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iConverter managed media converters and intelligent Network Interface Devices (NIDs) enable the distribution of fiber links from the Central Office to the Customer Premises with clear and manageable demarcation between the Service Provider and Customer-owned equipment. iConverter NIDs are small and cost-effective managed devices that provide Carrier-Grade optical Ethernet services with comprehensive OAM management, provisioning and performance monitoring.
This star topology Metro Ethernet network application illustrates how iConverter managed media converters and Network Interface Devices provide multiple fiber access links between UTP equipment at the Central Office and the Customer Premises.
At the Central Office:
The Metro Core network is connected to a existing UTP switch. Copper UTP from this Ethernet switch is converted to fiber with a iConverter 19-Module chassis of media converters managed out-of-band by an iConverter Network Management Module (NMM). A network management station is connected to the NMM with a physically secure network link. The iConverter equipment at the Central Office and Customer Premises is managed via Omnitron’s NetOutlook management software.
Installed in the 19-Module chassis are media converter modules with integrated management, such as an iConverter 10/100M2 or GX/TM. These modules have integrated OAM (Operations, Administration and Maintenance) management, and connect to their link partner NIDs with integrated 802.3ah OAM management at the other end of the optical link. This configuration enables 802.3ah provisioning, remote configuration and performance monitoring of the access links. NetOutlook SNMP management access to the 802.3ah OAM link is provided by the NMM in the Central Office chassis.
At a Multi-Tenant Customer Premises:
As shown on the right side of the diagram, a 1000Mbps single fiber link connects to an iConverter GX/TM module installed in an iConverter 2-Module chassis. The data travels across the Ethernet backplane of the chassis and connects to the iConverter 4Tx VT 4-port compact switch module that provides 10/100 copper ports for multiple customers. This iConverter NID configuration functions as a Multiple User Network Interface (Multi-UNI), which is the physical demarcation point between the responsibility of the Service Provider and the responsibility of the Subscriber, and each UNI is dedicated to a single Subscriber.
At a Small Business Customer Premises:
A 100Mbps single fiber link connects to a standalone iConverter 10/100M Network Interface Device (NID) that provides a self-managed demarcation point in a single module. The 10/100M converts the fiber to copper that connects to customer-owned switch.
Summary
These iConverter intelligent demarcation devices enable Service Providers to distribute multiple fiber links from the central office and drop off copper at the Customer Premises to a single UNI or Multi-UNI with a managed demarcation device that supports Bandwidth Control, Quality of Service (QoS) prioritization, and Ethernet services including E-Line and E-LAN connectivity.