FEBRUARY 27, 2007 -- IMC Networks (search for IMC Networks) today announced the release of a new product line: the iMcV-FiberLinX-II. Combining advanced optical demarcation features with media conversion capabilities, the FiberLinX-II enables CATV, MSO, telecommunications, and Metro Ethernet operators to deliver high-speed Internet, Transparent LAN, and Ethernet Private Line services to business customers over fiber optics.
FiberLinX-II modules provide an Ethernet demarcation at the customer network's edge, featuring a 100-Mbit/sec fiber port and a 10/100 Ethernet port that connects to the customer LAN. The unit functions as a traditional managed media converter, but a wealth of features have been added to appeal to FTTx network operators, say IMC Networks representatives.
"The FiberLinX-II system offers carrier-grade management and configuration capabilities not typically found on other Ethernet-based optical demarcation solutions in this price range," explains Jerry Roby, CEO and founder of IMC Networks. "This is the most significant upgrade to the FiberLinX family since we first deployed the product in 1999."
A key new feature is full support for IEEE 802.1Q standard Q-in-Q functionality. Q-in-Q or Extra-tagging allows for the additional tagging of VLAN traffic to insure secure and efficient delivery of network data, both locally and remotely. Another key new feature is the addition of user configurable EtherTypes. According to the company, EtherType control is rarely found in traditional media converters. Last gasp traps also are now included to alert network operators when power is no longer being supplied to the device.
Among the features carried over from the existing FiberLinX product family include Layer-2 VLAN tagging and stacking, 802.1p QoS, loopback testing, bandwidth provisioning, support of 'jumbo' packets, real-time reporting of the local and remote unit, and link status and RMON statistics via the intuitive, GUI-based iView(2) SNMP application.
The FiberLinX-II module is designed to be installed in an IMC Networks' chassis. Since the FiberLinX-II features an on-board SNMP agent, it can be installed in either a 3-, 6-, or 20-slotImanaged iMediaChassis, or in a 1- or 2-slot unmanaged MediaChassis. The single-slot MediaChassis is ideal for deploying the FiberLinX-II as a CPE in low density applications, say company representatives.
To accommodate a range of fiber networks, FiberLinX-II supports several fiber types and distances, including 1310-nm singlemode up to 70 km;1550-nm singlemode up to 80 km; and single-strand fiber models that transmit full-duplex data over just one strand of fiber, extending distances up to 60 Km.
FiberLinX-II features end-to-end management of the entire access network via Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). From a central location, network operators are able to receive real-time device and traffic statistics on the remote CPE, allocate bandwidth, turn services on or off, initiate loopback testing, change customer VLAN settings, and adjust QoS policies assigned to different traffic types. In addition, support for the Universal Management Agent (UMA) allows network operators to manage the end-to-end access network with one IP address, instead of monitoring the head-end, fiber infrastructure and the CPE as individual elements.
FiberLinX-II is available immediately through IMC Networks' distribution channel. List pricing starts at $420. Future versions will support RJ-45 copper-to-copper and SFP-to-RJ-45-copper for added flexibility and versatility.
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