Omnitron Systems Technology Inc.'s iConverter is designed to create robut fiber-to-copper conversions as well as convert various Ethernet types to create a robust optic LAN or WAN.

by Wayne Kawamoto [August 27, 2001]

Omnitron Systems Technology Inc., a manufacturer of fiber media converters for enterprise and metropolitan networking, is shipping its iConverter managed media converter product line. With its SNMP-based NetOutlook network management software, fault-tolerance, and physical layer remote fault detection and monitoring features, the iConverter product family should provide a robust fiber transport tool to support enterprise LAN and Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) applications.

In its first release, the iConverter line includes a 19-unit, a 2-unit, or a 1-unit chassis, fiber to copper and multimode to single-mode fiber converters for Gigabit Ethernet, Fast (100 Mbps) Ethernet, 10/100 Ethernet, Standard Ethernet (10 Mbps), and ATM OC-3 and OC-12.

Utilizing the iConverter configuration options, an ISP may use the different chassis types to optimize network design. According to the company, the 19-unit 2-U (3.5-inch) high, triple-power-redundant managed chassis provides the most density in the smallest form factor for the data center or central office (CO) where rack space is at a premium.

The 2-unit managed chassis provides the network's edge or customer premises (CP) with a managed connectivity solution. The 1-unit unmanaged converter chassis provides connectivity where management is not required or when cost is critical.

AC and DC power options are designed to make the iConverter versatile in commercial enterprise systems as well as in central office applications where DC power is often the standard. The 19-unit chassis with three hot swappable (triple-redundant) power supplies is designed to simultaneously use AC and DC power—thus providing flexibility and reliability.

The iConverter line supports In-Band or Out-of-Band network management, through NetOutlook, Omnitron's network management software. The In-Band management feature allows service providers to diagnose technical issues without making unnecessary customer premise service calls. The Out-of-Band management feature provides an option for a secondary secure and intruder-free managed network.

The NetOutlook SNMP management software provides the network manager with the power to monitor and configure the iConverter as well as the ability to monitor and trigger alarms on different network events, thus providing real-time monitoring of the network and triggering intervention as needed.

"The combination of the Link connectivity options, network management options, power features and form factor of the iConverter make it the most advanced in its class," said Steve Mood, Omnitron's vice president of engineering. "With its physical layer linking options and remote-fault-detection, the iConverter is easy to install and makes managing both the central office and remote customer premises simple. At the central office or the data center, the iConverter's triple-power-redundancy and In-Band management offers a service provider or end-user with an extremely reliable solution for their mission critical fiber network."

The NetOutlook software can be used stand-alone under Windows 9x/NT/2000 or integrated with other applications such as HP Openview under Windows 9x/NT/2000, Sun Solaris, HP-UX or IBM-AIX.

The iConverter product family is available with ST, SC, MT-RJ, LC and Opti-Jack (FJ) fiber connector types.

A single IP address should link and manage up to 16 19-Unit Chassis. All three chassis options allow hot swapping of the iConverter modules.

Availability and pricing
Available now, iConverter products carry a lifetime warranty and free 24/7 technical support.

Pricing is based on chassis options, power supplies, and other features.

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