Black Box MEG101AE-R4 User manual

Manual of VDSL2 Mini MEG101AE-R4 Page #1
http://www.black-box.eu
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Manual
MEG101AE-R4
VDSL2 Mini Modem

Manual of VDSL2 Mini MEG101AE-R4 Page #2
http://www.black-box.eu
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Dear customer,
thanks for purchasing MEG101AE-R , the new release of our successful MEG101 series.
Please be noted that the Release is different from previous releases. Therefore this one
is not compatible with older releases and not to be used with the older aggregation
switches MEG801 series.
Our years of experience in xDSL technology made this product better and more intuitive
then other previous xDSL devices from Black Box. The DIP switches are described in a
way that makes it easier for you. The maximum bandwidth is now 100Mbps while the
latency is lower.
Anyway, as time changes, things are changed. The Release does no longer have the
telephony port for transmitting analogue telephony in parallel. Therefore you now get 2
LAN Ports.
If you wish to transmit analogue telephony (or S2M/E1 or ISDN) please contact Black Box.
There are ways and devices available to transmit any telephony connection on a working
low latency Ethernet Network connection.
For any questions, please feel free to contact your nearest Black Box office. Visit
www.black-box.eu for a list of countries and offices and phone numbers and addresses.

Manual of VDSL2 Mini MEG101AE-R4 Page #3
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Warranty
MEG101AE-R is sold with a standard warranty of 12 months. Your local dealer or near
Black Box office may have agreed with you to a longer warranty period.
Warranty does not include:
o Using any other power or power supplies then the original included power supplies
o Opening the device
o Changing the device
o Placing screws or nails with or in or through the device
o Damages by surge or overpower
o Damages by heat, water or direct sunshine
If you experience any error or problem, please be sure, Black Box will care for you and the
problem. Please contact your local dealer or nearest Black Box office for support. If you
are told to send the device for RMA and repair, ALWAYS ship the whole device with power
supplies.
Spare power supply for MEG101AE-R is Black Box Partnumber KVT127E-PS-R2
Sa ety warnings
o DO NOT open the device. Opening or removing covers can expose you to
dangerous high voltage points or other risks. ONLY qualified service personnel can
service the device.
o Place connecting cables carefully so that no one will step on them or stumble over
them. DO NOT allow anything to rest on the power cord and do NOT locate the
product where anyone can work on the power cord.
o DO NOT install nor use your device during a thunderstorm.
There may be a remote risk of electric shock from lightning.
o DO NOT expose your device to dampness, dust or corrosive liquids.
o DO NOT use this product near water, for example, in a wet basement or near a
swimming pool.
o DO NOT obstruct the device ventilation slots or staple the units,
as insufficient air flow may harm your device.
o DO NOT place items on the device.
o DO NOT use the device for outdoor applications, and make sure all the
connections are indoors or have waterproof protection place.
o Keep the device and all its parts and accessories out of children’s reach.
o Clean the device using a soft and dry cloth rather than liquid or atomizers.
Power off the equipment before cleaning it.

Manual of VDSL2 Mini MEG101AE-R4 Page #4
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MEG101AE-R4 Setup Steps
MEG101AE-R is a Point to Point Ethernet bridge using simple telephony wires as a
media. MEG101AE-R offers you two LAN 10/100 Mbps Ports. Therefore MEG101AE-R
is a fully switched L2 device.
To get started, unpack the device. Only use the included power supply. Do not mix this
power supply up with power supplies from older MEG101 releases. Followed by
unpacking these are your steps to get the line up and running:
a.) Configure one device to be installed on side A to be the Transmitter (TM)
Set DIP Switch #1 (Mode) to ON.
b.) Configure one device to be installed on side B to be the Receiver (RCV)
Set DIP Switch #1 (Mode) to OFF.
c.) Leave the other DIP Switches #2 to # in factory default (OFF-OFF-OFF)
c.) Connect your 2 wire route to the LINE Port by either using the RJ11 (middle pins) or
the terminal block.
d.) Connect the power supplies and wait for the LINE LED to light up.
Maybe you experience one or the other of the following:
1.) If you experience that the line is unstable (LINE LED is on for some minutes, then
again off for some seconds, then again on etc…), change DIP Switch #3 (SNRM)
to ON. Therefore you need to repower both units.
2.) If you experience Network dropouts, change DIP Switch # (Interleave) to ON.
Therefore you need to repower both units.
3.) If you experience interferences or bad audio quality on nearby telephony
transmissions, change DIP Switch #2 (Band) to ON. Therefore you need to
repower both units.
The maximum bandwidth of MEG101AE-R is 100Mbps symmetrical up to a cable length
of 300- 00m. How many meters exactly mainly depends on your wire diameter, quality,
number of interconnects and more.
The maximum cable length of MEG101AE-R is up to 3000m (good and thick cables). But
for longer cables (>300- 00m) the bandwidth is lower and asymmetrical. See page 13 for
a performance/reach table.
Avoid using telephony RJ11 ribbon cables. These cables are built with using very
low diameter stranded cables. Using them will mean that bandwidth is lower and
reach is shorter!

