June 18, 2008 -- At NXTcomm, Omnitron Systems Technology introduced its iConverter xFF fiber-to-fiber media converter. The protocol-transparent and data-rate independent device is designed to boost Ethernet and TDM networks by providing conversion between different wavelengths over multimode and single-mode dual and single fiber links.
According to Omnitron, 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.
A popular way to increase the bandwidth to existing fiber-optic lines is by using Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM). 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 (multiplexed) on the source end and separated (de-multiplexed 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 of the WDM technology, the xFF is capable of creating two, bi-directional 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 application 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 Gbit/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 single-mode 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; one simply connects the fiber cables to the appropriate interface and the installation is complete.