iConverter
®
2GXT
Standalone Module User Manual
Product Overview
The iConverter 2GXT is a standalone, unmanaged media converter with two 10/100/1000 RJ-45
copper ports and two Small Form Pluggable (SFP) fiber ports. The 2GXT can be deployed as a dual-
channel media converter that provides two independent copper-to-fiber converters in one compact
module, or deployed as a four-port switch with dual fiber ports that can be configured to provide 1:1
uplink protection with less than 50ms switchover.
The 2GXT supports both 100BASE-X and 1000BASE-X SFPs to provide flexible connectivity to Fast
Ethernet or Gigabit networks.
Installation Procedure
1) Configure DIP-switches
2) Install Standalone Module and Connect Cables
3) Verify Operation
1) CONFIGURE DIP-SWITCHES
DIP-SWITCH BANK 1
The location of the DIP-switches is shown in Figure 1. The functions of DIP-switch Bank 1 are
outlined in Figure 2.
Figure 1: DIP-switch Locations
Switch
Function
DOWN (Default)
UP
SW3
Operational Modes
See Figure 3
SW4
SW5
Pause
Off
On
SW6
Link Propagate Fiber to Copper
Link Segment
Link Propagate Fiber to Copper
P1 to P3 and P2 to P4
SW7
Link Propagate Copper to Fiber
Link Segment
Link Propagate Copper to Fiber
P3 to P1 and P4 to P2
SW8
L2CP Forward
Off (Discard)
On (Forward)
Figure 2: DIP-switch BANK 1 Definitions
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SW3
SW4
Mode
Down
Down
4-Port Switch Mode
Down
Up
Dual Media Converter Mode
Up
Down
Switch with Redundant Fiber Mode - no return to Port 1
Up
Up
Switch with Redundant Fiber Mode - return to Port 1
Figure 3: Operational Modes
SW3 and SW4: Operational Modes
4-Port Switch Mode
When SW3 and SW4 are in the default DOWN position, the module operates as a 4-Port Layer 2
Ethernet switch.
Dual Media Converter Mode
When SW3 is in the DOWN position and SW4 is in the UP position, the module operates as two
separate and independent copper-to-fiber media converters, with P1 and P3 as one media converter,
and P2 and P4 as the other media converter.
Redundant Fiber Mode
When SW3 is in the UP position, the module operates as a 4-Port Layer 2 Ethernet switch with the fiber
ports configured as redundant links. When configured for link redundancy, the module will transmit
and receive traffic on the primary port (Port 1) and no traffic on the backup port (Port 2). When a
fiber failure occurs on the primary port, the device will switch over to the backup port within 50msec.
When SW4 is in the DOWN position, the module will remain on the backup port (Port 2) even when a
stable connection has been established on Port 1. When SW4 is in the UP position, the module will
switch back to the primary port (Port 1) once a stable connection has been established.
SW5: Pause
The Pause DIP-switch sets the flow control functionality for all ports on the module, including pause
mode advertisement, pause functionality, and half duplex back pressure. When the DIP-switch is in
the Pause UP position, flow control functionality is enabled. When this DIP-switch is in the Pause
DOWN position (factory default), flow control functionality is disabled.
If Pause is enabled and the port is in half duplex, then half duplex flow control is enabled. When a port
is in half duplex flow control it generates a back pressure signal when internal buffer resources are low.
If Pause is enabled and the port is in full duplex, then full duplex flow control is enabled. When a port
is in full duplex flow control and internal buffering resources are low, a pause frame is generated to
slow down the traffic flow to the port.
SW6 and SW7: Link Modes
These DIP-switches configure the link mode settings. It is recommended to have link modes DOWN
position (default) during the initial installation. After the circuit has been tested and operational,
configure the module for the desired mode. Link Modes are only valid when the module is operating
in the Dual Media Converter mode.
Link Segment
In Link Segment mode, all ports operate independently. A loss of a receive link signal will only affect
the port detecting the loss of signal. All the other ports will continue to generate a link signal.
Link Propagate
In Link Propagate mode, faults are propagated based on the port notation. Port 1 to Port 3 notation
indicates the direction the loss of link signal will propagate. A loss of receive link on Port 1 causes
Port 3 to drop its link due to the propagated state (Port 1 to Port 3).
SW8: L2CP Forward
When this DIP-switch is in the default Down position, the module will discard all L2CP frames. When
the DIP-switch is in the Up position, the module will forward all L2CP frames.
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