1. Product Overview

Product Name: AT-MC301XL
Model / Series: Allied Telesyn Fast Ethernet Media Converter Series
Article Number: AT-MC301XL / 617-00275-05
Manufacturer: Allied Telesyn International Corp.
Product Type: MM Fiber VF-45 to UTP Media Converter
Description: The Allied Telesyn AT-MC301XL is a compact, standalone Fast Ethernet media converter designed to extend the reach of twisted-pair (UTP) networks using multimode fiber optic cabling. It provides seamless conversion between 100Base-TX (UTP) and 100Base-FX (fiber) interfaces, supporting VF-45 connectors for multimode fiber. The device is engineered for reliable operation in enterprise, campus, and industrial network environments, offering robust performance, flexible installation options, and advanced diagnostic features such as Auto-Negotiation and Missing Link functionality.

---

2. Key Features

- Media Conversion: Converts 100Base-TX (UTP) to 100Base-FX (multimode fiber) using VF-45 connectors.
- Auto-Negotiation: Automatically detects and configures full- or half-duplex operation when connected to Fast Ethernet Auto-Negotiation switches, ensuring optimal bandwidth utilization.
- Missing Link Function: Provides real-time link status reporting to network management systems. If a fiber link fails, the converter signals the connected switch, enabling redundant link activation for high availability.
- Flexible Deployment: Operates as a standalone unit with an external power supply or can be rack-mounted (up to 12 units in a 19” chassis) for centralized power and management.
- Link Test Function: Allows verification of fiber link integrity without specialized test equipment by enabling communication between paired converters.
- MDI/MDIX Auto-Crossover: Built-in switch allows direct connection to PCs, hubs, or switches using standard twisted-pair cables without crossover requirements.
- Compact Design: Small form factor (105 × 95 × 25 mm) suitable for desktop or rack-mounted installations.
- LED Indicators: Front panel LEDs provide clear status for power, link, data reception, and test mode.
- Wide Operating Range: Designed for 0°C to 50°C operation with robust environmental tolerance.
- Lifetime Warranty: Allied Telesyn provides an unlimited functional warranty and free technical support for all Fast Ethernet media converters.

---

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 100Base-FX):
- Wavelength: 1300 nm (typical), range 1200–1300 nm
- Receiver Sensitivity: -34.5 dBm
- Maximum Optical Output Power: -14 dBm
- Supported Fiber Types: 62.5/125 µm, 50/125 µm, 85/125 µm, 100/140 µm
- Typical Transmitter Output Power:
- 62.5/125 µm: -16.8 dBm
- 50/125 µm: -20.3 dBm

Optical Characteristics (Singlemode 100Base-FX):
- Wavelength: 1300 nm (typical), range 1261–1360 nm
- Receiver Sensitivity: -31 dBm
- Optical Output Power: -13.9 dBm (typical), -15 dBm (min), -8 dBm (max)

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

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

Transmission Performance:
- Round Trip Delay: ≤0.4 s
- Bit Error Rate (BER): <10⁻⁹

Maximum Cable Distances:
- Twisted Pair (Category 5): 100 m
- Multimode Fiber (Full Duplex): 2000 m
- Multimode Fiber (Half Duplex): 412 m
- Singlemode Fiber (Full Duplex): 15 km
- Singlemode Fiber (Half Duplex): 412 m
- Singlemode Long Haul (Full Duplex): 40 km
- Singlemode Long Haul (Half Duplex): 412 m

---

4. Functionality

The AT-MC301XL functions as a transparent media converter between copper-based Ethernet and fiber optic networks. It enables network administrators to extend LAN segments beyond the 100-meter limitation of twisted-pair cabling by converting electrical Ethernet signals into optical signals for transmission over multimode fiber.

Operation:
- The converter automatically negotiates duplex mode with connected Fast Ethernet switches.
- The Missing Link feature ensures that link failures on one side (fiber or copper) are propagated to the other side, maintaining accurate network topology awareness.
- The built-in MDI/MDIX switch simplifies connectivity by eliminating the need for crossover cables.
- The Normal/Test switch allows users to perform fiber link integrity tests without external tools.

Use Cases:
- Extending LAN connections between buildings or floors.
- Connecting network devices across long distances using fiber.
- Integrating fiber backbone infrastructure with copper-based edge devices.
- Providing redundancy and fault detection in mission-critical networks.

Compatibility:
- Compatible with IEEE 802.3u 100Base-TX/100Base-FX standards.
- Works with Allied Telesyn switches, hubs, and network interface cards, as well as third-party Ethernet equipment supporting standard Fast Ethernet protocols.

---

5. Components & Accessories

Included Items:
- AT-MC301XL 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 installations
- Fiber patch cables (multimode or singlemode, depending on configuration)
- Mounting brackets for desktop or wall installation

Connectors:
- Fiber Port: VF-45 connector (multimode)
- Copper Port: RJ-45 connector (UTP, Category 5 or higher)
- Power Connector: DC input jack for external adapter

---

6. Installation & Setup

Requirements:
- Power source providing 12 VDC ±5%
- Appropriate fiber optic cabling (multimode or singlemode)
- Category 5 UTP cable for copper connection

Mounting Options:
- Standalone: Operates independently using the supplied external power adapter.
- Rack-Mount: Up to 12 converters can be installed in a 19” chassis with shared internal power. Optional redundant power supply ensures continuous operation in critical environments.

Configuration:
- Plug-and-play operation; no software configuration required.
- Auto-Negotiation automatically sets duplex mode.
- MDI/MDIX switch allows flexible connection to any Ethernet device.
- Normal/Test switch enables fiber link testing during installation.

LED Indicators (Front Panel):
- Power: Indicates converter power status.
- Link (2): Shows valid link on fiber and copper ports.
- Receive (2): Indicates data reception activity.
- Normal/Test: Displays operational or test mode status.

---

7. Performance & Capabilities

Speed: 100 Mbps (Fast Ethernet)
Capacity: Supports full-duplex and half-duplex operation.
Efficiency: Low power consumption (6 W) and minimal latency (<0.4 s round trip delay).
Distance Capability:
- Up to 2 km over multimode fiber
- Up to 15 km over singlemode fiber
- Up to 40 km over singlemode long-haul fiber
Reliability:
- BER <10⁻⁹ ensures high data integrity.
- Missing Link feature enhances fault detection and redundancy.
Limitations:
- Designed for Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) only; not compatible with Gigabit Ethernet.
- Requires appropriate fiber type and connector (VF-45) for optimal performance.

---

8. Standards & Compliance

Network Standards:
- IEEE 802.3u 100Base-TX / 100Base-FX compliant
- Supports full- and half-duplex Ethernet operation

Safety & Regulatory Compliance:
- UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certified
- CSA (Canadian Standards Association) approved
- TÜV tested
- IEC 825-1 compliant for laser safety
- CE marked for European conformity

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC):
- FCC Class A (U.S.)
- IC Class A (Canada)

Environmental Compliance:
- Designed for standard office and light industrial environments
- Meets Allied Telesyn’s environmental and quality assurance standards

---

9. Additional Information

Warranty:
Allied Telesyn provides a lifetime functional warranty for the AT-MC301XL, ensuring long-term reliability and protection against manufacturing defects.

Technical Support:
Free technical support is available through Allied Telesyn’s regional offices and online resources.

Maintenance:
- No moving parts; minimal maintenance required.
- Periodic inspection of fiber connectors recommended to ensure optimal signal quality.
- Firmware updates are not required, as the device operates on fixed hardware logic.

Service & Replacement:
- Hot-swappable when used in rack-mounted chassis.
- Replacement units available through Allied Telesyn distributors.

Manufacturer Contact Information (Regional Offices):
- United Kingdom: Allied Telesyn International Ltd., 70 Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 4RX, Tel: +44 (0)1235 442500
- Germany (North): Allied Telesyn International GmbH, Wittestraße 30N, 13509 Berlin, Tel: +49-(0)30-435 9000
- Germany (South): Allied Telesyn International GmbH, Gute Änger 13, 85356 Freising, Tel: +49-(0)8161-99 060
- Austria (Eastern Europe): Allied Telesyn International GmbH, Fleschgasse 32/6, 1130 Wien, Tel: +43-(0)1-8762441
- France: Allied Telesyn International S.A., 6 Avenue des Andes, Bâtiment 5, 91952 Les Ulis Cedex, Tel: +33 01 60 92 15 25
- Italy: Allied Telesyn International Srl, Via Anna Kuliscioff 31, 20152 Milano, Tel: +39 0241 6047
- Spain: Allied Telesyn International Srl, Orense 85, 28020 Madrid, Tel: +34 91-5678441

Website: [www.alliedtelesyn.com](http://www.alliedtelesyn.com)

---

Summary

The Allied Telesyn AT-MC301XL is a robust, high-performance Fast Ethernet media converter engineered to bridge copper and fiber network segments efficiently. With its VF-45 multimode fiber interface, automatic duplex negotiation, and advanced diagnostic features, it provides a reliable and flexible solution for extending network reach up to 40 km (depending on fiber type). Its compact design, rack-mount compatibility, and comprehensive compliance with international standards make it ideal for enterprise, campus, and industrial networking environments. Backed by Allied Telesyn’s lifetime warranty and global support network, the AT-MC301XL delivers long-term value, operational stability, and seamless integration into modern Ethernet infrastructures.