Data Center Application
In this application, new 10GBASE-T servers are added to an existing rack of servers with SFP+ interfaces. The servers are connected to a Top of Rack fiber switch with Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cables. The switch is connected to an aggregation switch in the data center with multimode fiber.
New 10GBASE-T servers have been added to the rack. 10GBASE-T servers are used due to their low cost. They have LAN on Motherboard (LoM) technology, so the 10GBASE-T RJ-45 ports are integrated into the server.
iConverter XGT+ plug-in media converters are installed in a high density (2U high), iConverter 19-Module chassis with redundant power supplies. CAT-6A patch cords connect the new servers to the XGT+ media converters, and DAC cables connect the media converters to the fiber switch.
Since the 10GBASE-T servers are connected to the 10GBASE-T media converters over a short cable (less than 30 meters) they can take advantage of the 10GBASE-T “short reach” mode, in which all devices operate with a lower transmit power. Short reach mode is specified in the IEEE 10GBASE-T standard, and conserves energy and produces less heat.

CWDM Data Center Interconnect Application
This application shows two data centers interconnected by four 10G Ethernet connections across a CWDM common fiber link (multi-color line) where fiber availability is limited and CWDM multiplexers are used to increase the fiber capacity.

An iConverter 4-Channel CWDM/X multiplexer module and four iConverter XGT+ plug-in modules are installed in an iConverter 5-Module Chassis at both locations. The iConverter XGT+ modules are used to convert the RJ-45 interfaces on the 10G Ethernet switch ports to CWDM wavelengths required by the CWDM/X multiplexers.
The SFP+ port of each iConverter XGT+ contains an SFP+ CWDM transceiver that generates a specific CWDM optical wavelength, and is connected to the CWDM/X multiplexer with fiber patch cables (where each colored line represents a different wavelength).