1. Product Overview

Product Name: AT-MC106XL
Model / Series: Fast Ethernet Media Converter Series
Article Number: AT-MC106XL / 617-00275-05
Manufacturer: Allied Telesyn International Corp.
Product Type: MM Fiber SC 100BaseSX to UTP Media Converter
Description: The Allied Telesyn AT-MC106XL is a compact, standalone or rack-mountable Fast Ethernet media converter designed to extend the reach of twisted-pair (UTP) networks over multimode or singlemode fiber optic cabling. It provides seamless conversion between 100Base-TX copper and 100Base-FX or 100Base-SX fiber interfaces, supporting both SC and ST optical connectors.

This converter is part of Allied Telesyn’s professional-grade networking solutions, engineered for reliable, high-performance data transmission in enterprise, industrial, and telecommunications environments.

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2. Key Features

- Media Conversion: Converts 100Base-TX (UTP) to 100Base-FX or 100Base-SX (fiber optic) Ethernet signals.
- Auto-Negotiation: Automatically detects and configures full-duplex or half-duplex operation when connected to Fast Ethernet auto-negotiation switches, ensuring optimal bandwidth utilization.
- “Missing Link” Functionality: Provides real-time link status feedback to network management systems. If a fiber link fails, the converter signals the connected switch, enabling automatic failover to redundant links.
- Flexible Fiber Support: Compatible with multimode and singlemode fiber optics, supporting transmission distances up to 15 km (singlemode) or 40 km (long-haul singlemode).
- Link Test Function: Built-in diagnostic mode allows verification of fiber link integrity without external test equipment.
- MDI/MDIX Auto-Crossover: Internal switch enables direct connection to PCs, hubs, or switches using standard twisted-pair cables without crossover cables.
- Standalone or Rack-Mountable: Operates independently with an external power supply or can be installed in a 19” rack chassis accommodating up to 12 converters with shared power.
- LED Indicators: Front panel LEDs provide clear status for power, link, data reception, and test mode.
- High Reliability: Designed for continuous operation in professional environments, with robust electrical and mechanical certifications.
- Lifetime Warranty: Allied Telesyn provides an unlimited functional warranty and free technical support.

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3. Technical Specifications

Physical Dimensions:
- Width: 105 mm
- Depth: 95 mm
- Height: 25 mm
- Weight: 294 g

Environmental Conditions:
- Operating Temperature: 0°C to +50°C
- Storage Temperature: -20°C to +80°C
- Relative Humidity: 5% to 80% (non-condensing)

Power Requirements:
- Power Supply: External, 12 VDC ±5%
- Current Consumption: 500 mA
- Power Consumption: 6 W maximum
- Automatic range selection supported

Mechanical / Electrical Certifications:
- EMC: FCC Class A, IC Class A
- Safety: UL, CSA, TÜV, IEC 825-1
- CE compliant

Optical Characteristics (Multimode 100BaseFX):
- Wavelength: 1300 nm (typical), range 1200–1300 nm
- Receiver Sensitivity: -34.5 dBm
- Maximum Optical Output Power: -14 dBm

Optical Characteristics (Multimode 100BaseSX):
- Wavelength: 830 nm (typical), range 810–850 nm
- Receiver Sensitivity: -30 dBm
- Maximum Optical Output Power: -12 dBm

Optical Characteristics (Singlemode 100BaseFX):
- Wavelength: 1300 nm (typical), range 1261–1360 nm
- Receiver Sensitivity: -31 dBm
- Optical Output Power: Typical -13.9 dBm (Min -15 dBm, Max -8 dBm)

Optical Characteristics (Singlemode Long-Haul 100BaseFX-LH):
- Wavelength (TX): 1280–1335 nm
- Wavelength (RX): 1260–1360 nm
- Receiver Sensitivity: Typical -38 dBm, Max -35 dBm
- Optical Output Power: Typical -3 dBm (range -5 to 0 dBm)

Twisted Pair Interface (100Base-TX):
- Differential Output Voltage: Typ. 980 mV (Min 950 mV, Max 1050 mV)
- Overshoot Voltage: Typ. 4% (Max 5%)
- Amplitude Symmetry: Typ. 1.0062 (Min 0.98, Max 1.02)
- Rise Time: Typ. 4.6 ns (Min 3.0 ns, Max 5.0 ns)
- Fall Time: Typ. 4.2 ns (Min 3.0 ns, Max 5.0 ns)
- Rise/Fall Time Symmetry: Typ. 0.4 ns (Max 0.5 ns)

Transmission Distances:
- Twisted Pair (Cat 5): up to 100 m
- Fiber Multimode: up to 2000 m (full duplex), 412 m (half duplex)
- Fiber Singlemode: up to 15 km (full duplex), 412 m (half duplex)
- Fiber Singlemode Long-Haul: up to 40 km (full duplex), 412 m (half duplex)

Performance Metrics:
- Round Trip Delay: ≤ 0.4 µs
- Bit Error Rate (BER): < 10⁻¹⁰

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4. Functionality

The AT-MC106XL functions as a transparent Layer 1 media converter, bridging copper-based Fast Ethernet (100Base-TX) and fiber-based Fast Ethernet (100Base-FX or 100Base-SX) segments. It regenerates and converts electrical Ethernet signals into optical signals and vice versa, maintaining full data integrity and timing synchronization.

