A Fiber Optic Converter is a highly efficient and flexible device used for optical-to-electrical conversion, playing a crucial role in hybrid optical-electrical Local Area Network (LAN) supporting various Data Transfer Protocol(DTP). It is capable of supporting data transmission for multiple protocols such as Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, T1/E1, DS3/E3, and more. To better monitor and resolve link faults, some Fiber Optic Converter are equipped with Link Fault Pass Through (LFP) and Far End Fault (FEF) alarm functionalities.When a Fiber Optic Converter is equipped with the FEF feature, network administrators can easily detect faults on the transceiver's link. Upon detecting a fiber link error, the transceiver on the faulty side will transmit a Far End Fault signal over the fiber to notify the transceiver on the other side of the occurrence of the fault. This allows for swift identification and potential remediation of the issue, maintaining the stability and reliability of the network.
Fiber Optic Converter are often utilized in copper-based cabling systems to extend transmission distances. However, in a network where paired Fiber Optic Converter are used, if a fault occurs in either the fiber or copper cable link on one side, resulting in the inability to transmit data, the transceiver on the opposite end may continue to operate without reporting the error to the network administrator. To effectively address this issue, fiber optic transceivers equipped with FEF (Far End Fault) and LFP (Link Fault Pass Through) functionalities offer a comprehensive solution.
A working Fibre Optic Converter
FEF (Far End Fault) is a feature found on Fiber Optic Converter, adhering to the protocol defined in IEEE 802.3u standard, which is designed to detect faults in the remote link within a network. Fiber Optic Converter equipped with FEF capability enable network administrators to effortlessly identify faults on the transceiver's link. When an error occurs in the fiber link, one side of the transceiver sends a Far End Fault signal through the fiber to notify the transceiver on the opposite side of the fault. Subsequently, the two copper links connected to the fiber link are automatically disconnected. By utilizing Fiber Optic Converter with FEF functionality, faults on the link can be swiftly detected and promptly resolved. By severing the faulty link and sending the Far End Fault signal back to the transceiver, it prevents data transmission over the faulty link, thereby maintaining the integrity of the data transfer.
- How do Fiber Optic Converter with FEF functionality work?
- As shown in the diagram below, if a fault occurs at the receiving end (RX) of the fiber optic link, Fiber Optic Converter A, equipped with FEF (Far End Fault) functionality, will detect the fault.
- Fiber Optic Converter A will transmit a Far End Fault signal to Fiber Optic Converter B, notifying it of the fault at the receiving end, thereby disabling Transceiver A's transmitting end for data transmission.
- Fiber Optic Converter A will disconnect the copper cable connection to its adjacent Ethernet switch, where the LED indicator will display the link as disconnected.
- On the other side, Fiber Optic Converter B will also disconnect the copper cable link to its adjacent switch, and the corresponding LED indicator on that switch will also display the link as disconnected.
LFP stands for Link Fault Pass Through, which functions to propagate the link fault from one side of the Fiber Optic Converter to the other side. In the event of a copper link fault, the Fiber Optic Converter will transmit the link fault information throughout the entire link, resulting in the disruption of the connection between the intermediate fiber optic link and the copper cable link at the other end. Consequently, Fiber Optic Converter equipped with LFP capability can promptly notify network administrators of link issues and provide effective network monitoring solutions, thereby minimizing the losses caused by link fault.
- How do Fiber Optic Converter with LFP functionality work?
- As shown in the diagram below, a fault has occurred in the copper cable link on the left side of Fiber Optic Converter A.
- Fiber Optic Converter A, equipped with LFP (Link Fault Pass Through) functionality, will inform Fiber Optic Converter B of the copper cable link fault and subsequently disable the connection on the fiber line connected to Fiber Optic Converter B.
- Fiber Optic Converter B will disconnect its copper cable line connection on the right side, and the LED indicator light on the switch on the right side will display that this link is in a disconnected state.
The FEF (Far End Fault) and LFP (Link Fault Pass Through) functions on Fiber Optic Converter are of paramount importance. Fiber Optic Converter equipped with FEF (Far End Fault) and LFP (Link Fault Pass Through) capabilities provide significant assistance to network administrators in diagnosing and troubleshooting network issues, thereby ensuring the smooth operation of the links.
To enable the FEF (Far End Fault) and LFP (Link Fault Pass Through) functions on Fiber Optic Converter, it is necessary to use pairs of electrical-to-optical or optical-to-electrical converters (not optical-to-optical converters). Additionally, it is advisable to choose transceivers of the same brand and model. In actual network connections, prior to utilizing the FEF and LFP functions on the Fiber Optic Converter, it is crucial to test these features. In case of complex technical issues, please contact the supplier for professional technical support.
The above is a detailed introduction to the FEF (Far End Fault) and LFP (Link Fault Pass Through) functions of Comark's Fiber Optic Converter. We hope it will be helpful to you! Comark, a professional expert in the R&D, production, and sales of industrial communication equipment such as Fiber Optic Converter, Telephone Optical Terminals, Industrial Switches, and Protocol Converters, provides optical communication and access solutions. We welcome you to learn more, communicate, and consult with us.
