MICROSENS is expanding its Enterprise Access product range of transparent multimode/single mode and single mode/single mode converters by incorporating modules with complete signal regeneration.

Transparent converters enable the coupling of communications equipment such as switches, routers and bridges over long single mode distances in LAN, MAN and WAN environments. The default protocol transparency means that the deployment of such components is not fixed, but is available for the coupling of various applications such as Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, ESCON®, FDDI, ATM and Fibre Channel.

Converters available to date have only supported 2R signal regeneration (reamplification, reshaping). MICROSENS complements this functionality by adding 'retiming' to its product range of multimode/single mode and single mode/single mode converters. The process of complete signal regeneration is usually called '3R' (reamplification, reshaping, retiming) and regenerates the amplitude, the curvature and the timing of the transmitted signal. The deployment of converters with retiming functionality enables the implementation of far longer transmission distances, in particular for data volumes in the Gigabit range, and allows cascading several long-distance converters with sub-segment lengths of up to 70 kilometers (40 miles) each. Otherwise, 3R converters can be deployed wherever poor signal quality requires complete regeneration. This applies to both long distance single mode connections and local multimode lines. This solution enables the operation of Gigabit multimode lines beyond 550 meters (1,800 feet).

Retiming converters support Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet (1.25 Gbit/s) and Fibre Channel (1.0625 Gbit/s) and can therefore be used for coupling pure high-speed data networks as well as in SAN environments (Storage Area Network). The new 3R converter forms part of a wide product range of functionality modules for installation in modular rack systems available from MICROSENS. In addition to single and twin desktop cabinets, 19" racks for the housing of up to 12 modules are also available. If a multiport rack is used, the converter may be combined as required with all other modules of the same series.

The converter can be integrated as an option in existing web-based SNMP management systems. For additional direct monitoring, external alarm systems can be connected via floating relay contacts.