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The devices that you connect to the twisted pair ports must operate at 10 Mbps (either fixed or
dual-speed). To connect a switch, hub, or router to one of these ports, you will use a straight-
through cable. Connecting a workstation to a twisted pair port requires a crossover cable.
10Base-FL Fiber Optic Ports. The 10Base-FL fiber optic ports operate at 10Mbps and,
depending on the model, operate with multimode or single-mode fiber optic cabling.
Channel LEDs
Each channel on the media converter has a series of LEDs that can be used to monitor the
status of the ports of the channel. Each twisted pair port has one LED labeled T-LNK that
indicates whether or not a link has been established between the port and the node connected
to the port. Each fiber optic port has two LEDs, one labelled F-LNK that lights when a link has
been established with the node connected to the port and another LED labeled ACTIVE that
lights when the port is receiving traffic.
Duplex Mode
The duplex mode refers to the manner in which a node sends and receives data on the network.
Depending on its capabilities, a node can operate in either half-duplex (HDX) mode or full-
duplex (FDX) mode. A node that is operating in half-duplex mode can either send data or
receive data, but not both at the same time. A node that is operating in full-duplex mode can
send and receive data simultaneously. Naturally, the best network performance is achieved
when a node can operate at full-duplex, since the node is able to both send and receive data at
the same time.
The CTF6/M/12 is transparent to the HDX/FDX modes of the interconnected devices. When
planning an optical network based on the CTF6/12M you have to take care of mainly this issue:
the proper duplex mode of the entire network. As a rule, the entire network should be set to the
same mode, preferably FDX: in this case both throughputs and distances are maximized.
To achieve this, make sure that interconnected devices are FDX capable and properly set.
However if one (or both) interconnected devices are not FDX capable (e.g. repeaters) then all
other devices must be set to HDX. Failing to do so will result in excess collisions.
Note that the maximal span of a network operating at HDX must NOT exceede 2000m!
Optional Redundant Power Supply Slot
The rear panel of the multichannel media converter contains an expansion slot for an optional
S.CON/PS redundant power supply. When installed, the optional power supply shares the load
of powering the unit with the standard power supply that comes with the system. If one power
supply fails, the remaining unit assumes the role of providing all power to the system, thereby
protecting the unit from a system failure. Both power supplies have cooling fans integrated in
them, subsequently the use of a back-up PS increases the internal cooling, lowering the
operating temperature. Eventually a device equipped with 2 power supplies assures a much
higher reliability (MTBF).
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