JUNE 17, 2008 -- Omnitron Systems Technology (search for Omnitron) a provider of Carrier Ethernet (search for Carrier Ethernet) demarcation devices and media converters, has announced the availability of the new iConverter xFF fiber-to-fiber media converter. The iConverter xFF is a protocol-transparent and data-rate independent media converter designed to simplify fiber-to-fiber conversion for Ethernet and TDM networks by providing conversion between different wavelengths, multimode and singlemode, dual- and single-fiber.
As the demand for network bandwidth and new services grows, service providers and enterprise network managers are compelled to expand bandwidth of existing fiber infrastructure and restructure their networks for use with new technologies while preserving their investment in existing equipment. WDM technology allows independent and simultaneous data streams to be transmitted using different wavelengths, or colors of light, over a single fiber-optic line. These wavelengths are combined on the source end and separated (demultiplexed via color filters) at the destination end. The iConverter xFF provides the translation between different wavelengths, enabling new and existing network equipment to utilize the WDM infrastructure and eliminating the need to install additional fiber lines.
In a simple variation on WDM technology, the xFF is capable of creating two, bidirectional, single-fiber lines from a traditional dual fiber. This doubles the data capacity, serving two customers in the place of one or providing line protection redundancy for critical applications where only unprotected service was available.
The iConverter xFF uses small form pluggable (SFP) fiber-optic transceivers that provide amplification and easy conversion between different wavelengths and fiber types. The xFF's SFPs support data rates of 1 Mbit/sec to 1.25 Gbits/sec, covering the T1/E1, T3/E3, Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, OC-3 and OC-12 SONET/SDH protocols. The xFF can extend fiber distances up to 140 km on singlemode or 5 km on multimode fiber, and CWDM SFPs extend distances up to 150 km. There is no manual configuration required with the plug-and-play iConverter xFF. The fiber cables simply connect to the appropriate interface and the installation is complete.
The iConverter xFF is part of the iConverter portfolio that consists of modular media converters and chassis family that provide a variety of configurations for high-density and standalone applications. iConverters can be used in managed or unmanaged networks. The converter modules including the xFF can be managed by installing a network management nodule in the same chassis, and the SNMP management can be accessed via Omnitron's NetOutlook network management software, third-party SNMP software, or Telnet.