Application Example

This application example demonstrates how to deploy Omnitron standalone media converters and provide seamless integration of different Ethernet cabling media. Omnitron copper-to-fiber media converters support a variety of cabling and connectors, different network protocols, and data rates from 10Mbps to 10G.

A pair of copper-to-fiber media converters is used to connect two copper switches via fiber. A workstation and a server are also connected to the network using pairs of copper-to-fiber media converters.

Gigabit Server and Workstation Connectivity

In this application example, a Gigabit switch with copper RJ-45 ports is connected to remote servers and workstations with fiber.

A 1U high iConverter 5-Module chassis is installed in a network rack with a Gigabit switch. Four iConverter GX/TM2plug-in media converter modules are installed in the chassis, and provide managed copper-to-fiber conversion. The GX/TM2 plug-in media converters (also known as Network Interface Devices) feature built-in SNMP management for remote configuration, fault management, and VLAN with Quality of Service.

GX/TM2 media converters support a variety of fixed fiber connectors, or they can use Small Form Pluggable (SFP) transceivers. The four fiber links shown can be dual or single-fiber, multimode or single-mode, and can run to remote locations up to 160km away.

Two GX/TM2 standalone media converters connect the copper ports on the servers to the fiber links.

Two more GX/TM2 standalone media converters connect workstations to the switch, enabling Gigabit fiber-to-the-desktop.

Note that FlexPoint or miConverter media converters can also be deployed in unmanaged Gigabit server connectivity applications.

Point-to-Point Star Topology Copper and Fiber Network

In this application example, Gigabit media converters are deployed in a star topology network with multiple fiber links distributed from a central location. Omnitron Ethernet media converters provide copper-to-fiber conversion for data rates of 10Mbps up to 1 Gigabit.

At Building A, a FlexPoint 14-Module Chassis with FlexPoint GX/T media converters is used to convert the RJ-45 ports from the copper switch to fiber links that run to different locations throughout the campus.

At Building B, the fiber is connected directly to an Ethernet switch with a Gigabit fiber port.

At Buildings C and D, FlexPoint GX/T media converters provide copper-to-fiber connectivity to department switches, and bridging between the Gigabit fiber and the 10/100 switches.

Notes: 

miConverter GX/T media converters and the miConverter 18-Module Chassis can also be used in this unmanaged application.

Media converters provide transparent network connectivity, so the switches in the network can be managed via SNMP management software. iConverter managed copper-to-fiber media converters and Network Interface Devices can be deployed for managed fiber infrastructure with remote configuration, performance monitoring and fault notification.

Also See:  iConverter media converters deployed in a managed campus LAN network.

Demarcation Extension, or Demarc Extension, is the network cabling from the Service Provider’s Demarcation Point to the Customer Premises Equipment.  Also Known As: inside wiring, circuit extension, CPE cabling, or Riser cabling.  Demarcation extension has been required since the 1984 deregulation of AT&T and the supplemental FCC rulings in the 90s. The incumbent local exchange carriers (ILEC) and other local access providers are now mandated by federal law to provide a point where the operational control or ownership changes.

The ownership of service is transferred from the local access provider to the customer at the Demarcation Point located within the Minimum Point of Entry (MPOE), where the local access provider or ILEC drops the local loop off at the customer’s site.  The Demarcation point for T1 is typically Smart Jack or NIU.  For Ethernet, it’s a Fiber or Copper cable hand off in a patch panel, or a Network Interface Device or NID.  The demarcation can be housed in an enclosure on the side of the building or inside the building.

The Customer Premises Equipment is the LAN equipment connected to the demarcation.  This can be a CSU/DSU, a Router, PBX, VoIP Gateway or a Switch.  Demarcation Extension is the last piece of cabling and that connects the demarcation point to the CPE. Demarcation extension may include in-segment equipment and patch cords as required to complete the circuit’s transmission path to the edge CPE.

With any network segment, the maximum distance of copper UTP cabling is 100 meters or 328 feet.  The challenge is how to deploy fiber demarcation extension that is reliable, cost-effective, and can transport TDM and/or Ethernet services.

Demarcation Extension Products

Demarcation Extension of Multiple T1 Circuits

When there are multiple T1 circuits and Ethernet require demarcation extension, a T1 Multiplexer is used to transport up 16 T1s and 10/100 Ethernet over fiber.  iConverter T1 Multiplexers are available as managed and unmanaged devices, and are deployed in bookend configurations (the same device at each end of the fiber) to provide demarcation extension of T1s and an optional Ethernet circuit.

