Allied Telesis AT-MC106XL User manual

AT-MC105XL
AT-MC106XL
Fast Ethernet Media Converters
Installation Guide
PN 613-10800-00 Rev B

Copyright 2002 Allied Telesyn, Inc.
960 Stewart Drive Suite B, Sunnyvale CA 94086 USA
All rights reserved. No partof this publication may be reproduced without prior written permission
from Allied Telesyn, Inc.
Ethernet is a registered trademark of Xerox Corporation. All other product names, company names,
logos or other designations mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective owners.
Allied Telesyn, Inc. reserves the right to make changes in specifications and other information
contained in this document without prior written notice. The information provided herein is subject
to change without notice. In no event shall Allied Telesyn, Inc. be liable for any incidental, special,
indirect, or consequential damages whatsoever, including butnot limited tolost profits, arising out of
or related to this manual or the information contained herein, even if Allied Telesyn, Inc. has been
advised of, known, or should have known, the possibility of such damages.

iii
Electrical Safety and Emission Compliance
Statement
Standards: This product meets the following standards.
RFI Emission EN55022 Class B
$ 1
Warning: In a domestic environment this product may cause radio interference in which
case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
$ 2
Immunity EN55024
$ 3
Warning: This product requires shielded cables to comply with emission and immunity
standards. If it is used with unshielded cables, the user may be required to take measures
to correct the interference problem at their own expense.
$ 4
Electrical Safety TUV-EN60950, UL60950 (UL/cUL)
$ 5
U.S. Federal Communications Commission
Declaration Of Conformity
Manufacture Name: Allied Telesyn, Inc.
Manufacture Address: 960 Stewart Drive, Suite B
Sunnyvale, CA 94085 USA
Manufacture Telephone: [phone]
Declares that the product: Ethernet Media Converters
Model Numbers: AT-MC105XL, AT-MC106XL
This product complies with FCC Part 15B, Class B Limits:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) This device must not cause harmful interference, and (2)
this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may
cause undesired operation.
Radiated Energy
Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B
digital device pursuant to Part 15 of FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on. The
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following
measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
- Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
- Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.
- Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Changes and modifications not expressly approved by the manufacturer or registrant
of this equipment can void your authority to operate this equipment under Federal
Communications Commission rules.
Industry Canada
This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-
Causing Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur
le matériel brouilleur du Canada.

Electrical Safety and Emission Compliance Statement
iv
Laser/LED EN60825 $ 6
Important: Appendix B contains translated safety statements for installing this
equipment. When you see the
$ , go to Appendix B for the translated safety statement in
your language.
Wichtig: Anhang B enthält übersetzte Sicherheitshinweise für die Installation dieses
Geräts. Wenn Sie
$ sehen, schlagen Sie in Anhang B den übersetzten Sicherheitshinweis
in Ihrer Sprache nach.
Vigtigt: Tillæg B indeholder oversatte sikkerhedsadvarsler, der vedrører installation af
dette udstyr. Når De ser symbolet
$ , skal De slåop i tillæg B og finde de oversatte
sikkerhedsadvarsler i Deres eget sprog.
Belangrijk: Appendix B bevat vertaalde veiligheidsopmerkingen voor het installeren van
deze apparatuur. Wanneer u de
$ ziet, raadpleeg Appendix B voor vertaalde
veiligheidsinstructies in uw taal.
Important: L'annexe B contient les instructions de sécuritérelatives àl'installation de cet
équipement. Lorsque vous voyez le symbole
$ , reportez-vous àl'annexe B pour consulter
la traduction de ces instructions dans votre langue.
Tärkeää: Liite B sisältää tämän laitteen asentamiseen liittyvät käännetyt turvaohjeet.
Kun näet
$ -symbolin, katso käännettyäturvaohjetta liitteestäB.
Importante: l’Appendice B contiene avvisi di sicurezza tradotti per l’installazione di
questa apparecchiatura. Il simbolo
$ , indica di consultare l’Appendice B per l’avviso di
sicurezza nella propria lingua.
Viktig: Tillegg B inneholder oversatt sikkerhetsinformasjon for installering av dette
utstyret. Når du ser
$ , åpner du til Tillegg B for åfinne den oversatte
sikkerhetsinformasjonen påønsket språk.
Importante: O Anexo B contém advertências de segurança traduzidas para instalar este
equipamento. Quando vir o símbolo
$ , leia a advertência de segurança traduzida no seu
idioma no Anexo B.
Importante: El Apéndice B contiene mensajes de seguridad traducidos para la
instalación de este equipo. Cuando vea el símbolo
$ , vaya al Apéndice B para ver el
mensaje de seguridad traducido a su idioma.
Obs! Bilaga B innehåller översatta säkerhetsmeddelanden avseende installationen av
denna utrustning. När du ser
$ , skall du gåtill Bilaga B för att läsa det översatta
säkerhetsmeddelandet påditt språk.

