TX2FX Rugged Ethernet Media Converter

2. Which SFP modules are being supported by the MAGBES/TX2FX?

As SFP modules should be designed according to the manufacture independent standard "SFP Multi Source Agreement" (SFP MSA), every SFP module should work with the MAGBES/TX2FX. (Please note that there may be MAGBES/TX2FX specific limitations (e.g. "Fibre Channel" or "SONET" are NOT supported), so check the corresponding user manual for details).

Unfortunately there seems to be some SFP modules available on the market, which do not to work reliably in conjunction with the MAGBES/TX2FX for various reasons. The following table lists the work/not-work status of all SFP modules MPL is currently aware of:

3. I try to use a third-party SFP with your MAGEBS/TX2FX but it does not work. If I insert the SFP into a media-converter or switch to a different brand, it works without a problem. Is the MAGEBS/TX2FX broken?

Not necessarily. According to the standard "SFP Multi Source Agreement" (SFP MSA), all SFP modules contain a small memory device, where the capabilities supported by a particular SFP are being stored. Problems of the above mentioned kind are mostly caused by incorrect or even missing capability information.

Because the MAGEBS/TX2FX is able to "translate" between different link speeds and media types, it is absolutely vital that the SFP module reports accurate capability information. Otherwise the MAGEBS/TX2FX is unable to set up its internal hardware correctly.

For media-converters supporting only one link speed and / or media type, reading and interpreting the SFP information may not be necessary at all, which may explain why the SFP works in conjunction with these devices.

Therefore please recheck with a SFP module from another manufacturer. If this is not an option, please contact the SFP manufacturer and make sure that the SFP meets the MSA specification and is Ethernet compatible. SFP modules which only support "Fibre Channel" or "SONET" are NOT supported by the MAGEBS/TX2FX!

4. Which SFP module speeds are being supported by the MAGBES/TX2FX?

The following SFP module speeds are supported: 

• 100Base-FX
• 1000Base-FX
• 1000Base-LX
• 1000Base-SX

5. Has the TX2FX/MAGES any kind of built-in buffer for ethernet frames and if yes, how big is it?

Yes, the switch controller used on the TX2FX/MAGBES has a FIFO buffer to temporarily store ethernet frames and its size is 1Mbit.

6. Does the TX2FX support "Jumbo Frames"?

It depends on the precise TX2FX version: 

• The TX2FX-1 / TX2FX-2 does NOT support "Jumbo Frames".
• The TX2FX-11 / TX2FX-12 does support "Jumbo Frames".

7. What is the (minimal) latency of the data going through the TX2FX from the copper port to the fiber port (or vice versa)?

Since the TX2FX incorporates a switch controller (based on a "store-and-forward" design), the latency depends on the actual speed, duplex mode and handshake status of the connected media. Therefore in the best case (both ports working in full duplex, no pause frame received) the latency is at least one frame (-time).