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3.0 Operation
This section describes the operation of the Media Converters including power supply requirements,
up-link switch functionality, and a description of all LEDs.
3.1 Power requirements
Both Media Converters require 5 watts of power and are designed to be used with an external power
supply. Both units are supplied with 230Vac, 50Hz mains adaptor with an integral 3 pin mains plug
and a lightweight DC power cord to plug in to the power jack on the Media Converter.
3.2 Front panel LEDs
LED
Description
PWR
Illuminates GREEN to indicate the unit is receiving DC power.
LINK
(RJ45 port) Illuminates GREEN, to indicate proper connectivity on the 100BASE-TX network
segment. LINK will turn off in the event of connectivity being lost between the ends of the
twisted pair segment or a loss of power occurs in the unit or remote device.
LINK
(Fibre port) Illuminates GREEN, to indicate proper connectivity on the 100BASE-FX network
segment. LINK will turn off in the event connectivity is lost between the ends of the fibre
segment or a loss of power occurs in the unit or remote device.
3.3 Up-link switch (on TX port)
RS Media Converters are equipped with an up-link slide switch to accommodate repeater-to-
converter connections without a special cross-over cable.
When set to the UP position (=), the Media Converter is wired for normal twisted pair connection to
a user device. When set to the DOWN position (X), the Media Converter is wired with cross-over
functionality for direct up-link to a network hub or connector.
4.0 Troubleshooting
Important: RS
Media converters contain no user serviceable parts. Attempted service by
unauthorised personnel shall render any and all warranties null and void.
Should problems develop during installation or operation, this section should help to locate, identify
and correct such problems. Please follow the suggestions listed below prior to contacting
RS
.
However, if you are unsure of any procedure described in this section, or if the Media Converter is
not operating as expected, do not attempt to repair or alter the unit. Contact
RS
Technical Helpline
for assistance.
Before calling for assistance, observe the following steps
1.
If difficulty is encountered when installing or operating the Media Converter, refer back to
section 2.0, Installation and section 3.0, operation. Check to make sure that the various
components of the network are operable.
2.
Check the cables and connectors to ensure that they have been properly connected, and the
cables/wires have not been crimped or in some way impaired during installation.
3.
Make sure that the external DC power supply is properly attached to the unit, and that it is
plugged into a functioning electrical outlet. Use the PWR LEDs to verify the unit is receiving
proper power.
4.
If the problem is isolated to a network device other than the Media Converter, it is
recommended that the problem device be replaced with a known good device. Verify whether
or not the problem is corrected. If not, go to Step 5 below. If the problem is corrected, the Media
Converter and its associated cables are functioning properly.
5.
If the problem continues after completing Step 4 above, contact the RS Technical Helpline on Tel:
01536 402888 or Fax: 01536 401588
5.0 Technical specification
Performance:
Data rate: 100Mbps Half-or full-duplex, auto-sensing 800ms (80 bit times) Path Delay
Value (PDV) for conversion delay.
Network standards:
Fast Ethernet IEEE 802.3u: 100BASE-TX, 100BASE-FX
(
RS
Media Converters are physical layer standard Fast Ethernet products, and operate
independently of all software).
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RS
Media Converters are designed for quick and easy installation even in very tight spaces. Media
cables are easily attached to the corresponding Media Converter. Because of their compact size, the
units can be velcro® mounted on an office wall or the side of a desk or cabinet. The external power
supply plugs into a nearby AC wall socket. Each converter features an up-link switch on the TX port
to eliminate the need for special cross-over cable when connecting the TX port to a hub or
concentrator and a full set of LEDs that convey essential diagnostic and status information. See
section 3.2, LED indicators, for specific LED function information.
RS
Media Converters are designed to provide low-temperature operation over an extended period
to make them some of the most reliable in the industry. Their high-strength fabricated metal
packaging shield against Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) and Electromagnetic Interference
(EMI) avoiding interference with other nearby electronic devices.
Both models comply with the IEEE 802.3U 100BASE-TX and 100BASE-FX specification for 100
Mb/sec traffic via shielded (STP) or unshielded twisted pair (UTP) segments.
Model FMC-ST is equipped with one fibre-ST and one RJ-45 connector for connection to 100BASE-
FX compliant network segments.
Model FMC-SC is equipped with one fibre-SC and one RJ-45 connector for connection to 100BASE-
FX compliant networks.
1.3 Features and benefits
●
Reduces network costs
RS Media Converters offer the ideal solution to quickly and inexpensively connect Twisted Pair
with fibre segments.
●
Full-duplex or half-duplex operation, auto sensing
Each unit can be used in full-duplex fibre segments for distances up to 2Km for the multi-mode
model and up to 15Km for the single mode model.
●
Small, compact, lightweight design
Featuring a compact and lightweight metal case with an external power supply, the units can be
conveniently installed in minimal space on table-tops or wall-mounted.
●
Full complement of LEDs
Each Media Converter model is equipped with a full complement of LEDs to provide network
link status on each port separately, and to indicate power on the unit.
●
Highly reliable and dependable
RS
Media Converters are based on a robust design and are packaged in a metal enclosures to
ensure high reliability and durability.
1.4 Applications
The primary function of a Media Converter is to permit two different media types to coexist within
the same network by allowing data to be transmitted and received between different media types.
Media Converters are typically used where new 100Mbps switching hubs with RJ-45 ports are being
installed, and where full-duplex fibre segments (of up to 2Km for multi-mode or 15Km for single
mode) are needed to interconnect them with other 100Mbps switching hubs in distant wiring closets.
100 Mbps
LINK
PWR
LINK
100 Mbps
LINK
PWR
LINK
Twisted pair
(100BASE-TX)
Twisted pair
(10BASE-T)
Fibre optic
10BASE-FL
and FOIRL)
FMC-ST integrates 100BASE-TX and FX networks, with fibre ST connectors
FMC-SC integrates 100BASE-TX and FX networks, with fibre SC connectors
Fibre multimode
(100BASE-FX)
(ST-type)
