New Hardened Media Converters Enable Cost-Effective Conversion in Small Spaces and Outdoor Environments
January 19, 2016 — Transition Networks, Inc., the fibre network integration technology expert, a wholly owned subsidiary of Communications Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ-GM: JCS), today announced a new family of hardened mini 10/100/1000 Ethernet bridging media converters (M/GE-ISW-xx-01), enabling cost-effective conversion of copper to fibre in extreme or outdoor 10/100/1000 unshielded twisted pair (UTP) environments.
The new environmentally hardened mini media converters support a wide temperature range for reliable operation in extreme conditions, such as outdoor enclosures or other challenging locations. Measuring only 1.8 inches wide by 3.3 inches deep by 0.8 inches high, the converters add the benefits of fibre – increased data throughput, distance and security – to a hardened Ethernet network within a very small footprint.
The M/GE-ISW-xx-01 media converters provide numerous economic benefits by affordably integrating fibre infrastructure and legacy copper equipment. They install easily and allow networks to be turned up quickly through features like Auto-Negotiation, AutoCross, Active Link Pass Through and Automatic Link Restoration, which automatically establish, configure and restore optimal links. They also increase the scalability of a network by providing rate conversion, distance extension, support for jumbo frames, and choices of fixed fibre connectors or open slots for small form factor pluggable (SFP) connections. There are three converters in the family with fixed fibre connectors (SC, LC, SM) and one converter with a small form factor pluggable (SFP) opening for flexible connection options. Link budgets for the converters range from 7.5 dB to 10.5 dB.
The media converters enable reduced capital expenditures by affordably integrating fibre infrastructure and legacy copper equipment. And the compact design of the mini media converter makes it ideal for locations with space constraints, particularly at the network edge.
“Our goal is to provide our customers with the best tools for delivering fibre connectivity simply and cost-effectively,†said Curt Carlson, Product Manager for Transition Networks. “We’re excited to announce these new mini converters to allow our customers a plug, play and walk away solution that will reliably meet their needs in harsh environments, even in the smallest locations, such as alongside outdoor security cameras or other remote equipment.â€
Media converters are available in two formats, Layer 1 and Layer 2, referring to the functionality of the converter in relationship to the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, which defines standards and promotes interoperability between various manufacturers of network equipment. Layer 1 media converters are ideal for applications where quick throughput and low latency are top priorities, such as data centres, big data analytics, and financial institution networks requiring immediate processing of data with little to no delay. Layer 2 converters can support multiple network speeds on the copper side—such as connecting Fast Ethernet to Gigabit Ethernet networks or half-duplex legacy networks to more modern full-duplex networks—which is often needed in enterprise, manufacturing and government networks. Layer 2 converters may increase latency in order to provide this flexibility.
Transition Networks’ portfolio offers go-to solutions for both Layer 1 and Layer 2 media converter applications. Mini media converters are provided in fixed configuration, for simple installation when you need to “just convert it.†Alternatively, the company’s ION Multi-Service Integration Platform offers a full line of more feature-rich modular conversion solutions for secure network management applications.
About Transition Networks, Inc.
Transition Networks, Inc. is an industry leader with over 25 years of experience designing fibre integration products that deliver the security and reliability for today’s networks while future proofing for tomorrow. Offering support for multiple protocols, any interface, and a multitude of hardware platforms, including Hardened Ethernet, Carrier Ethernet, CWDM, 1G/10G Ethernet, SFPs, PoE and PoE+, Transition Networks gives you the power to deliver and manage traffic reliably over fibre in any data network – in any application – in any environment. Based in Minneapolis, Transition Networks distributes hardware-based connectivity solutions exclusively through a network of resellers in 50 countries.
The Kenton Group are a partner of Transition Networks. For more information contact us on +44(0)1322 552000 or email us.