v
Table of Contents
Electrical Safety and Emission Compliance Statement ......................iii
Welcome to Allied Telesyn .........................................................................vii
Where to Find Related Guides.........................................................................vii
Document Conventions ....................................................................................vii
Contacting Allied Telesyn Technical Support................................................viii
Online Support .........................................................................................viii
Telephone Support ...................................................................................viii
E-mail Support ........................................................................................... ix
Returning Products ........................................................................................... ix
FTP Server......................................................................................................... ix
For Sales or Corporate Information .................................................................. x
Tell Us What You Think .................................................................................... x
Chapter 1
Overview .......................................................................................................... 1
Key Features....................................................................................................... 3
Status LEDs........................................................................................................ 3
External Power Adapter..................................................................................... 4
MDI/MDI-X Switch............................................................................................. 4
NML/LNK TST Switch....................................................................................... 4
Auto-negotiation ................................................................................................. 6
Network Topologies ............................................................................................ 7
Standalone Topology ................................................................................... 7
Back-to-Back Topology................................................................................ 8
Chapter 2
Installing the Media Converter .................................................................. 9
Verifying the Package Contents ........................................................................9
Planning the Installation................................................................................... 9
Selecting a Site .......................................................................................... 10
Reviewing Safety Guidelines.................................................................... 10
Installing the Media Converter ....................................................................... 11
Warranty Registration ..................................................................................... 12
Chapter 3
Troubleshooting ........................................................................................... 13

Table of Contents
vi
Appendix A
Technical Specifications ............................................................................15
Physical .............................................................................................................15
Temperature .....................................................................................................15
Electrical Rating ............................................................................................... 15
Agency Compliance...........................................................................................15
Fiber Optic Port Specifications ........................................................................16
Pinout Assignments..........................................................................................18
Appendix B
Translated Safety and Emission Information .......................................19

vii
This guide contains instructions on how to install the AT-MC105XL and
AT-MC106XL Fast Ethernet Media Converters.
Where to Find Related Guides
The Allied Telesyn web site at www.alliedtelesyn.com offers you an easy
way to access the most recent documentation, software, and technical
information for all of our products. For product guides, select “Support &
Services”from our web site.
Document Conventions
This guide uses several conventions that you should become familiar with
before installing the product.
Note
Notes provide additional information.
Caution
Cautions informs you that performing or omitting a specific action may
result in equipment damage or loss of data.
Warning
Warnings informs you that performing or omitting a specific action may
result in bodily injury.
Welcome to Allied Telesyn

Welcome to Allied Telesyn
viii
Contacting Allied Telesyn Technical Support
You can contact Allied Telesyn technical support online or by telephone or
e-mail.
Online Support
You can request technical support online by accessing the Knowledge Base at
www.kb.alliedtelesyn.com. You can use the Knowledge Base to submit
questions to our technical support staff and review answers to previously
asked questions.
Telephone Support
For technical support by phone, contact Allied Telesyn at one of the following
locations:
Americas
United States, Canada, Mexico,
Central America, South America
Tel: [phone]
Germany
Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Eastern
Europe
Tel: [phone]
Asia
Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia,
Indonesia, Korea, Philippines, China,
India, Hong Kong
Tel: [phone]
Italy
Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Turkey,
Israel
Tel: [phone]
Australia
Tel: [phone]
Japan
Tel: [phone]
France
France, Belgium, Luxembourg,
The Netherlands, Middle East, Africa
Tel: [phone]
United Kingdom
United Kingdom, Denmark, Norway,
Sweden, Finland
Tel: [phone]

