Description
Advantech IMC-450/470 Series standalone media converters are purpose-built bridging devices that seamlessly connect copper Ethernet networks to fiber optics, delivering flexible, reliable performance for industrial, campus, and remote site deployments. Designed to support 100Mbps and 10/100/1000Mbps speeds on the copper side and robust, high‑bandwidth fiber transmission on the LX side, these units enable long‑haul connections with minimal downtime. The compact, plug‑and‑play form factor makes them ideal for equipment cabinets, wall mounts, or field enclosures where space is at a premium. With optional internal power security for enhanced protection against electrical disturbances and automatic link restoration, the IMC‑450/470 series are a practical and durable solution for upgrading legacy copper networks to fiber without the complexity of managed switches. The 1310 nm single‑mode fiber capability, up to 40 km reach, and SC connector option give you flexibility to design resilient networks that resist EMI/RFI and operate reliably in challenging environments.
- Copper-to-fiber bridging with flexible speed support: The IMC‑450/470 converts and extends Ethernet links from copper to fiber, enabling 100Mbps and 10/100/1000Mbps operation on the copper side while using high‑bandwidth 1310nm single‑mode fiber on the LX side. This combination provides longer reach, improved immunity to electromagnetic interference, and compatibility with a wide range of industrial and enterprise networks. The 40 km capability implied by the product’s 1310nm LX fiber option makes it suitable for campus backbones, industrial campuses, and remote facilities where copper runs would otherwise be impractical.
- Standalone, plug‑and‑play design: The IMC‑450/470 is intentionally self‑contained—no software, no management servers, and no complex configuration. It works out of the box as a compact media converter that easily fits into standard equipment racks, shelves, or wall‑mount enclosures. This simplicity reduces installation time, minimizes maintenance, and lowers total cost of ownership, making it a smart upgrade path for facilities that rely on legacy copper segments but need fiber reach and reliability.
- Optional internal power security device: Select models feature an internal power protection option to guard critical links against voltage sags, surges, and other electrical disturbances common in industrial environments. This added protection helps maintain link integrity during power anomalies, reducing the risk of downtime and extending the life of network connections in demanding settings.
- Automatic link restoration for uninterrupted connectivity: When a temporary network interruption occurs, the IMC‑450/470 automatically reestablishes the copper‑to‑fiber link when the path is restored. This capability minimizes manual intervention, speeds recovery, and supports high‑availability networks where downtime can impact operations, safety, or service level commitments.
- Compact, versatile mounting and broad compatibility: With its small standalone enclosure, the device can be mounted in equipment rooms, on a wall, or within confined field enclosures. The design emphasizes broad compatibility with diverse fiber and copper configurations and allows IT and OT teams to deploy a reliable copper‑to‑fiber bridge without complex reconfigurations or network redesigns.
Technical Details of Advantech IMC-450/470 Media Converter
- Product family: IMC‑450/470 Series — standalone media converters for copper‑to‑fiber networking, engineered to bridge copper Ethernet and fiber optic links with minimal fuss.
- Speed support: Copper side supports 100Mbps and 10/100/1000Mbps, enabling flexible connections to legacy hubs, switches, or NICs. The fiber side provides high‑bandwidth transmission suitable for typical industrial and enterprise deployments, with 1310nm single‑mode fiber supporting extended reach up to 40 km, depending on link conditions and fiber quality.
- Topologies: Acts as a bridge between copper Ethernet and fiber optics, extending reach and improving immunity to EMI/RFI. This configuration helps networks cover larger campuses, multi‑building facilities, and remote sites without overhauling existing copper infrastructure.
- Power options: External power supply is standard to simplify deployment. Optional internal power security device is available on select models to enhance protection against power anomalies and to safeguard critical network links in environments with unstable power.
- Protection and reliability: Automatic link restoration ensures rapid recovery from temporary link interruptions, sustaining network availability and reducing manual troubleshooting in mission‑critical operations.
- Mounting and form factor: Compact, standalone enclosure designed for shelf, rack, or surface mounting in equipment rooms or field sites. The unobtrusive footprint makes it feasible to deploy in restricted spaces typical of industrial installations.
- Compatibility: Designed for plug‑and‑play operation and broad compatibility across diverse networking environments, allowing straightforward integration with existing copper segments and fiber backbones without extensive reconfiguration.
How to install Advantech IMC-450/470 Media Converter
- Step 1: Choose a suitable mounting location with adequate ventilation and access to power. The IMC‑450/470 is designed for compact, stable placement in equipment cabinets, on shelves, or mounted on walls near critical links.
- Step 2: Connect the copper side to your network device (switch, router, or PC) using a standard RJ‑45 Ethernet cable. Ensure the device on the copper side is configured for the appropriate speed and duplex settings, noting that many modern devices negotiate automatically.
- Step 3: Connect the fiber side to your LX link using SC connectors and 1310 nm single‑mode fiber. Verify that the fiber length and link budget align with the 40 km capability and that the receiving/transmitting ends are correctly aligned for a clean, grounded connection.
- Step 4: Apply power with the external power supply. If you’re using a model that includes an internal power security device, ensure the device is properly engaged and that any required protective wiring adheres to local electrical standards.
- Step 5: Power on the unit and observe the status indicators. The plug‑and‑play design typically requires no further configuration; confirm that the copper and fiber interfaces show active link lights and that traffic is passing between the devices.
- Step 6: Document the installation for future maintenance and integrate the converter into your ongoing copper‑to‑fiber upgrade plan. If necessary, perform basic network testing to confirm end‑to‑end connectivity and ensure that the link adheres to your performance expectations.
Frequently asked questions
- What speeds are supported by the Advantech IMC‑450/470? The copper interface supports 100Mbps and 10/100/1000Mbps, enabling compatibility with legacy 100Mbps devices as well as modern gigabit equipment. The fiber side provides high bandwidth using 1310nm single‑mode fiber, designed for long‑distance, reliable links up to 40 km in typical installations.
- Is the IMC‑450/470 a managed device? No. It is a standalone, plug‑and‑play media converter that requires little to no configuration, making it ideal for quick deployments and straightforward upgrades from copper to fiber.
- Does it require management software? No management software or control servers are required for basic operation. It is designed to operate as a self‑contained bridge between copper and fiber networks.
- What distance can be covered with the fiber link? When using 1310 nm single‑mode fiber, the device can support long‑haul links up to 40 kilometers, depending on fiber quality, connector losses, and overall link budget.
- What about power protection? Optional internal power security devices are available on select models to guard critical links against power disturbances, which helps maintain uptime in challenging electrical environments.
- How does automatic link restoration work? If the network experiences a temporary interruption, the converter automatically reestablishes the copper‑to‑fiber link once connectivity resumes, reducing downtime and manual intervention in mission‑critical operations.
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