Manual of VDSL2 Mini MEG101AE-R4 Page #5
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What does Interleave mean?
This feature is used to protect the transmission and the stability of the connection against
crosstalk issues. Crosstalk is coming from signals on other cables. With the Interleave
feature your connection and transmission is getting more reliable.
Without Interleave through noise caused by crosstalk you may loose a certain amount of
data. This leads to a re-request of data, which slows down your overall bit rate and net
bandwidth. With a lot of lost data packets you may also loose synchronization between
transmitter and receiver.
Interleaving is a method of taking data packets, chopping them up into smaller bits and
then rearranging them so that once contiguous data is row spaced further apart into a non
contiguous stream. Data packets are re-assembled into the right order of data by the
receiver.
If your line is particularly susceptible to bursts of noise then interleaving should improve
your VDSL experience. Noise on the line caused by crosstalk will not damage a complete
block of data, but parts of data blocks, which can be re-assembled by CRC.
Note: Higher interleave means higher latency.

Manual of VDSL2 Mini MEG101AE-R4 Page #6
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What does SNRM mean?
This means the Signal to Noise ratio. Any xDSL device puts a signal on a cable which
degrades with every meter and kilometre of cable. The degradation comes from noise
produced by other signals on nearby cables, by high power devices (elevators), by
smartphones (EMI) and other wireless devices.
At the end the signal of the xDSL device has a certain strength in comparison to the noise.
You can compare this with two people talking being in an empty room talking (no noise) or
two people talking in a disco (high noise).
Many xDSL devices adopt themselves in term of bandwidth and modulation. The better
the signal in comparison to the noise comes through, the higher the bandwidth can be.
Setting the MEG101AE-R to a higher SNRM of 9db means that the modem will
synchronize the line with a spare of 9db budget. If you experience high EMI at your
installation a higher spare budget means more stability but less bandwidth.
What does DIP Switch #2 do?
The factory default setting is to have DIP Switch #2 to OFF position. This is good for
long/bad cables (and for short/good cables too). A different frequency spectrum is used
whether you have DIP Switch #2 to ON or OFF position.
DIP Switch #2 ON for short/good cables 500kHz to 30MHz
DIP Switch #2 OFF for long/bad cables 25kHz to 30MHz
In mode “for long/bad cables” the modem completely autodetects cable length. The
complete frequency spectrum can be used. In mode “for short/good cables” just a part of
the frequency spectrum is used. That mode also allows maximum bandwidth, but the
frequencies from ISDN/telephony nearby cables are not touched and used. That reduces
EMI interferences.