Demarcation Extension and Riser Management of T1, T3 and Ethernet Services

In this demarcation extension and riser management application, the iConverter Multi-Service Platform enables TDM and Ethernet business services to be extended to tenants on the upper floors of an office building using multi-mode fiber. At the demarcation point on the ground floor, Ethernet, T3 and multiple T1s are delivered with UTP copper cables from a Service Provider’s Metro Ethernet or SONET network at the ground floor of the building.

An iConverter 19-Module Chassis is deployed at the demarcation point on the ground floor. A NMM2 Network Management Module, a GX/TM2 Media Converter and NID, a T3/E3 media converter and a Modular T1/E1 Multiplexer are installed in the high-density chassis. 

Ethernet Service Demarcation Extension

The iConverter GX/TM2 NID module in the 19-Module chassis provides copper-to-fiber conversion, and a managed fiber link to the subscriber’s office on the 10th Floor, where a standalone GX/TM2 hands off the service to a 10/100/1000 copper switch. The GX/TM2 NID modules support IEEE 802.3ah Link OAM for performance monitoring and fault management of the fiber access link.

TDM Service Demarcation Extension

The Service Provider’s T3 circuit is delivered via a CSU/DSU. The T3/E3 coax is converted to fiber with an iConverter T3/E3 media converter, and the fiber is run up to the 11th Floor, where a standalone T3/E3 media converter provides fiber-to-copper conversion for connectivity to a subscriber’s PBX.

Four T1 circuits are also delivered via a CSU/DSU on the ground floor, with four UTP cables connecting to the iConverter Modular T1/E1 MUX. This flexible and scalable system is comprised of an iConverter Fiber Transport module, and one or more iConverter 4xT1/E1 MUX modules installed the chassis. The copper T1s are connected to the RJ-45 ports in the 4xT1/E1 MUX modules, and all the T1s are transported over the fiber port on the Fiber Transport Module. Up to sixteen T1s and Gigabit Ethernet can be transported over fiber with the Modular T1/E1 Multiplexer, and multiple MUX groups can be installed in the same chassis.

Network Management System

Management of the iConverter chassis and modules is achieved with a Network Management Station connected to a Network Management Module (NMM2) installed in the chassis. The Ethernet and T1 services can be managed via SNMP v1/v2c/v3 or TELNET from a management station at the Central Office. The iConverter management system enables monitoring of the Ethernet fiber links in the building, and provisioning of the Ethernet services.

The iConverter management system can be accessed with Omnitron’s NetOutlook® Network Management Software or third-party SNMP management software.

The iConverter Multi-Service Platform enables service providers and riser management companies to provide reliable fiber connectivity between the Service Provider demarcation point and the subscriber’s network equipment. The iConverter Multi-Service Platform preserves network hardware investments, and the management system also lowers operating costs by providing fault notification and troubleshooting tools that reduce down-time and trips to tenant equipment.

CWDM has been a reliable and cost-effective solution for increasing capacity of fiber optic networks for over a decade. With CWDM, multiple wavelengths are transmitted over the fiber optic link, creating independent and simultaneous data streams that carry any protocol regardless of what is transmitted on the other wavelengths. CWDM supports up to 18 wavelengths, and each wavelength can transport up to 10G of data. Data from virtually any type of communications equipment (including servers, switches and routers) can be carried over a CWDM network. 

Challenges with CWDM deployments include adding network connectivity at different locations along the CWDM Common Line that transports all the CWDM wavelengths, and adding CWDM wavelengths to ring networks.

CWDM Products

iConverter® CWDM Optical Add Drop Multiplexers

iConverter Optical Add Drop Multiplexers (OADM) are part of the iConverter Multi-Service Platform and used to add new network connectivity to locations on CWDM networks. iConverter CWDM MUX/DEMUX modules and Optical Add and Drop modules can be installed in a variety of compact and high-density chassis.

iConverter Transponders

iConverter Transponders are protocol-transparent fiber-to-fiber media converters, and are available as compact, unmanaged standalone units or  managed chassis plug-in modules. iConverter Transponders provide reliable and cost-effective conversion between different wavelengths using  CWDM SFP Transceivers and CWDM SFP+ and XFP Transceivers.

