Available in a Point System chassis card and a stand-alone form factor, this new series of 10/100 bridging network interface devices is designed for both Enterprise and Service Provider applications where users require a basic level of management information on both the local and remote devices. This NID will allow users to easily access the management information through the local unit installed in a managed Point System Chassis, as the remote unit reports its current operating status back to a local unit.

Information provided by the remote unit includes link, speed and duplex status on the copper port as well as link and duplex status on the fiber port. The same information is available on the local unit along with the ability to set ingress rate limits on both the copper and fiber ports in preset increments from 64 Kbps up to full bandwidth.

“The unique management options, along with standard Transition Networks features such as AutoCross, Auto-Negotiation, Link Pass Through, Far End Fault, and Auto Link Restore, position this product as the perfect solution for an entry level remote management requirement,” says Patrick Schaber, Director of Marketing at Transition Networks. “Combined with the price point of an entry-level managed device, this NID affords all Transition Networks customers the benefits of remote management.”

Product Features
To take advantage of the remote management capabilities, the SRFB devices should be used in pairs, installed on either end of a fiber link. Both the local and remote unit can be managed when the local unit is installed in a managed Point System Chassis. Access to the management information can be done through Transition Networks’ own network management application, Focal PointTM, as well as any web browser.

The SFRB includes a Remote Loopback Test feature which can easily set the remote unit into a loopback mode. This is used to test link integrity and assist in identifying network problems. At the end of the test, the remote unit is automatically re-set into a normal operation mode. Another new feature included in the SRFB is a Copper Link Test. This Link Test is used in conjunction with Link Pass Through (LPT) when LPT is enabled. The Link Test is controlled by a button which is accessible on the front of the device. When the button is depressed, LTP is temporarily suspended so an installation technician can see the valid copper link LED illuminate. This is particularly useful when the copper links and the fiber links are being established at different times.

Product Availability and Configuration
Transition’s new SRFB series 10/100 bridging Network Interface Devices are offered in both chassis card for the Point SystemTM Chassis and a standalone version in the following configurations: