Operation—Continued
Product features
Congestion reduction
The M/GE-PSW-xX-01 media converters do not forward collision signals or error packets from one collision domain to another, which results in improvements in baseline network performance. In addition, the media converter filters packets destined for local devices, which reduces network congestion.
Auto-Negotiation
The Auto-Negotiation feature is ON permanently for the M/GE-PSW-xX-01 media converters. Auto-Negotiation allows the media converter to configure itself automatically to achieve the best possible mode of operation over a link. It broadcasts speed (10 /100/1000 Mb/s) and duplex capabilities (full or half) to the other device and negotiates the best mode of operation. Auto-Negotiation allows quick and easy installation because the optimal link is established automatically.
In a scenario where an auto-negotiation device is linked to a non-negotiating device, the negotiating device via parallel detection recognizes the speed of the second device then establishes the best operating speed (10/100/100Mbs) at half-duplex.
AutoCross™
The AutoCross feature allows using either straight-through (MDI) or crossover (MDI-X) copper cables when connecting to 10Base-T or 100Base-TX devices. AutoCross determines the characteristics of the connection and automatically configures the device to link up, regardless of the copper cable configuration, MDI or MDI-X.
Link Pass-Through
The Link Pass-Through feature (illustrated below) allows the media converter to monitor both the fiber and copper RX (receive) ports for loss of signal. In the event of an RX signal loss (1), the media converter will automatically disable the TX (transmit) signal (2), thus “passing through” the link loss (3). The far-end device is automatically notified of the link loss (4), which prevents the loss of valuable data unknowingly transmitted over an invalid link.
| | media converter A | | | media converter B | | |
| | disables the fiber TX link | loses the fiber RX link | | |
| Near-End | | Media | | 2 | 3 | | Media | | | Far-End | |
| | | | | | | | |
| Device | 1 | Converter A | | | | | Converter B | 4 | | Device | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| original fault | | | | | | | media converter B |
| | | | |
| on the copper link | | | | disables the copper link |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Note: Both copper and fiber cables must be installed before the LEDs will light.