CWDM Add Drop Multiplexer Overview

iConverter CWDM/AD OADM Multiplexers add (multiplex) and drop (de-multiplex) selected channels, or wavelengths, on one or both directions of a CWDM Common Line fiber link. Using CWDM/AD modules, network designers can add new access points anywhere on a CWDM network, without impacting the remaining channels traversing the network.

In this application example, a 1-Channel OADM is installed along a CWDM Common line that is transporting four wavelengths through the Common Line port (COM).  The wavelengths are multiplexed onto the Common Line using two iConverter 4-Channel CWDM/X Multiplexers.  The 1-Channel OADM drops off the 1510nm wavelength at a network location along the Common Line.  The 1-Channel OADM can drop off wavelengths in two directions, and in this case, enables two different 1510nm network links. Access points can be added to linear, bus, and ring networks, where the dual-direction ring design provides redundant protected architecture.

The schematic drawing at right shows a 2-Channel CWDM/AD OADM with Common Left and Common Right ports that connect to the CWDM Common Line transporting all the CWDM wavelengths, and Channel Ports that add and drop specific wavelengths.  The Left and Right Channel ports enable links in each direction on the Common Line, and are deployed in ring networks and point to point networks with independent links on either side of the OADM.  A 1-Channel OADM works the same way, but with only one Left and one Right Channel Port.

Single-Fiber iConverter OADMs are also available.

The following application examples illustrate how iConverter Optical Add Drop Multiplexers (OADM) enable a daisy-chain network and a resilient ring network.

Daisy Chain CWDM Add Drop Network

This is an example diagram, a CWDM/X Multiplexer and multiple CWDM/AD OADM Multiplexers are deployed in a daisy chain (or linear drop) network.  This network originates with four Ethernet switches with fiber ports that are connected to a 4-Channel CWDM/X Multiplexer.  The switches can be 100Mbps, Gigabit or 10G.  CWDM SFPs are installed in the switches to support the 1510, 1530, 1550 and 1570 wavelengths and are connected to the corresponding channel ports on the CWDM/X Multiplexer with fiber patch cables (shown in the colors of the wavelengths).

The 1510 wavelength is multiplexed onto the Common Line along with the other three wavelengths and dropped off at the first 1-Channel CWDM/AD OADM. 

The 1530 wavelength is multiplexed onto the Common Line, passes through the first 1-Channel CWDM/AD OADM, and is dropped off at the second 1-Channel CWDM/AD OADM. 

The 1550 and 1570 wavelengths are multiplexed onto the Common Line, pass through the two 1-Channel CWDM/AD OADMs and dropped off at a 2-Channel CWDM/AD OADM. 

This is how to use CWDM/X Multiplexer modules with CWDM/AD OADM modules to create a network with multiple locations along a Common Line fiber daisy chain. Note that the higher wavelengths are utilized for the longest distances due to them having the lowest attenuation.

Resilient Ring CWDM Network

This application diagrams shows a dual fiber ring with CWDM wavelengths that enable two independent and reslient ring networks with Ethernet fiber switches that support the spanning tree network protocol.  Network A (shown in green) is transported on the 1510nm and Network B (shown in blue) is transported on the 1530nm wavelength. 

Network A has an active data path (via the CWDM wavelength) on the left and a fail-over data path on the right that are controled by the switches in case of a network fault.  The 1510nm wavelength is being added and dropped by the 1-Channel CWDM/AD OADM Multiplexer at the top left of the ring, and at the 2-Channel CWDM/AD at the bottom.  The Network A 1510nm wavelength passes through the 1-Channel OADM on the top right.

Network B also has active and fail-over data paths.  The 1530nm wavelength is being added and dropped by the 1-Channel CWDM/AD OADM Multiplexer at the top right of the ring, and the 2-Channel CWDM/AD at the bottom.  The Network B 1530nm wavelength is passing through the 1-Channel OADM on the top left.

This is how CWDM OADM Modules are used to connect and bypass switch nodes on the ring. Note that many more CWDM wavelengths and and nodes can be added to the ring.

Overview

Growing bandwidth requirements are stretching the capacity of fiber optic networks.  Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM) technology enables network managers to expand the capacity of fiber networks and deliver multiple data channels, or wavelengths, over a fiber optic cable.

CWDM has been a reliable and cost-effective solution for increasing capacity of fiber optic networks for over a decade. With CWDM, rather than transmitting one wavelength (or channel) at 1310nm or 1550nm, multiple wavelengths are transmitted over the fiber optic link, creating independent and simultaneous data streams that carry any protocol regardless of what is transmitted on the other wavelengths. CWDM supports up to 18 wavelengths, and each wavelength can transport up to 10G of data. Data from virtually any type of communications equipment can be carried over a CWDM network, including servers, switches and routers. 

