Media Converters can be managed remotely.

Press Release Summary:



Secure 10/100 copper-to-fiber media converters have fully integrated management engine that lets users manage 2 standalone media converters without media conversion chassis. Designed for fiber switches that require managed conversion at remote end, products let users monitor link, activate loopback, provision bandwidth, enter and manage VLANs, and choose appropriate mode of connection straight from Network Management centers. Products also offer troubleshooting and reporting features.



Original Press Release:



Transition Networks Offers Cost-Effective, Remotely Managed 10/100 Media Converters



MINNEAPOLIS, Jan. 23 -- Transition Networks Inc., the conversion technology expert, a wholly owned subsidiary of Communications Systems, Inc., today announced the introduction of its new, remotely managed 10/100 copper-to-fiber media converters. The 10/100 converters feature a fully integrated management engine that will allow users to manage two standalone media converters without the need to use a media conversion chassis.

This product is designed for customers who own fiber switches and require a managed conversion at the remote end. They can monitor the link, activate loopback, provision the bandwidth, enter and manage VLANs, QoS and choose appropriate mode of connection straight from their Network Management centers.

"Secure, remotely managed optical Fast Ethernet to 10/100 Ethernet media conversion, coupled with flexible connectivity, bandwidth throttle, and a wide range of monitoring, troubleshooting and reporting features, provide an exceptional value for enterprise and telco networks," said Bill Schultz, vice president of marketing at Transition Networks.

Product Features

Typically, standalone units have been managed in conjunction with the chassis system at a central location. Now, standalone media converters can be programmed with the IP and manage a fiber link consisting of two standalones. The 10/100 converter also complies with the recently ratified IEEE 802.3ah standard. It supports OAM In-Band management for monitoring, reporting and active management of the entire link. Remote loopback can also be activated should troubleshooting be required. A service level differentiation can be achieved by providing different bandwidth levels for different customers at a different cost.

Network security and segmentation is supported by full VLAN management. QoS and a wide variety of link monitoring, troubleshooting, and reporting features increase network performance. Digital diagnostics enable network administrators to measure the quality of the optical connection and report it over the OAM and SNMP management. Link Loss Notification signals the fault to the management. IEEE802.1X and Radius enable user authentication and increase network security and ease of user management.

This converter solution can be managed via graphical user interfaces such as Focal Point, HPOV or Cisco Works as well as any web browser, telnet or local serial command line interface. Service providers can also gather information about customers' bandwidth and traffic utilization. Management security is assured by a variety of Transition Networks' security features including Firewall (IP filtering), ACL -- Access Control Lists, SNMP Lock (Complete SNMP lock) or local CLI lock (no local access).

The product has all typical features including Auto-Negotiation, Autocross, Symmetrical or Asymmetrical Pause, Transparent Link Pass Through and Automatic Link Restoration. The Automatic Link Restoration feature ensures, that once the fault condition is removed, no user intervention is ever required to bring the entire link back up again.

Product Configuration

Transition's remotely managed 10/100 media converter is available in Standalone version. Transition Networks recommends that these converters are used in pairs to take advantage of all management benefits.

Product Availability

The 10/100 models will be available in February. Please contact Transition Networks at (800)526-9267 or transition.com/ for the latest information.

About Transition Networks Products

Transition Networks' conversion products are known for their ruggedness and reliability. They have a 99.4 percent customer acceptance rating, meaning that approximately one in 1,000 experience failure in the field. All Transition Networks brand of media converters carry a lifetime warranty.

About Transition Networks Inc.

Transition Networks Inc. offers networking connectivity solutions that make networks perform better, faster and more reliably while helping companies leverage their existing networking infrastructure. The company's Transition Networks brand of media converters make conversion between disparate media types possible, providing conversion technology solutions that offer the necessary adaptations without affecting the performance, nature or appearance of the network. Its complete Milan portfolio of multilayer switching and wireless products are designed to facilitate low-cost network evolution with unique solutions, easing the stress on networks caused by high-bandwidth applications. Based in Minneapolis, Transition Networks distributes hardware- based connectivity solutions exclusively through a network of resellers in 50 countries, including Ingram Micro and Tech Data. Transition Networks is a wholly owned subsidiary of Communications Systems, Inc., a publicly traded company (AMEX:JCS).

CONTACT: Bill Schultz of Transition Networks, +1-952-996-1573, bills@transition.com; or Kim Miller of KLM Public Relations Inc., +1-617-610-0583, klmcomm@hotmail.com

Web site: transition.com/

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