TechTips
Tech Tip Monthly is a new tech support tool to allow customers to log on our website and get Free help and tips for IMC Networks products.
Tech Tip for May 2012
Configuration Control
IMC Networks made a concerted effort two years ago to offer Configuration Control on many of the new iMcV-Modules it has designed. As the need for SNMP has grown, many network administrators who own the iMediaChassis series are installing an SNMP Management Module, in order to manage and monitor IMC devices in the network. If an iMcV-Module is configured for a feature set based on DIP Switches, the moment an SNMP Management Module is installed in the chassis, those settings are over-written to default settings based on what the SNMP module defines. This can cause serious errors in the network.
iMcV-Modules with Configuration Control solve that problem. Whether the module is configured by DIP Switches or via management, the SNMP Management Module will adopt the latest change for the module, rather than over-writing it. For example, if an iMcV-MediaLinX is set to a Force Mode via the DIP Switch, and then installed into a managed iMediaChassis, the information will be sent through the backplane to the SNMP Module, and that setting will be adopted and reflected through iView², the IMC Management software. However, if the network administrator would prefer to set the iMcV-MediaLinX to Auto Negotiation (AN), he does not have to remove the module and reset the DSW. Instead, he can change the configuration through the iView² software, and the SNMP Management will adopt and reflect that change.
iMcV-Modules with Configuration Control as labeled as such on the faceplate of the module. If the module does not have that name on the label, it is going to operate under the previous condition of software over-writing hardware.
The following is a list of Configuration Control modules:
- iMcV-LIM w/ Config Control
- iMcV-Gigabit w/ Config Control
- iMcV-T1 LineTerm w/ Config Control
- iMcV-2XLIM w/ Config Control
- iMcV-MediaLinX w/ Config Control
- iMcV-10G converter/XFP w/ Config Control
- iMcV-Giga-MediaLinX TX/SFP w/ Config Control
For a complete technical review of Configuration Control, please go to: http://www.imcnetworks.com/Assets/DocSupport/Config_Control.pdf
Some iMcV-Modules are not impacted by Configuration Control due to the unique nature of the product’s design. They fall into two categories: intelligent units that support on-board logic, and those with no hardware or software configuration-passive, PNP units.
Intelligent units provide Flash PROM and maintain their own settings, and are not impacted by SNMP.
- iMcV-FiberLinX-II
- iMcV-Giga-FiberLinX-II
- iMcV-T1-Mux/4
- iMcV-E1-Mux/4
- iMcV-MultiWay
Passive, PNP modules with no hardware or software configuration are also not impacted by SNMP.
- iMcV-Switch
- iMcV-PSE_MidSpan
- iMcV-VDSL2-LANextender
- iMcV-ModeConverter
- iMcV-WDM
- iMcV-S2MM family
Tech Tip for March 2012
Testing PoE converters
Customers and integrators often test media converters they order, to ensure they function properly before installing them at the customer’s site. For Ethernet media converters, this is a simple process, to test the copper segment and the fiber segment, by connecting them to each other. It is not necessary to connect the media converters to a switch or other end device, as long as the media converters are powered via AC or DC voltage.
However, with a converter capable of PoE, the matter is entirely different. While the power cord to the unit must be plugged in, a PoE product will immediately exhibit a FAULT condition. Why? The very nature of PoE is to provide PSE (Power Sourcing Equipment) to a device that needs to draw the power. If the PoE product is not connected to a valid PD port on a device, it will reflect a down condition, and therefore the FLT LED will glow RED. To properly test a PoE product, it must be powered and connected to the appropriate equipment to ensure functionality.
Tech Tip for November, 2011
Media Conversion…One Size Does Not Fit All
Media converters offer an inexpensive solution to overcome connecting dissimilar interfaces, such as copper-to-fiber or even fiber-to-fiber. However, the conversion doesn’t necessarily stop there. A very important factor is the type of protocol an application requires. Although a media converter may have a copper and fiber interface, it should not be viewed as a one size fits all solution.