AT-MC105XL and AT-MC106XL Installation Guide
ix
E-mail Support
Latin America, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Caribbean, and Virgin Islands
[e-mail]
Europe
[e-mail]
Returning Products
Products for return or repair must first be assigned a Return Materials
Authorization (RMA) number. A product sent to Allied Telesyn without a
RMA number will be returned to the sender at the sender’s expense.
To obtain an RMA number, contact Allied Telesyn’s Technical Support at one
of the following locations:
FTP Server
If you need management software for an Allied Telesyn managed device and
you know the file name of the software, you can download the software by
connecting directly to our FTP server at ftp.alliedtelesyn.com. At login,
enter ‘anonymous’as the user name and your e-mail address for the password.
North America
Toll-free: 1-800-762-1664
Fax: [phone]
Europe, Africa, and the Middle East
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Latin America, the Caribbean, and
Virgin Islands
Tel: international code + 425-481-3852
Fax: international code + 425-481-3895
Puerto Rico
Tel: [phone], ext 3852 or
1-800-424-4284, ext 3852
Mexico
Toll-free: 800-424-5012, ext 3852
Fax: international code + 425-481-3895
Asia and Southeast Asia
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Australia
Toll-free: 1-800-000-880
Fax: [phone]
New Zealand
Toll-free: 0800-45-5782

Welcome to Allied Telesyn
x
For Sales or Corporate Information
You can contact Allied Telesyn for sales or corporate information at the
location listed below:
Allied Telesyn, Inc.
19800 North Creek Parkway, Suite 200
Bothell, WA 98011
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Tell Us What You Think
If you have any comments or suggestions on how we might improve this or
other Allied Telesyn documents, please fill out the General Enquiry Form
online. This form can be accessed by selecting “Contact Us”from
www.alliedtelesyn.com.

1
Chapter 1
Overview
The AT-MC105XL and AT-MC106XL are Fast Ethernet media converters
designed to convert Ethernet data between 100Base-TX twisted pair cabling
and 100Base-SX multimode fiber optic cabling. These media converters allow
you to extend the distance of your network up to 300 meters (984 feet).
The AT-MC105XL and AT-MC106XL media converters have a 100Base-TX
twisted pair port and a 100Base-SX fiber optic port. The twisted pair port has
an RJ-45 connector and a maximum operating distance of 100 meters (328
feet). The fiber optic port has a either a SC or ST connector and a maximum
operating distance of 300 meters (984 feet). Both ports operate at 100 Mbps
and features half- or full-duplex operation.
The AT-MC105XL and AT-MC106XL media converters can be used on a
desktop or in an AT-MCR12 chassis. These units are easy to install and do not
require software configuration or management.
Figure 1 illustrates an AT-MC105XL media converter.
Figure 1 AT-MC105XL Front Panel (ST Connector)
AT-MC105XL FAST ETHERNET MEDIA CONVERTER
NML
LNK TST
100Base-SX 100Base-TX TX RX
MDI MDI-X
REC
LNK
REC
LNK
PWR
NML

Overview
2
Figure 2 illustrates an AT-MC106XL media converter.
Figure 2 AT-MC106XL Front Panel (SC Connector)
Table 1 lists the maximum operating distances for the AT-MC105XL and
AT-MC106XL media converters.
Table 1 Maximum Operating Distances
Model
100Base-TX 100Base-SX1
1. Maximum operating distance may be less depending on the duplex mode of the end-nodes and the type of fiber
optic cabling used with the port.
Connector Maximum
Operating Distance Connector Maximum
Operating Distance
AT-MC105XL RJ-45 100 m (328 ft) ST 300 m (984 ft)
AT-MC106XL RJ-45 100 m (328 ft) SC 300 m (984 ft)
AT-MC106XL FAST ETHERNET MEDIA CONVERTER
NML
LNK TST
100Base-SX 100Base-TX TX RX
MDI MDI-X
REC
LNK
REC
LNK
PWR
NML

AT-MC105XL and AT-MC106XL Installation Guide
3
Key Features
The media converters have the following key features:
❑LEDs for unit and port status
❑Half- or full-duplex mode operation on both ports
❑MissingLinknotifies end-nodes of link failures
❑MDI/MDI-X switch that eliminates the need for a crossover cable
❑NML/LNK TST button that performs a link test on the media
converter
❑External AC/DC power adapters (North America, Continental, or
Europe)
❑Standard size for use on a desktop or in an AT-MCR12 rackmount
chassis
Status LEDs
Table 2 lists the LEDs for the media converters.
Table 2 AT-MC105XL and AT-MC106XL LEDs
LED Color Description
PWR Green Power is applied to the media converter.
NML Green
OFF
The media converter is operating in normal mode.
The media converter is operating in link test mode.
LNK Green
OFF
Blinking
A valid link has been established on the port.
A link has not been detected on the port.
The port is either receiving or transmitting data.
REC Green
OFF
The port is either receiving or transmitting data.
The port is not receiving or transmitting data.