A challenge with CWDM multiplexing is connecting network equipment to a CWDM Multiplexer.  CWDM requires specific wavelengths to be connected to the Channel ports so the wavelengths can be multiplexed over a Common Line fiber port.  Fiber network equipment with fixed ST, SC or LC fiber ports with standard 850 or 1310 wavelengths, or copper network equipment with RJ-45 ports require a conversion to fiber with an appropriate CWMD wavelength. Fiber transponders and media converters that support SFP transceivers provide a simple and cost-effective solution to convert different ports on legacy network equipment to fiber with CWDM wavelengths.

CWDM Products

iConverter® CWDM Multiplexers

iConverter CWDM Multiplexers are part of the iConverter Multi-Service Platform and used to expand the capacity of fiber networks. iConverter CWDM MUX/DEMUX modules and Optical Add Drop modules can be installed in a variety of compact and high-density chassis.

iConverter Transponders

iConverter Transponders are protocol-transparent fiber-to-fiber media converters, and are available as compact, unmanaged standalone units or  managed chassis plug-in modules. iConverter Transponders provide reliable and cost-effective conversion between different wavelengths using  CWDM SFP Transceivers and CWDM SFP+ and XFP Transceivers.

CWDM Multiplexer Application with Transponders and Media Converters

The following application example illustrates how the modular iConverter Multi-Service Platform enables a CWDM point-to-point network that incorporates four different network services originating from copper and fiber network equipment multiplexed over one common fiber line.

An iConverter 4-Channel CWDM/X Multiplexer, copper-to-fiber media converters and fiber-to-fiber transponders are installed in a high-density 19-module chassis. Data traffic from a T1 PBX, a 10G Ethernet switch, a Gigabit switch, and a 10/100 switch is connected to the CWDM multiplexer with the appropriate wavelengths using transponders and media converters.

A T1 PBX connects to the RJ-45 port on a T1 Copper-to-Fiber Media Converter with a CWDM SFP Transceiver that converts the T1 copper to a 1510nm CWDM wavelength that is connected to the 1510 Channel Port on the CWDM Multiplexer with a fiber patch cable (patch cables are shown in the illustration with the color of the wavelengths for clarity). 

A 10G switch connects to an XG 10G Transponder that has a standard wavelength SFP+ Transceiver and a CWDM SFP+ Transceiver. The XG Transponder converts the standard wavelength to 1530nm CWDM wavelength that is connected to the 1530 Channel Port on the CWDM/X Multiplexer with a fiber patch cable. A CWDM SFP+ Transceiver could be installed in the fiber port of the 10G switch, but the XG Transponder is used as a less expensive alternative to the proprietary switch manufacturer’s SFP+ transceivers, and can save up to 50% per port.

A Gigabit switch with fixed SC 1310 fiber ports is connected to an xFF Transponder that has a standard wavelength SFP Transceiver and a CWDM SFP Transceiver. The xFF Transponder converts the standard wavelength to a 1550nm CWDM wavelength that is connected to the 1550 Channel Port on the CWDM/X Multiplexer with a fiber patch cable.

A 10/100 copper switch connects to the RJ-45 port on a 10/100 Copper-to-Fiber Media Converter with a CWDM SFP Transceiver that converts the copper Ethernet to a 1570nm CWDM wavelength that is connected to the 1570 Channel Port on the CWDM/X Multiplexer with a fiber patch cable.

The iConverter 4-channel CWDM Multiplexer multiplexes all four channels (wavelengths) over a common fiber link.

At the opposite end of the common CWDM link, a 4-Channel CWDM MUX de-multiplexes the four services (filters out each wavelength), and fiber links connect to each destination device with same configuration as the other end of the common fiber line.

This application illustrates that data from virtually any type of communications equipment can be carried over a CWDM network using the iConverter Multi-Service Platform. The modular iConverter Multi-Service Platform consists of managed media converters, fiber-to-fiber transponders (wavelength converters), T1/E1 multiplexers and CWDM multiplexers. These modules can be integrated in a variety of chassis configurations to create a flexible and scalable multi-service platform capable of delivering Ethernet, TDM and other services over existing fiber networks.

