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CHAPTER 2: Introduction
The Fiber Optic Converters pass data transmissions between the two standard
types of optical fiber. Transmission lines used to carry fiberoptic signals over
short distances are constructed of a relatively thick fiber called “multimode
(graded index).” A much thinner fiber, “single-mode (graded index),” is used
for transmitting light signals over longer distances. Signal dispersion observed
in multimode fibers is substantially greater than that in single-mode lines
because the size of the fiber and the properties of the light source used.
With a Fiber Optic Converter, you can connect multimode devices such as
RS-232 multiplexors or LAN, ATM (SDH), SONET, or ESCON networks to
the single-mode lines typical of Post, Telephone, and Telegraph companies
(PTTs). This enables these devices to communicate over much greater
distances than those achievable with multimode lines alone.
The Converter module that converts incoming transmissions is entirely
separate from the module performing conversion of outbound signals.
This feature makes the Converters suitable for all applications requiring
unidirectional or bidirectional half-duplex data transmission. You can use
a pair of Converters to connect two devices that have multimode interfaces
across a single-mode line, as shown in Figure 2-1 below, or use one Converter
to connect a multimode device to single-mode equipment, as shown in
Figure 2-2 on the next page.
2. Introduction
FDDI
FDDI
TOKEN RING
TOKEN RING
FMC-101
FMC-101
FMC-100
FMC-101
FMC-101
FMC-101
1300 nm
850 nm
850 nm
PTT
SINGLE MODE
1300 nm
ETHERNET
ETHERNET
Figure 2-1. Applications using pairs of Fiber Optic Converters.
FOC
FOC
FOC
FOC
FOC
FOC