Use Cases and Applications:
- Extending LAN segments beyond the 100-meter copper limitation using fiber optic cabling.
- Connecting remote switches, routers, or servers over fiber links in campus or industrial networks.
- Integrating legacy copper-based equipment into fiber backbone infrastructures.
- Providing redundant fiber paths in mission-critical environments using the “Missing Link” feature.
- Deployments in enterprise networks, data centers, and telecommunications facilities requiring reliable Fast Ethernet connectivity.

Compatibility:
- Fully compliant with IEEE 802.3u 100Base-TX/FX standards.
- Compatible with standard multimode and singlemode fiber connectors (SC, ST).
- Works with any Fast Ethernet switch, hub, or NIC supporting 100 Mbps operation.

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5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- AT-MC106XL Media Converter unit
- External 12 VDC power adapter
- User documentation and installation guide

Optional Accessories:
- 19” rack-mount chassis (supports up to 12 converters)
- Redundant internal power supply module for chassis
- Fiber patch cables (SC or ST connectors)
- Mounting brackets for wall or panel installation

Front Panel Indicators:
- Power: Indicates converter power status
- Link (2): Shows valid link on both fiber and copper ports
- Receive (2): Indicates data reception activity
- Normal/Test: Switch for standard operation or fiber link test mode

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6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Standard 100Base-TX UTP Cat 5 cable (up to 100 m)
- Compatible multimode or singlemode fiber optic cable (depending on model variant)
- 12 VDC power source (external adapter included)

Mounting Options:
- Standalone: Operates independently on a desktop or shelf using the external power adapter.
- Rack-Mount: Up to 12 converters can be installed in a 19” rack chassis with shared internal power. Optional dual power supplies provide redundancy for critical applications.

Configuration:
- Plug-and-play operation; no software configuration required.
- Auto-negotiation automatically sets duplex mode.
- MDI/MDIX switch allows direct connection to any Ethernet device.
- Link Test mode can be activated to verify fiber integrity before deployment.

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7. Performance & Capabilities

Speed and Throughput:
- Supports 100 Mbps full-duplex or half-duplex operation.
- Transparent data conversion with minimal latency (≤ 0.4 µs round trip delay).

Capacity and Range:
- Extends network reach up to 40 km over singlemode long-haul fiber.
- Maintains full 100 Mbps throughput across all supported distances.

Efficiency:
- Low power consumption (6 W typical).
- Passive cooling design for silent operation.
- High optical sensitivity ensures stable performance even over long distances.

Limitations:
- Designed for Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) only; not compatible with Gigabit Ethernet.
- Fiber distance depends on cable type and duplex mode.
- Requires appropriate fiber connectors (SC or ST) matching the model variant.

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8. Standards & Compliance

Network Standards:
- IEEE 802.3u 100Base-TX / 100Base-FX
- IEEE 802.3x Full Duplex Flow Control

Safety and Regulatory Compliance:
- UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certified
- CSA (Canadian Standards Association) approved
- TÜV tested
- IEC 825-1 (Laser Safety) compliant
- CE Mark (European Conformity)
- FCC Class A (Electromagnetic Compatibility)
- IC Class A (Industry Canada)

Environmental Compliance:
- Designed for RoHS and WEEE environmental standards (depending on production year).

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9. Additional Information

Warranty:
Allied Telesyn provides a lifetime functional warranty for the AT-MC106XL, ensuring long-term reliability and protection against manufacturing defects.

Technical Support:
Free technical assistance is available through Allied Telesyn’s regional offices across Europe, including the UK, Germany, Austria, France, Italy, and Spain.

Maintenance:
- No moving parts; minimal maintenance required.
- Periodic cleaning of fiber connectors recommended for optimal performance.
- Firmware updates are not required, as the device operates at the physical layer.

Product Lifecycle and Updates:
The AT-MC106XL is part of Allied Telesyn’s long-standing Fast Ethernet product line, designed for extended availability and compatibility with existing network infrastructures.

Manufacturer Contact Information:
- Website: [www.alliedtelesyn.com](http://www.alliedtelesyn.com)
- UK Office: Allied Telesyn International Ltd., 70 Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon, OX14 4RX
- Germany (North): Wittestraße 30N, 13509 Berlin
- Germany (South): Gute Änger 13, 85356 Freising
- Austria (Eastern Europe): Fleschgasse 32/6, 1130 Wien
- France: 6 Avenue des Andes, Bâtiment 5, 91952 Les Ulis Cedex
- Italy: Via Anna Kuliscioff 31, 20152 Milano
- Spain: Orense 85, 28020 Madrid

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Summary

The Allied Telesyn AT-MC106XL is a robust, high-performance Fast Ethernet media converter engineered to extend copper-based networks over fiber optic cabling. Supporting both multimode and singlemode fiber, it offers flexible deployment options, automatic duplex negotiation, and advanced diagnostic features such as “Missing Link” and link testing. With compact dimensions, low power consumption, and compliance with international safety and EMC standards, the AT-MC106XL is ideal for enterprise, industrial, and telecommunications applications requiring reliable 100 Mbps connectivity over extended distances.

Its combination of plug-and-play simplicity, professional-grade build quality, and lifetime warranty makes it a trusted solution for network administrators seeking dependable media conversion and fiber extension capabilities.