Manual of VDSL2 Mini MEG101AE-R4 Page #7
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VDSL Switch / Aggregation device?
MEG101AE-R works together with the VDSL2 Switch MEG821AE.
Using these makes this system an ideal solution for delivering cost-effective,
high-performance broadband/multimedia services to Multi-Dwelling Units (MDU) and
Multi-Tenant Units (MTU) environments such as hotels, campus, hospitals and telecom.
The switches provide an RS-232 Console Interface for configuring your VDSL system.
You need a serial crosscable and a Terminal program to use the serial port with 9600bps
8N1. The default login of the VDSL Quadband Switches is admin (Username) and 123
(Password). The Quadband switches provide Webbased Management and full SNMP.
For a fully functional VDSL system using the VDSL2 Switches you need to configure
MEG101AE-R to be Receiver only.
What else is available?
There is also an industrial version MEG250AE available. MEG250AE has an IP30
chassis, LAN Ports 10/100 and an extended temperature range. MEG250AE is for
DIN-Rail mounting and for DC powering from 12 to 8V DC. MEG250AE also has an
alarm relay contact.

Manual of VDSL2 Mini MEG101AE-R4 Page #8
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Installing the Modem MEG101AE-R4
Hardware Installation
MEG101AE-R can be used for any indoor, dry and well temperatured environment.
Watch out to not exceed the temperature range. This may also be possible by stapling the
MEG101AE-R which is not allowed and should not be considered.
The Modem should be located in a cool dry place, with at least 10cm/ in of space
at the front and back for ventilation.
Place the Modem out of direct sunlight, and away from heat sources or areas with
a high amount of electromagnetic interference.
Check if network cables and connectors needed for installation are available
Avoid to use any telephony ribbon cables.
Avoid to use any low diameter cables.
Recommended is at least AWG26, better AWG2 .
MEG101AE-R is not capable of doing PoE PSE or PD. You may connect PoE
devices, but they will not be powered.
Read page for setup steps.
Front Panel Description:
The front panel shows from left to right:
LAN1/LAN2 Port Network Ports 10/100Mbps, RJ 5, Autonegotation
LAN1/LAN2 LED Off if no link, On if link and flashing while transferring data
LINE LED Off if no link, On if linked, Flashing slowly if just
synchronizing, flashing fast if transferring data.
LINE Port 2 Wire VDSL2 Connection. Use either RJ11 (middle pins) or
Terminal Block, never both. You can use RJ11 on
Transmitter and Terminal Block on Receiver side
PWR LED Off if unpowered, On if powered
TM LED On if running in Transmitter mode
RCV LED On if running in Receiver mode

Manual of VDSL2 Mini MEG101AE-R4 Page #
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Rear Panel Description:
The rear panel shows from left to right:
Ground Clip Connect to ground/earth. The surge protection inside
MEG101AE-R can only work with a proper ground
connection on both sides.
DIP Switches No. Function ON OFF
#1: Mode Transmitter Receiver
#2: Band High Band Low Band
#3: SNRM 9db 6db
# : Interleave 8ms 1ms
See explanation and description of functionality and
usage on Pages -6 in this manual.
Power For use with included original power supply.
12VDC/1A
Spare Power Supply: KVT127E-PS-R2

Manual of VDSL2 Mini MEG101AE-R4 Page #10
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General Rules
Ethernet Port (RJ-45)
All network connections to the Modem Ethernet port must be made using
Category 5, 5e, 6a or 7. No more than 100 meters of cabling may be used between
the HUB or Computer.
VDSL Port (RJ-11 or Terminal Block)
All connections to the VDSL RJ-11 Port or terminal block must use 2 ~26 Gauge phone
wiring. We do not recommend using 28 Gauge or above phone line. The active
pins are the two middle pins 2 and 3. To have a clear setup we recommend to have the
VDSL line 1:1 straight through. So, for your notice only, this VDSL device works crossed
and straight through.
VDSL Port RJ-11 Pin out (6 pin wide, 4 pins existing, 2 pins active)
Pin# FUNCTION
1 Unused
2 TIP
3 RING
Unused
Alternatively to the RJ11 Port you are welcome to use the Terminal Block. Choose to use
either or, do not use both in parallel. The Terminal Block allows you to use simple wires
without crimping a connector to it.

