Transition Networks offers fiber-to-fiber repeater for 10G backbone fiber-optic networks

Transition Networks, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Communications Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ-GM: JCS), has unveiled the ION 4110 protocol-independent fiber-to-fiber repeater. The any-rate to same-rate unit supports data rates from 1 Gbps to 11.5 Gbps. Transition Networks targets the ION 4110 at IT managers who need to extend the reach of their high-speed fiber backbone networks without the need to upgrade their fiber-optic cabling.

The TIA has specified four grades of multimode fiber, each optimized for different data rates and reaches; singlemode fiber is also available for particularly long reaches. However, data center network managers and others may not have either the ability or the desire to upgrade their fiber cables as their needs change. In these instances, the ION 4110 will repeat the data signals and transmit them over the existing fiber-optic cable. The repeater will function in both include singlemode fiber to multimode fiber applications, as well as multimode to multimode.

The ION 4110 re-amplifies, reshapes, and retimes (3R) the optical transmissions to restore wavelength integrity. The capability ensures that data can be repeated multiple times to meet all required network distances, regardless of the type of fiber installed in the network, Transition Networks asserts.

The device features two ports for pluggable optics and is protocol agnostic, supporting any network standard with a data rate of between 1 Gbps and 11.5 Gbps, according to the company. This includes 10 Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, OC-192 SONET/SDH, and course wave-division multiplexed (CWDM) networks.

The ION 4110 can be used as a stand-alone repeater or be paired with the new one-slot or two-slot ION chassis for wiring closet applications at the network edge. For higher density applications, the ION 4110 can be used with Transition Networks' 19-slot ION chassis, which also offers SNMP management and power redundancy.

"Anytime a network update requires a change to the cabling infrastructure, it becomes a much bigger undertaking," said Stephen Montgomery, president of market research and analysis firm ElectroniCast Consultants. "A product like the ION 4110 should find a strong market because it provides a low-cost and low complexity way to deliver the bandwidth needed."

Transition Networks says it will begin accepting orders for the ION 4110 in March through its global sales force and channel partners.

For more information on media converters and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer's Guide.