Black Box TS220A-R2 User Manual

Overview and Installation

The Fiber Optic Splitter Module monitors network traffic flowing in either direction on a fiberoptic network
(Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, FDDI, ATM, and SONET) at data rates up to OC3 (155 Mbps). It has four ports. Data
Ports A and B are each dual SC female 62.5/125-µm multimode fiberoptic connectors that can be attached to
fiberoptic network devices (NICs, switches, routers, etc.). Analyzer Ports A and B are both carried on one dual
SC female 62.5/125-µm multimode fiberoptic connector that can be attached to a LAN analyzer.

The splitter module is light, compact, and portable. You can also mount as many as three modules in a 19"
equipment rack with our 3-Module Rackmount Kit (RM210; cover any open slots in the kit with Filler Blanks
[RM211]). Run standard 62.5/125-µm multimode fiberoptic cable (with SC connectors on the module end)
from the splitter module to the other devices. For the connection to the LAN analyzer, we recommend a Fiber
Optic Analyzer Patch Cable (EFN4029-CT), shown below.

Figure 1. The Fiber Optic Analyzer Patch Cable (EFN4029-CT).

FEBRUARY 2006

TS220A-R2

Fiber Optic Splitter Module

Fiber Optic

Splitter
Module

Order toll-free in the U.S.: Call 877-877-BBOX (outside U.S. call 724-746-5500)
FREE technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: Call 724-746-5500 or fax [phone]
Mailing address: Black Box Corporation, 1000 Park Drive, Lawrence, PA 15055-1018
Web site: www.blackbox.com • E-mail: [e-mail]

CUSTOMER

SUPPORT

INFORMATION

LAN analyzer

(or monitoring

device)

MULTIMODE

DUPLEX SC CONNECTOR

Rx
Rx

Tx
Rx

Tx
Rx

3-foot (0.9-m) 6.25/125-µm SC/SC patch cord

Operation

Once you’ve connected the other devices to the Fiber Optic Splitter Module, it will begin operating immediately.
(It’s a passive device and doesn’t need to draw power from anywhere.) The splitter module can operate in either
full or half-duplex mode. It taps the incoming data on either or both strands of your network’s fiberoptic lines and
sends 20% of the signal to the analyzer ports for performance evaluation and error detection (see Figures 2 and 3).

The tapped data is fed to the analyzer ports at network speed (up to OC3, 155 Mbps) and at normal signal levels.
Signal integrity is guaranteed for the lines (the tapping will not affect either the signal integrity or loading factor);
the splitter module regenerates incoming data from the network lines before retransmitting it.

Figure 2. Attaching devices to the splitter module (internal data flow also shown).

Figure 3. Total data flow when used in a ring network.

FIBER OPTIC SPLITTER MODULE

2

Fiber Optic

Splitter
Module

20% signal

LAN analyzer

(monitoring software programs)

80% signal

LAN network

traffic

Tx

LAN analyzer

(or monitoring device)