Overview
4
External Power Adapter
An external AC/DC power adapter is provided with the media converter for
use on a desktop. The power adapter supplies 12 V DC to the media converter.
Allied Telesyn supplies an approved safety compliant AC power adapter for
the 120 V AC and 240 V AC versions with an unregulated output of 12 V DC
at 1 A. The power required for the media converter is 12 V DC, 500 mA.
MDI/MDI-X Switch
An RJ-45 port on a 10 Mbps Ethernet network device can have one of two
possible wiring configurations: MDI or MDI-X. The RJ-45 port on a PC, router
or bridge is typically wired as MDI, while the twisted pair port on a switch or
hub is usually MDI-X.
To connect two 10 Mbps network devices together that have dissimilar port
wiring configurations, such as MDI to MDI-X, you use a straight-through
cable. To connect two network devices that have an RJ-45 port with the same
wiring configuration, such as MDI to MDI, you use a crossover cable.
The RJ-45 port on the media converters features an MDI/MDI-X switch. You
can use this switch to configure the twisted pair port on the media converter
as either MDI or MDI-X. This feature allows you to use either a straight-
through or crossover cable when connecting a device to the port.
NML/LNK TST Switch
The NML/LNK TST (Normal MissingLink/Link Test) button allows you to
perform a link test on the ports on the media converter. This button also
allows you to activate the MissingLink feature on the unit. The MissingLink
and Link Test features are describe below.
MissingLink. The MissingLink feature allows the ports on the media converter
to pass the “Link”status of their connections to each other. When the media
converter detects a problem with one of the ports, such as the loss of
connection to a node, the media converter shuts down the connection to the
other port, thus notifying the node that the connection has been lost.
For example, if the twisted pair cable to the AT-MC105XL were to fail, the
media converter would respond by dropping the link on the fiber optic port. In
this way, the AT-MC105XL notifies the end-node connected to the fiber optic
port that the connection on the twisted pair port has been lost. If the failure
had started with the fiber optic cabling, the media converter would drop the
link to the twisted pair port.

AT-MC105XL and AT-MC106XL Installation Guide
5
The value to this type of network monitoring and fault notification is that
some hubs and switches can be configured to take a specific action in the event
of the loss of connection on a port. In some cases, the unit can be configured to
seek a redundant path to a disconnected end-node or send out a trap to a
network management station, and so alert the network administrator of the
problem.
Note
The MissingLink feature is disabled when you perform a link test with
the NML/LNK TST button. Consequently, to ensure that the
MissingLink feature is activated on the media converter, always set the
button to the NML (IN) position during normal network operations.
Link Test. A link test is a fast and easy way for you to test the connections
between the ports on the media converter and the end-nodes that are
connected to the ports. If a network problem occurs, you can perform a link
test to determine which port is experiencing a problem, and so be able to focus
on the cable and end-node where the problem resides.
A link test is performed when the NML/LNK TST button is in the LNK TST
(OUT) position.
Note
Performing a link test does not interfere with a media converter’s ability
to pass network traffic.

Overview
6
Auto-negotiation
Auto-negotiation determines the duplex mode of the ports. The duplex mode
refers to the manner in which an end-node sends and receives data on the
network. An end-node can operate in either half- or full-duplex mode,
depending on its capabilities. An end-node operating in half-duplex can either
send or receive data, but not both at the same time, while an end-node
operating in full-duplex can send and receive data simultaneously. Best
network performance is achieved when an end-node can operate in full-duplex
mode.
The AT-MC105XL and AT-MC106XL media converters can operate in either
full- or half-duplex mode. However, the end-nodes connected to these media
converters must operate in the same duplex mode to avoid a duplex mode
mismatch, which can result in poor network performance.
Figure 3 shows an example of a duplex mode mismatch. A repeater (Unit 1),
capable of operating in half-duplex mode only, is connected to the 100Base-SX
port on the media converter, while a switch (Unit 2), capable of either half- or
full-duplex mode, is connected to the 100Base-TX port on the media converter.
Figure 3 Example of a Duplex Mode Mismatch
In attempting to auto-negotiate with Unit 1, the media converter will
determine that the repeater is capable of half-duplex only and will set the port
connected to the unit appropriately. In auto-negotiating with Unit 2, the
media converter will determine that the switch can manage full-duplex and
will set the port connected to the switch to full-duplex. The result is a duplex
mode mismatch, with one unit operating in half-duplex and the other unit
operating in full-duplex. You could resolve this duplex mode mismatch by
manually configuring Unit 2, if possible, so that the port connected to the
media converter is set to half-duplex.
Unit 1 Unit 2
100Base-TX Repeater Media Converter 100Base-TX Switch

