Allied Telesyn AT MC1004

Allied Telesyn AT MC1004 ... Ethernet networks through the use of multi-mode and singlemode fiber-optic cabling.

Although the provisioning of Gigabit Ethernet connections is becoming relatively inexpensive, thanks in part to the availability of lower-cost copper Gigabit network adapters, the distance limitations of copper cabling make fiber segments a necessity in most networks, Small, comparatively inexpensive copper to fiber Gigabit Ethernet media converters present a simple and very cost-effective way of connecting Gigabit Ethernet LANs over extended distances.

To aid installation these media converters support an auto-sense MDI/MDIX port, allowing the media converter to connect directly with either a switch, PC adapter, or other Gigabit Ethernet device, using a standard cable.

The AT-MC1004 series Gigabit Ethernet media converters are powered by an external power supply for use in standalone applications. Where multiple media converters are used, up to 12 standalone devices can be inserted into the lowcost AT-MCR12, AT-TRAY1 or AT-TRAY4 rackmount chassis, allowing all the converters to be powered by a single internal power supply. In critical applications, a second load sharing internal power supply can be installed into the rackmount chassis.

The Missing Link feature allows the ports on the media converter to pass the "Link" status of their connections to each other. When the media converter detects a problem with one of the ports, such as the loss of connection to a node, it shuts down the connection to the other port, thus notifying the node that the connection has been lost. The value to this type of network monitoring and fault notification is that some hubs and switches can be configured to take a specific action in the event of the loss of connection on a port. In some cases, the unit can be configured to seek a redundant path to a disconnected end-node or send out a trap to a network management station alerting the network administrator of the problem.