Transition Networks
M-GE-xSW-SFP-01-xx-UxX Series User Guide
33781 Rev. B
Page 2 of 22
1. Introduction
Transition Networks M/GE-xSW-SFP-01-xx-UxX Series are 10/100/1000Base-T to 100/1000Base-X Mini Gigabit
Ethernet Uni-Directional Media Converters.
Uni-directional communication is often used to safeguard information in secure environments such as
government agencies and military networks. A uni-directional device, sometimes referred to as a uni-directional
security gateway or a data diode, provides a connection between two or more networks with different security
classifications and helps to protect assets by ensuring information is directed only to, or from, the appropriate
network as designated by the directional device.
Uni-directional media converters combine this one-way communications with the benefits of a copper to fiber
media converter. Media converters are generally cost-effective, plug-and-play devices that allow fiber optic
cabling to be connected to copper-based networking equipment. The deployment of fiber adds a layer of security
to networks as it is difficult to tap into fiber and go undetected. If threats are attacking a network, the fiber links
usually go down and network administrators are made aware of the problem, providing them the opportunity to
address a potential breach of security.
Adding uni-directional technology to a media converter creates a physically secure one-way communication
channel between a secure network and an unsecure network. These devices can be used to allow data from a
classified, high-security area to be transmitted to a low-security area, while preventing unsecure data from
reentering the classified network. An alternative application allows a secure network to be updated with data
from an external source while ensuring its critical data is unable to leave the classified area.
Feature Benefits
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Uni-directional data transmissions to, or from, secure networks.
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Simplex communications only requires one strand of fiber cable.
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Applications require a transmit-only converter to be paired with a receive-only converter.
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Converters support dual speed 100/1000Mbps SFP modules offering great flexibility to meet network
requirements.
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Converters use duplex SFP modules but the transmitting converter only uses the TX port on the SFP, while
the RX port is deactivated. Likewise the receiving converter only uses the RX port, while the TX port is
deactivated.
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Secure transmission of data where two-way communication is undesirable.
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Provides a highly reliable, tamper proof converter for uni-directional transmission.
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Allows the transmission of data from a secure area to an unsecure area, while preventing unsecure data
from getting back into the secure area.
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Secured mirroring and recording at off-site location.
Ordering Information
There are six available SKUs with three paired combinations; each pair consists of one Transmit converter and one
Receive converter:
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M/GE-ISW-SFP-01-PD-UTX and -URX
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M/GE-ISW-SFP-01-UTX and -URX
•
M/GE-PSW-SFP-01-UTX and -URX
