Media Converter

[Saber]

I found a "media converter" in a box of junk at work - can anybody give info on what I could use it for? Is it of use to me?

Here are the details:

MC101XL Fast ethernet media converter
Allied Telesyn International
Model: AT-MC101XL

Emissions standards:
CISPR 22 Class A
EN55022 Class A

There is a rj45 port labelled 100Base-TX, two circular ports protruding labelled TX and RX, and collectively labelled 100Base-FX. There are two switches on it:

1. Settings are MDI and MDI-X
2. Settings are NML and LNK TST

Before I bung it in the bin, I'd like to know if I could use it for anything at home.

Cheers,

Saber

Just found another one !!!!

[MacGyver]

What you have there is a box that converts from ethernet to fibre.
http://stores.yahoo.com/4netonline/medconutptof1.html

You could probably sell it on ebay!

[Higg]

... the problem is, that you can't use it til you get another one - or you have to find a device with a 100BaseFX (fibre) port (perhaps a sweet little PC-card... you can possibly go more than a mile with these)

[electroservice]

I just bought 2 of those to put into a car dealership.

Allied is supposed to be the best converters you can buy! (Yes you need 2 on for each side of the fiber).

They have a lifetime warranty on them.

[Saber]

Ok - I found two !!!! Can you point me in the direction of any URL that might give me advise or inspiration. I dont want to bin them if I could use them <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">

Cheer,

Saber

[Higg]

You don't have to know a lot to use them - perhaps a bit more than using a HUB.

Just connect both converter via a MultiMode fibre with ST-connectors (there are more fibre-connectors, be sure to get the right ones) and then you should be able to do a 100Mbps-link from a PC on one side to a PC on the other side. I really don't know if you'll need a crossover cable, but that will be easy to find out (and I don't think so)

Good luck! (sorry, but if you'd be at my side I could give you tons of fibre!)

[Higg]

Oh I'm so dumb... please read the whole article from MacGyvers link...

there's written:
"All the media converters with a UTP connection feature an internal MDI/MDIX switch, allowing the converter to be connected to either a PC, hub or switch with a simple UTP cable"
so it should connect to either port (HUB or PC) by simply turning a switch (or autosensing?)... well you'll find out!

[Saber99]

Thanks for the help - I dont know of a practical use for them in a private LAN in my house, but it doesnt do any harm to learn. I think we have some fibre hiding at work.

Thanks again,

Saber <IMG SRC="smilies/biggrin.gif" border="0">