IMC Networks iMediaChassis/20 User manual

Competitive Comparison
September 2004
Point System — Description
•19-slot, 2u high and 19" wide rack mount conversion system
•SNMP compliant
•Rear mounted AC or DC power options
•Supports a second redundant PSU
•Carries Transitions limited lifetime warranty
IMC Networks iMediaChassis/20
iMediaChassis/20 — Description
•20-slot, 3u high and 19" wide rack mount conversion system
•SNMP compliant
•Includes additional slot for SNMP management module
•Rear mounted AC or DC power options
•Supports a second redundant power supply (PSU)
•Carries IMC Networks 6-year warranty
iMediaChassis/20 — Functionality
•Supports a 10/100 RJ-45 Ethernet interface
•Out of band (RS-232) interface or telnet
•DHCP client allows automatic configuration of initial settings
(IP address)
•In-band firmware upgrades via the Ethernet connection to
the SNMP management board
•TFTP client allows remote firmware upgrades
•Ability to validate firmware version during upgrades
iMediaChassis/20 — Pricing
The only optional extra you pay for with the iMediaCenter/20 is
the SNMP management board, all other options (e.g. rack
mount brackets, blank faceplates) are included. The street pric-
ing of the iMediaChassis/20 is competitive with that of the 19 slot
Point System.
iMediaChassis/20 — Warranty
IMC Networks warrants to the original end-user purchaser that this
product, EXCLUSIVE OF SOFTWARE, shall be free from defects in
materials and workmanship under normal and proper use in accor-
dance with IMC Networks' instructions and directions for a period
of six (6) years after the original date of purchase.
This warranty covers all electronics and electro-mechanical hard-
ware (i.e. PSU's and fans)
Point System — Functionality
•Supports a RJ-45 10Mbps Ethernet interface
•Out of band (RS-232) interface or telnet
•Firmware upgrades done only via the RS-232 interface;
no remote or in-band capabilities available
Point System — Pricing
The street price for the 19-slot Point System seems competitive,
however, once options are taken into account the total system
pricing becomes high. In addition to the SNMP management
module, options you pay for include: blank face plates, rack
mount brackets, fan module, etc.
Point System — Warranty
Transition offer a limited lifetime warranty on any/all product pur-
chased after May 1st, 1999. The definition of 'limited lifetime' is
rather unclear, although the following comment appears in their war-
ranty statement:
"This warranty does not cover damage from accident, acts of God, neglect, contamination,
misuse or abnormal conditions of operation or handling, including over-voltage failures
caused by use outside of the product's specified rating, or normal wear and tear of mechan-
ical components. If the user is unsure about the proper means of installing or using the equip-
ment, contact Transition Networks' free technical support services."
The comment “normal wear and tear of mechanical components“
seems to offer Transition the ability to reject any warranty claim that they
feel.
Transition’s Point System Chassis

IMC Networks’ iMediaChassis/20 represents the latest generation of SNMP manageable conversion chassis:
More slots and better functionality, combined with simpler configuration and operation.
iMediaChassis/20 offers a true 20 slot solution
• iMediaChassis/20 has 20 module slots plus an additional slot for an optional management module. The Point System has
19 slots, but if you desire management, one or two of those slots are used, making only 17 or 18 conversions possible.
In addition, if the customer wishes to see LEDs indicating whether the PSUs are operational, another slot is taken by the
board providing this functionality.
10/100 auto-negotiation ensures optimum compatibility
• The SNMP board for the iMediaChassis/20 supports a 10/100 RJ-45 Ethernet interface, a link LED which flashes to
indicate TX/RX activity and finally an LED to indicate HDX or FDX operation.
• The management board requires no configuration.
iMediaChassis/20 offers redundant power and plug-and-play PSUs
• iMediaChassis/20 has plug-and-play PSUs; no configuration is necessary. The Point System accommodates two PSUs,
however, the installer needs to configure them manually or via SNMP to be either a master or a slave. If the settings
are not done correctly damage can occur to the PSUs. Lastly, the installation manual recommends that in tempera-
ture ranges of 0°to 60° C both PSUs are set as master and are therefore in load sharing mode.
iMediaChassis/20 is engineered for optimum airflow/cooling no matter what PSU options are in use
• iMediaChassis/20 is cooled via two 12v fans; these fans are independent of the PSUs, ensuring optimal cooling no
matter what PSU options you opt for. In addition, at the front of the chassis 0.5u is used as a air intake, ensuring an
optimum and consistent airflow (front to back).
Remote, in-band upgrades means no truck rolls required when upgrading the chassis firmware
• Perform firmware upgrades in-band i.e. via the Ethernet connection to the SNMP management board.
• Use the optional TFTP client to achieve remote firmware upgrades automatically.
Firmware validation ensures unit will not be damaged or incorrectly upgraded/downgraded
• When upgrading a unit, the SNMP agent within the iMediaChassis validates whether the new firmware version is
incompatible or the release date is earlier than the currently installed firmware. Transition’s system has no method
or fail-safe whereby you are prevented from installing the wrong or an incompatible version of the firmware. If
incompatible firmware is installed, it is highly likely the unit will stop functioning.
iMediaChassis/20 represents a substantially lower price per conversion than the Point System
• Rackmount brackets and blank faceplates come standard with iMediaChassis/20; they are an additional cost with the
Point System.
• Whilst there is a small difference with chassis pricing, the real comparison comes when installing conversion mod-
ules. Using US street pricing, the cost per populated slot using 100Mbps 40Km single-mode TX/FX conversion mod-
ules shows that the iMediaChassis/20 is approximately $280; whereas, the Point System price per populated slot is
approximately $700.
No hassle six year warranty - product will be covered by warranty
• The iMediaChassis/20's six year warranty is easy to understand and straight-forward. The lifetime warranty offered
by Transition is at their discretion.
IMC Networks • 19772 Pauling • Foothill Ranch, CA 92610 • TEL: [phone] • FAX: [phone] • [email protected] • www.imcnetworks.com
IMC Networks • Herseltsesteenweg 268 • B-3200 Aarschot Belgium • TEL: [phone] • FAX: [phone] • [email protected]
IMC Networks (Eastern US/Latin America) • 18840 US HWY 19 North, #400 • Clearwater, FL 33764 • FAX: [phone]
1-800-624-1070
www.imcnetworks.com
Fiber Consulting Services: [email protected]
Contact us today for more information and pricing!
Why is iMediaChassis/20 Better?