AT-MC105XL and AT-MC106XL Installation Guide
7
Network Topologies
The AT-MC105XL and AT-MC106XL media converters can be used in two
different topologies: standalone and back-to-back. Both types of topologies are
described below.
Standalone Topology
A standalone topology uses one media converter between the end-nodes.
Figure 4 illustrates a standalone topology that uses an AT-MC105XL media
converter to connect a workstation and a switch.
Figure 4 Standalone Topology
AT-8224XL Switch
Workstation
Fiber Optic
Twisted Pair
AT-MC105XL
100 m (328 ft)
300 m (984 ft)

Overview
8
Back-to-Back Topology
In some network configurations you may want to interconnect two media
converters in what is referred to as a back-to-back topology. In this topology,
the media converters not only extend the distance of your network but also
convert the fiber optic cable from twisted pair to fiber optic and back again.
Figure 5 illustrates two AT-8224XL switches at different campuses
interconnected by two AT-MC106XL media converters. The 100Base-TX ports
on the media converters are connected to one 10/100Base-TX port on each
switch, while the 100Base-SX ports on the media converters are directly
connected together.
Figure 5 Back-to-Back Topology
AT-8224XL Switch
AT-8224XL Switch
AT-MC106XL AT-MC106XL
Fiber Optic
Twisted Pair
300 m (984 ft) 100 m (328 ft)
100 m (328 ft)

9
Chapter 2
Installing the Media Converter
Verifying the Package Contents
Make sure the following items are included in your package. If any item is
missing or damaged, contact your Allied Telesyn sales representative for
assistance.
❑One AT-MC105XL or AT-MC106XL Fast Ethernet Media Converter
❑Four protective feet (for desktop use only)
❑External power adapter
❑This installation guide
❑Warranty card
Planning the Installation
Be sure to observe the following guidelines when planning the installation of
your media converter.
❑The end-nodes connected to the ports on the media converter must be
able to operate at 100 Mbps and half- or full-duplex mode.
❑The twisted pair port cabling must be kept away from sources of
electrical noise, such as radios, transmitters, power lines, broadband
amplifiers electrical motors, and fluorescent fixtures.
❑Refer to the following tables for the cabling specifications for the
100Base-TX and 100Base-SX ports.
Table 3 100Base-TX Twisted Pair Port Cabling Specifications
Operating Mode Twisted Pair Cable Maximum Operating
Distance
100Base-TX Shielded Category 5 or better 100 m (328 ft)

Installing the Media Converter
10
Table 4 100Base-SX Fiber Optic Port Cabling Specifications (Full-duplex)
Note
For additional fiber optic port specifications, refer to “Fiber Optic Port
Specifications”on page 16.
Selecting a Site
Be sure to observe the following requirements when choosing a site for your
switch.
❑Select a site that is dust-free and moisture-free.
❑Be sure that the site will allow you to easily access the fiber optic and
twisted pair cables and the power cord.
❑Use a dedicated power circuit or a power conditioner to supply reliable
power to the device.
Reviewing Safety Guidelines
Please review the following safety guidelines before installing the media
converter.
Warning
This is a “Class 1 LED product”. $7
Warning
Electrical Shock Hazard: To prevent electrical shock, do not remove
the cover. There are no user-serviceable parts inside. The unit contains
hazardous voltages and should only be opened by a trained and
qualified technician. $8
Model Fiber Optic Cable Maximum Operating
Distance
MaximumAllowableLoss
Budget
AT-MC105XL
and
AT-MC106XL
50/125 or 62.5/125
micron multimode 300 m (984 ft) 1.5 dB at 850 nm