Manual of VDSL2 Mini MEG101AE-R4 Page #11
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Some words about xDSL cabling
There are no two cables which are exactly identical. Physics matters for every cable. Of
course everybody has concerns about the length of the cable, but that is just an indication.
Once you talk to your customer about the cables, you will get an estimation of the cable
length. Watch out for interconnects and ask your customer about them. Every
interconnect box influences the main physical factors of the cable:
Impedance and Capacitance
This one is not science, but it gives you some hints and indications. With a good
multimeter you should be able to measure the impedance of your cable. The impedance
of a telephone wire should be between 50 and 150 Ohm per kilometer (thin cables have
high impedance-thick cable have lower impedance)
Disconnect all equipment on Side A and Side B. Then do a short on Side A of the two
wires you want to use. Next measure the impedance with a digital multimeter on Side B
from wire 1 to wire 2. That value divide by two to get a rough idea of the impedance of your
cable. You should also measure the isolation impedance of the cable. Therefore
disconnect the short of Side A again and measure from wire 1 to wire 2. The value you get
should be several MOhms.
This means, once your customer tells you the route would be 500m long, but your result
measuring the impedance is 200 Ohms or more, something is not as it should be. 200
Ohms (this is not science!) equal to a thick cable of km or a thin cable of 1km.
If the physics of your cable are within the functional limit of your xDSL device, you get a
link, if not, then not. Remember, there is no “small guy” inside any xDSL modem that will
run along your cable with a folder rule and say “go” if the wire is x meters long. All is about
physics.

Manual of VDSL2 Mini MEG101AE-R4 Page #12
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Cabling Guidelines and Rules
In general there are four rules about xDSL cabling:
1.) The thicker the cable, the better
2.) The weakest part of the cable makes up the quality of the whole
3.) Watch out for EMI sources
.) Use twisted cabling
Rule 1 means that using an AWG2 cable is always better than an AWG28. Watch out for
stranded cables. Stranded cables are not as good as solid cables of the same AWG value.
Rule 2 means that one bad interconnect or a few meters of AWG28 cable matters very
much, even if the whole rest of the route is thick and good. That´s why you should never
use telephony ribbon cables to connect the xDSL modem. That is just like a four lane
highway ending up with one lane at the end.
Rule 3: Any device using cables is not happy with EMI and interference. Check the route
of the cables. Are they running nearby an elevator or any other device using high
power/amps?
Rule : Use twisted cabling if available. Twisted cables are better because with not
twisted cables the crosstalk effect from other cables and signals is remarkable. Out there
are also cables where four wires being twisted together (Quad cabling). Avoid using both
cable pairs for the same type of technology.

Manual of VDSL2 Mini MEG101AE-R4 Page #13
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Compatibility
Which one is compatible with which one?
A MEG101AE
B MEG101AE-R2
C MEG101AE-R3
D MEG101AE-R
E MEG201AE
F MEG201AE-R2
G MEG250AE
H MEG801AE
I MEG801AE-R2
J MEG821AE
K MPG101AE-R2
A
B
C
D
E
F G
H
I J K
A
Y
N
N
N
N
N
N Y
N
N
N
B
N
Y
Y N
N
N
N N
Y
N
N
C
N
Y
Y N
N
N
N N
Y
N
N
D
N
N
N
Y
N
N
Y N
N
Y
N
E
N
N
N
N
Y
Y
N N
N
Y
N
F N
N
N
N
Y
Y
N N
N
Y
N
G
N
N
N
Y
N
N
Y N
N
Y
N
H
Y
N
N
N
N
N
N N
N
N
N
I N
Y
Y N
N
N
N N
N
N
N
J N
N
N
Y
Y
Y
Y N
N
N
N
K
N
N
N
N
N
N
N N
N
N
Y
Of course you always need matching pairs, meaning one Transmitter, one Receiver.
MEG801AE, MEG801AE-R2 and MEG821AE are functional as a Transmitter always.
MEG101AE, MEG101AE-R2, MEG101AE-R3, MEG201AE, MEG201AE-R2 and
MPG101AE-R2 are either Transmitter or Receiver and can not be changed from one to
the other.

