10/100BaseTx to 100BaseFx media and rate converter

The ION C2210 is a media converter module that provides an interface between 10/100Base-TX ports and 100Base-FX ports, allowing users to integrate fibre optic cabling into 10/100 copper environments. Operating at Layer 2, the data link layer, this converternot only converts copper to fibre, it also provides rate conversion allowing legacy 10Base-T copper devices to connect to 100Base-FX fibre. The ION C2210 is a manageable device when installed in a managed ION chassis.

AutoCross™

The AutoCross feature detects and configures the twisted-pair copper port on the C2210 SIC for the correct straight-through (MDI) or crossover (MDI-X) configuration. This feature allows either MDI or MDI-X cable to connect the SIC to devices such as hubs, transceivers, or network interface cards (NICs). (This feature does not require operator intervention.)

Link pass-through

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The Link Pass-Through feature allows the SIC to monitor RX (receive) ports for loss of signal. In the event of a loss of an RX signal on one media port, the SIC will automatically disable the TX (transmit) signal of the other media port, thus “passing through” the link loss.

Far-end fault

When a fault occurs on an incoming fibre link (1), the SIC transmits a Far-End Fault signal on the outgoing fibre
link (2). In addition, the Far-End Fault signal also activates Link Pass-Through, which, in turn, disables the link on
the copper portion of the network (3) and (4)

Auto-Negotiation

The Auto-Negotiation feature allows the C2210 SIC to automatically configure itself to achieve the best possible mode of operation over a link. The SIC will broadcast its speed (10 Mbps or 100 Mbps) and duplex capabilities (full or half) to the other devices and negotiates the best mode of operation. Auto-Negotiation allows quick and easy installation because the optimal link is established automatically. No user intervention is required to determine the best mode of operation. A scenario where the SIC is linked to a non-negotiating device, you may want to disable Auto-Negotiation. In this instance, the mode of operation will drop to the least common denominator between the two devices (e.g. 100 Mbps, half duplex). Disabling this feature gives the user the ability to force the connection to the best mode of operation.

Parallel detection 

Parallel detection is the method used to link when an auto negotiating port detects a link partner that is in forced mode and therefore cannot participate in the auto negotiating process. Parallel Detection can be set to IEEE Standard half duplex, or the non-standard full duplex. Switch settings for parallel detection are valid in hardware or software mode, only when Auto-Negotiation is enabled.0
Per the IEEE method, an auto negotiating port that detects a forced link partner should drop to the detected speed (10Mbps or 100Mbps) and default to HALF DUPLEX. The C2210 allows bypassing the IEEE method by setting the parallel detection default mode to half or full duplex DIP SW 3, disabling SW 1, auto-negotiation and configuring SW 2, speed. Full duplex network In a full duplex network, maximum cable lengths are determined by the type of cables that are used. Half duplex network (512-Bit Rule) In a half-duplex network, the maximum cable lengths are determined by the round trip delay limitations of each Fast Ethernet collision domain. (A collision domain is the longest path between any two terminal devices, e.g., a terminal, switch, or router, etc.) The 512-Bit Rule determines the maximum length of cable permitted by calculating the round-trip delay in bit- times (BT) of a particular collision domain. If the result is less than or equal to 512 BT, the path is good