>> Learn more about CWDM Multiplexing at the CWDM Resource Center

>> Learn more about wavelength conversion using Transponders

NOTES:

• Up to 16 CWDM Channels can be converted from standard wavelengths and multiplexed over a common line with modules installed in a 19-Module chassis that uses just 2U of rack space (sixteen transponder or media converter modules, two 8 Channel Multiplexers, and one Band Splitter).
• CWDM/X Multiplexers that feature Pass Band ports enable the transport of a legacy 1310 or 1550 wavelength along with CWDM wavelengths
• CWDM/X Multiplexers that feature Expansion Ports enable connecting another CWDM Multiplexer with additional (and different) wavelengths
• Network equipment can be located in the same rack with CWDM Multiplexers, or in remote locations connected to a CWDM multiplexer in a hub location.
• CWDM transceivers can be installed directly in fiber equipment that supports SFP transceivers for direct connectivity to channel ports on a CWDM multiplexer.

Copper-to-Fiber Ethernet Media Converters for Data Centers

10 Gigabit Data Center Server Connectivity

iConverter 10G media converters provide a variety of 10G data center connectivity solutions, including resolving interface disparities between equipment with 10GBASE-T RJ-45 ports and existing rack servers or switches with fiber optic ports. Architecture changes such as migrating from Top of Rack to End of Row can present cabling challenges when extending network distances from racks of servers.

In this application, fiber cabling is used to extend distances between 10G switches and servers. An iConverter 5-Module Chassis with iConverter XGT+ 10G plug-in media converters is used to convert the CAT-6A cabling from the RJ-45 ports on the aggregation switch to fiber. The iConverter XGT+ supports SFP+ or XFP transceivers, and can achieve fiber distances of up to 80km.

At the other end of the first fiber run, a standalone iConverter XGT+ is used to convert the fiber back to copper for connectivity to a 10G server with RJ-45 ports. The second fiber run connects directly to a fiber port on a 10G switch.

The iConverter XGT+ supports CAT-6A cabling (up to 100 meters) to extend distances to servers, switches and patch panels. For CAT-6A cabling links less than 30 meters, the XGT+ supports 10GBASE-T Short Reach mode to conserve energy by reducing power and cooling requirements.

Gigabit Server and Workstation Connectivity

In this application example, a Gigabit switch with copper RJ-45 ports is connected to remote servers and workstations with fiber.

A 1U high iConverter 5-Module chassis is installed in a network rack with a Gigabit switch. Four iConverter GX/TM2 plug-in media converter modules are installed in the chassis, and provide managed copper-to-fiber conversion. The GX/TM2 plug-in media converters (also known as Network Interface Devices) feature built-in SNMP management for remote configuration, fault management, and VLAN with Quality of Service.

GX/TM2 media converters support a variety of fixed fiber connectors, or they can use Small Form Pluggable (SFP) transceivers. The four fiber links shown can be dual or single-fiber, multimode or single-mode, and can run to remote locations up to 160km away.

Two GX/TM2 standalone media converters connect the copper ports on the servers to the fiber links.

Two more GX/TM2 standalone media converters connect workstations to the switch, enabling Gigabit fiber-to-the-desktop.

Note that FlexPoint or miConverter media converters can also be deployed in unmanaged applications.

Meet Me Room Fiber Connectivity Products

Data Center Meet Me Room Connectivity

Service Providers lease rack space within Co-Location (Colo) Data Centers and Carrier Hotels to provide service connectivity to customers in the same Data Center facility. iConverter Copper-to-Fiber Media Converters enable Gigabit and T1 connectivity over fiber between customer cages and service provider cages that are outside the distance limitation of copper cabling.

In the application diagram, a Service Provider has installed an iConverter 19-Module Chassis of managed media converters in the Meet Me Room to convert the individual copper connections to fiber to reach customer cages.

iConverter GX/T2 Gigabit Media Converters are installed in the 19-module chassis to convert the copper Gigabit connections to fiber. The fiber is then converted back to copper using standalone Gigabit media converters for connectivity to the equipment in the customer cage. Service Providers can provide Ethernet service connectivity from the Meet Me Room to the customer cages located outside of the 100m distance limitation of copper UTP cable.

iConverter T1 Media Converters are deployed in similar configuration to convert the copper T1 cables to fiber. At the end of each fiber run, standalone T1 media converter convert the fiber back to copper for connectivity to the equipment in the customer cage.

The iConverter Multi-Service Platform provides scalable, high-density port configurations, and supports T1, T3, Fibre Channel, and 10Mbps to 10Gbps Ethernet.