Manual of VDSL2 Mini MEG101AE-R4 Page #14
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What can I do i my line is too long?
Often there are different routes to get to the “other side”. Try to find out if there is
another one. If not, Black Box has other xDSL devices that will make you happy.
Please check our Etherlink modems. Check www.black-box.eu for product details,
features and more.
Firmware Upgrade
The MEG101AE-R units can not be firmware upgraded. The switches MEG821AE can
be firmware upgraded by TFTP or RS232. Check the manual of the switches on how to do
that.
Tech Support
It is our main philosophy to service you and your needs. If you have any questions please
feel free to contact Black Box Free Tech Support. Check www.black-box.eu for phone
numbers of your local office.

Manual of VDSL2 Mini MEG101AE-R4 Page #15
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Product Speci ication
Standard: IEEE802.3 / IEEE802.3u standard
G993.2 VDSL2 standard
Physical Inter ace:
2 x RJ- 5 10/100Mbps autoneg. Ethernet port
1 x RJ-11/Terminal Block connector for VDSL2
line port
1 x DIP Switch
1 x Power Jack
1 x Grounding Connector
Cable Connections: RJ- 5 (Ethernet): Category 3~7 UTP/STP
RJ-11 (VDSL2): Twisted Pair phone wire
LED Indicators:
1 x Power LED
2 x Link/Active Status for Ethernet port
1 x Link LED for VDSL2 port
1 x Transmitter Mode indicator LED
1 x Receiver Mode indicator LED
VDSL 2 Line Code: Discrete multitone (DMT) modulation
VDSL 2 Transmission Mode: Packet Transfer Mode (PTM)
VDSL 2 Chipset: Metanoia
Typical Power Consumption: 5 W
Power Requirement: Input Voltage:
12VDC / 1A (Commercial-grade Power Adapter)
EMC: EMI Compliant: FCC class B
EMS Compliant: CE mark
Operating Temperature: 0°C ~ 50°C (32°F ~ 122°F)
Fanless, free air cooling
Storage Temperature: -20°C ~ 70°C (- °F ~158°F)
Humidity
:
10% to 90% (non-condensing)
Weight: About 0.3 kg
Dimensions: 95 x 110 x 27 mm ( 3.7 " x .33" x 1.06”)

Manual of VDSL2 Mini MEG101AE-R4 Page #16
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Per ormance / Reach Table
Test was made with AWG2 simulation cards, Windows XP machines at 26 degrees
Celsius. Simulation cards do not simulate EMI, Interference and Interconnects. This
means that your results may and will vary.
Using Low Band Spectrum (DIP Switch #2 to OFF)
Cable
Length
(meters)
US
[Mbps]
DS
[Mbps]
Cable
Length
(meters)
US
[Mbps]
DS
[Mbps]
Cable
Length
(meters)
US
[Mbps]
DS
[Mbps]
100 100 100 800 28.58 26.87 2000 2.50 1 .92
200 100 100 900 2 .12 25. 5 2200 2.05 13.36
300 100 100 1000 23.0 22.03 2 00 1.9 11.52
00 72.91 73.3 1200 16.81 16.82 2600 1.80 9.01
500 57.09 55.79 1 00 12.33 16.53 2800 1.73 7.1
600 6.99 .25 1600 5.72 15.9 3000 1.65 5. 3
700 39. 0 32.06 1800 .65 15.08
Using High Band Spectrum (DIP Switch #2 to ON)
Cable
Length
(meters)
US
[Mbps]
DS
[Mbps]
Cable
Length
(meters)
US
[Mbps]
DS
[Mbps]
Cable
Length
(meters)
US
[Mbps]
DS
[Mbps]
100 100 100 800 2 .60 29.97 2000 8.3 6.07
200 100 100 900 2 .12 28.58 2200 5. 8 5.72
300 100 90. 1 1000 19.1 27.39 2 00 3.39 5.27
00 7 .06 75.61 1200 1 .3 18.51 2600 1.72 .78
500 52.19 62.39 1 00 1 .3 13.78 2800 0.71 . 2
600 2.18 .17 1600 11.11 7.98
700 37.25 29.76 1800 8.7 7.12
DS=Download Speed, from Transmitter to Receiver
US=Upload Speed, from Receiver to Transmitter
Mbps rates or not net bandwidth rates.

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