Often times, an application may require conversion for a T1, DS3 or VDSL circuit. In this case, an Ethernet media converter will not be the right solution. To complicate matters even more, media converters are often identified as Layer 1 passive devices so the internal components will always dictate what type of protocol is supported.
Tech Tip for August, 2011
When Open Standards Doesn’t Mean Open Standards
SFP and Compatibility
IMC Networks offers a large selection of SFPs that are MSA-compliant. In addition, we also offer Cisco-compatible SFPs. All IMC products with an SFP port support IMC- and OEM-branded SFPs. Switch (or device) manufacturers (e.g., HP, Cisco, Extreme, Juniper, etc.) may offer products with SFP ports that support “any” OEM SFP in addition to their own brand. However, some of these manufacturers have chosen to enforce a proprietary “lock-in” on SFP slots within their product line. This has created a compatibility dilemma. The ‘Lock-in’ is built into the firmware in the switch and checks the identifying data in the SFP’s internal Flash memory. If it isn’t compatible with the manufacturer, the switch refuses to enable that slot. This practice has been in place for some time and now others manufacturers are following suit.
IMC does not currently maintain an SFP compatibility log as the number of products that support SFPs are too voluminous to acquire for testing. We do, however, assure that when you purchase IMC –branded SFPs that you are receiving the highest quality products that include a 1 year warranty for service or repair.
IMC recommends that the customer verify the compatibility of the SFPs with the switch (or other device) manufacturer before purchase. As the demand grows to allow “any” SFP to fit into any device, regardless of manufacturer, we believe that this trend will push manufacturers to rethink their requirements for SFPs.
Tech Tip for March, 2011
In order to enable 802.3ah OAM on the iMcV-FiberLinX-II, make sure to go into iConfig.
If you have an existing iMcV-FiberLinX-II with an older version of firmware, even after you have updated to the current revision, OAM is not automatically enabled. Click here to learn how to enable 802.3ah OAM
Tech Tip for January, 2011
What are some advantages of using an internal, card-based fiber media converter, such as IMC's McPC Series?
The McPC line of plug-and-play converters install transparently into any empty PCI, Low-profile PCI or ISA slot in your PC, without accessing the Bus, so no additional drivers are needed. The McPC is powered by the computer's internal power supply, therefore eliminating the need for any additional power outlets. The space saving McPC Series takes up no additional desk or wall real estate, is safely protected inside your computer, and you won't have an excess of wires piled around your workstation. The McPC Series supports 10/100, 1000 and 10/100/1000 Mbps on the copper port and is available in single-mode and multi-mode fiber with ST or SC connectors, as well as in single-strand fiber versions.
Tech Tip for December, 2010
How do you know when to purchase SFPs with or without DDMI? Most of your applications will only need a simple fiber conversion when using an SFP. However, if your network demands equipment monitoring, then SFPs that support DDMI (Data and Diagnostic Management Information) are essential. As a network administrator, you would need a software application which would allow you to view the status, wavelength, and speed of the SFP, as well as set a Trap if the SFP’s output power drops below a designated range. Aside from the DDMI features, SFPs function both with and without it in the very same way.
The simple rule is if the device is managed, then it makes sense to purchase SFPs supporting DDMI. If the device is unmanaged, then you don't require SFPs that support DDMI. But if you don’t plan to use the management or the DDMI information right away, DDMI supported SFPs can still make sense since it provides the option in the future, and the price difference in nominal.
Tech Tip for November, 2010
85% of reported problems with media converters are due to misconfiguration. Although media converters may interconnect and establish links on the copper and fiber segments, there are three important considerations that can impact the network:
- Speed
- Fiber type
- Mode: Auto Negotiation or FORCE Mode
Speed is important, in that a Fast Ethernet media converter cannot be installed between two gigabit end points, for example.
Fiber Type falls into two main categories: Single-Mode (SM) and Multi-Mode (MM). Each fiber type has a specific core size, and as a result, MM media converters should not be installed over a SM fiber.
Mode: the end devices are in charge of what mode of operation is designated on the copper ports. In the world of Ethernet, if the end devices are set to Auto Negotiation (AN), then the media converters must be set to that same mode as well.
