10/100BaseTx to 100BaseFx Ethernet converters

Transition Networks SBFTF10xx-10x 2-port Ethernet/Fast Ethernet bridging media converter connects 10Base-T Ethernet or 100Base-TX Fast Ethernet twisted-pair copper network devices to network devices on a 100Base-FX Fast Ethernet fiber network. The SBFTF10xx-105 provides an interface between 10/100Base-TX ports and 100Base-FX ports, allowing users to integrate fiber optic cabling into 10/100Base-TX copper environments. Operating at Layer 2, this converter not only converts copper to fiber, but it also does Rate Conversion, converting 10/100 copper to 100Base fiber.

Rate Conversion

The media converter allows connection of 10Mb/s terminal devices on a 10Base-T legacy Ethernet copper network to 100Mb/s terminal devices on a 100Base-TX Fast Ethernet copper network and/or to 100Mb/s terminal devices on a 100Base-FX Fast Ethernet fiber network.

Auto-Negotiation

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The Auto-Negotiation feature allows the SBFTF10xx-10x media converter to automatically configure itself to achieve the best possible mode of operation over a link. The media converter broadcasts its speed (10 Mb/s or 100 Mb/s) 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. In a scenario where the media converter is linked to a non-negotiating device, the user 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.: 10 Mb/s, half-duplex). Disabling this feature lets you force the connection to the desired speed and duplex mode of operation.

AutoCross

When the AutoCross feature is activated, it allows either straight-through (MDI) or crossover (MDI-X) copper cables to be used when connecting to 10Base-T or 100Base-TX devices. AutoCross determines the characteristics of the connection and automatically configures the unit to link up, regardless if the copper cable is MDI or MDI-X configuration.

Link Pass-Through

The Link Pass-Through feature allows the media converter to monitor both the fiber and copper RX (receive) ports for loss of signal. In the event of a loss of an RX signal (1), the media converter will automatically disable the TX (transmit) signal (2), thus, “passing through” the link loss (3). The far-end device is automatically notified of the link loss (4), which prevents the loss of valuable data unknowingly transmitted over an invalid link.