Allied Telesis Converteon AT-CM301 Fast Ethernet Line Card

The Allied Telesis Converteon AT-CM301 Fast Ethernet Line Card is a purpose-built media and rate converter designed to bridge copper and fiber networks in dynamic enterprise and campus environments. This compact module fits into compatible Converteon chassis and combines a 10/100TX copper interface with a 100FX multimode fiber interface using a standard ST connector, delivering a straightforward path to extend your network beyond copper limits without a full switch upgrade. Built for reliability, performance, and easy manageability, the AT-CM301 helps you preserve existing investments while delivering modern fiber capabilities where they matter most, such as between buildings, between floors, or from distribution closets to core switches. The dual-transceiver arrangement supports flexible deployment options, enabling administrators to stage gradual migrations from copper to fiber while maintaining service continuity for critical applications. In short, the AT-CM301 is a scalable, cost-effective solution that brings Fast Ethernet fiber connectivity into reach for growing multi-site networks and mid-sized enterprises, supporting your network’s evolution without disruption.

• Dual-standalone transceiver capability: The AT-CM301 integrates a 10/100TX copper port with a 100FX multimode fiber interface on a single card, enabling direct media conversion without replacing existing switches. This design allows fiber deployment to proceed alongside active copper devices, reducing downtime and operational risk while preserving current investments.
• Extended reach up to 2 km: The 100FX multimode fiber link supports distances up to 2 kilometers, enabling campus backbones, building-to-building links, and data-center to distribution-area connections to be bridged efficiently. This expansion helps you consolidate network topologies, simplify cabling, and improve overall performance for latency-sensitive applications.
• Scalable integration within the Converteon family: The AT-CM301 fits into compatible Allied Telesis Converteon chassis, enabling network expansions without overhauling your switch fabric. Its modular, plug-in design supports incremental growth as your network demands rise, making it ideal for growing offices, campuses, and multi-building sites while keeping management centralized.
• Fiber type and connector: Uses 100FX multimode fiber with a standard ST connector to support common enterprise fiber installations and easy cross-compatibility with existing fiber infrastructure. The multimode solution offers cost-effective, short-reach deployments with robust performance for typical Ethernet traffic.
• Reliability and compatibility: As part of the Allied Telesis Converteon line, the AT-CM301 is built for durable operation in demanding networks and integrates with management tools and configurations used across enterprise environments. Expect steady throughput, straightforward troubleshooting, and seamless integration with your existing Allied Telesis devices.

Technical Details of Allied Telesis Converteon AT-CM301 Fast Ethernet Line Card

• Product: Allied Telesis Converteon AT-CM301 Fast Ethernet Line Card
• Type: Media and rate converter line card
• Ports: 1 x 10/100TX RJ-45 copper; 1 x 100FX multimode fiber (ST)
• Distance support: Up to 2 km over multimode fiber
• Fiber connector: ST
• Transceivers: Two transceiver/media converter units integrated on one card
• Operating environment: Suitable for enterprise, campus, and data-center edge deployments; designed for use in compatible Allied Telesis chassis

How to install Allied Telesis Converteon AT-CM301 Fast Ethernet Line Card

Follow these steps to install the AT-CM301 in a compatible Allied Telesis chassis and configure the link between copper devices and fiber networks. Always refer to your chassis documentation for model-specific guidance and precautions.

• Power down the chassis and disconnect all attached cables before installing the card to prevent electrical shock or equipment damage.
• Open the chassis or slot cover and locate an available expansion slot that matches the AT-CM301's form factor. Align the card with the slot guides and slide it in until it seats firmly. Ensure there are no bent connectors and that the card is fully seated in the backplane.
• Secure the card using the chassis retention mechanism, usually a captive screw or latch. Confirm the card is stable and not tilted, then reattach the slot cover if applicable.
• Connect the copper side: attach your device's Ethernet port to the 10/100TX RJ-45 port on the AT-CM301 using a standard RJ-45 Ethernet cable, ensuring a clean, straight-through connection. Verify the link LED turns on after connection.
• Connect the fiber side: connect 100FX multimode fiber to the ST connector on the card using the appropriate fiber patch cable. Ensure the fiber polarity is correct and the link indicators show a healthy fiber link.
• Power on the chassis and use the management interface to verify the interface status, adjust VLANs, speed, and other network parameters as required. Run a basic throughput test to ensure latency and throughput meet your service-level expectations.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the AT-CM301 used for? A: The AT-CM301 is a media and rate converter line card that provides copper-to-fiber bridging for Fast Ethernet networks, enabling seamless expansion without replacing existing equipment and allowing gradual migration to fiber where needed.
• Q: What distance can the fiber link achieve? A: The 100FX multimode fiber interface supports up to 2 kilometers, depending on fiber type, connector quality, and network conditions. Shorter runs maintain copper connectivity when appropriate for redundancy or mixed-media topologies.
• Q: Is the AT-CM301 compatible with all Allied Telesis switches? A: The AT-CM301 is designed for use in compatible Allied Telesis Converteon chassis. Always verify model compatibility with the vendor’s documentation or support to ensure proper operation in your specific chassis.
• Q: How do I manage the AT-CM301? A: Management is performed through the parent Converteon chassis management interface. Configure VLANs, rate settings, monitoring, and other network parameters from the chassis platform; the card itself does not require standalone software.
• Q: What kind of fiber connector does it use? A: The AT-CM301 uses a standard ST connector for the 100FX multimode fiber interface, compatible with common enterprise fiber installations.
• Q: What is the warranty? A: Warranty and support are provided through Allied Telesis via the original vendor channel. Refer to your purchase agreement or product documentation for specific coverage terms.