GigaBit Media Converter
Configuration Guidelines for Link Fault Signaling (LFS)
Operation
Link Fault Signaling (LFS) circuitry provides visual indication of link
condition on both segments, as well as alerting each end host device when a
remote link (segment) is down. If either segment experiences a link failure,
the good segment port LED will remain lit. BUT, the Link idle signal going
to the next, remaining device on the GOOD segment, is instantly disabled,
turning off its Link LED. The converter detects the loss of link on one
segment and turns off the link signal to the next segment, even though the
second.segment.is.intact ...
The missing link signal alerts the end device(s) that a fault has occurred.
Either end can then establish an alternate connection path, using Spanning
Tree protocol. Once the original fault is corrected, all segment links are re-
established and the Link LEDs function in the normal manner.
All connections between the converter and end devices must be made before a
good end-to-end link can be established. A normal good link on both segments
will be indicated by both link LEDs lit.
At least one end device must provide a link signal to initiate a link across
all segments. If one link segment is broken, the associated link LED will no
longer be lit. The good (unbroken) segment’s link LED will remain lit and the
Link Idle signal to the next segment will turn off.
When the converter loses a link signal from either of the two devices
attached to it, the converter turns off (ceases to forward) the port link signal
to the NEXT segment (device). When the fault is corrected, all links will be
automatically re-established.
