IMC-2M — managed Gigabit Ethernet media converter from 10/100/1000Base-T to 100/1000Base-X SFP

OPTOKON IMC-2M — is a managed Gigabit Ethernet media converter and compact Web Smart switch for converting copper Ethernet 10/100/1000Base-T to a fiber-optic interface 100/1000Base-X. The model is designed for professional networks that require not only media conversion but also comprehensive remote management, monitoring, VLAN, OAM, SNMP, and link status monitoring.

IMC-2M supports management via a Web interface and USB console, allowing Ethernet port configuration, bandwidth control, optical link status monitoring, VLAN configuration, and troubleshooting without physical access to the device.

The optical interface can be implemented using an SFP module or a fixed SC connection, depending on the version. Single-mode, multimode, and Bi-Di/WDM versions are available, enabling links over distances from hundreds of meters to tens of kilometers.

With support for IEEE 802.3ah OAM, SNMPv1, Digital Diagnostic Monitoring, Link Fault Pass Through, Dying Gasp and Auto Laser Shutdown IMC-2M significantly outperforms conventional unmanaged media converters and is well suited to carrier, industrial, enterprise, and mission-critical Ethernet networks.

Key advantages of IMC-2M

• 10/100/1000Base-T to 100/1000Base-X — Gigabit Ethernet conversion between copper and fiber media.
• Managed media converter — configuration and monitoring via a Web interface.
• USB Console for local administration.
• IEEE 802.3ah OAM — Ethernet link monitoring and diagnostics.
• SNMPv1 — integration into centralized monitoring systems.
• SFP Digital Diagnostic Monitoring — support for DOM/DDM-compatible modules.
• 100/1000Base-X — support for dual-rate SFP.
• Single Mode / Multimode / Bi-Di — multiple optical interface types.
• Jumbo Frame up to 16K.
• Ingress / Egress Bandwidth Control.
• Up to 16 VLAN groups.
• Link Fault Pass Through — propagation of link failure information between interfaces.
• Dying Gasp — notification of local power loss.
• Auto Laser Shutdown — automatic laser shutdown under certain fault conditions.
• RMON counters for statistics and monitoring.
• Store-and-Forward Switching.
• Auto MDI/MDIX on the RJ45 port.
• Auto-Negotiation or Manual Mode.
• Flow Control Enable / Disable.
• Desktop, wall and DIN-rail mounting.

Why use a managed media converter

A standard media converter only converts an electrical Ethernet signal into an optical signal. IMC-2M adds management and diagnostic capabilities to this function, which is especially important for remote and critical networks.

The administrator can:

• monitor the status of Ethernet and optical ports;
• check SFP parameters;
• limit Ingress and Egress rates;
• create VLANs;
• retrieve RMON statistics;
• detect optical or copper link loss;
• monitor power failure on a remote device;
• update firmware through the web interface.

Typical connection diagram

IMC-2M is installed between an Ethernet device with RJ45 and a fiber-optic link.

Ethernet switch / router / controller → RJ45 → IMC-2M → SFP or SC → optical fiber → remote network node

With its management features, IMC-2M is particularly useful for remote sites where physical access to equipment is difficult or costly.

Copper Ethernet interface

Optical interface

IMC-2M supports optical connections 100/1000Base-X. Depending on the version, the device can be equipped with an SFP slot or a fixed SC interface.

Optical link options

SFP Digital Diagnostic Monitoring

IMC-2M supports Digital Diagnostic Monitoring compatible SFP modules. This allows key optical transceiver parameters to be monitored through the management system.

Depending on the functionality of the installed SFP, the following can be monitored:

• transmitted optical power level;
• received optical signal level;
• module temperature;
• supply voltage;
• laser current.

This feature is particularly useful for remotely diagnosing optical link degradation before a complete loss of connectivity.

Web Management

IMC-2M supports management through a standard web browser. In-band management allows the device to be monitored and configured remotely over an Ethernet network.

The web interface is used for:

• configuring Ethernet ports;
• VLAN management;
• configuring Flow Control;
• bandwidth limiting;
• viewing statistics;
• SFP monitoring;
• configuring OAM;
• updating firmware.

USB Console

Local administration is available through a USB console port. This allows the device to be configured without network access, which is useful during initial setup or servicing.

IEEE 802.3ah OAM

Support for IEEE 802.3ah Ethernet OAM allows IMC-2M to be used in professional service provider and enterprise Ethernet networks.

OAM enables:

• monitoring Ethernet link status;
• detecting link errors;
• performing remote diagnostics;
• monitoring remote equipment;
• reducing troubleshooting time.

SNMPv1

IMC-2M supports SNMPv1, allowing the media converter to be integrated into a centralized network monitoring system.

This is particularly relevant for networks with a large number of remote media converters, where the administrator needs to view equipment status from a single NMS server.

Link Fault Pass Through

Link Fault Pass Through (LFPT) propagates link loss information between the copper and optical ports.

This enables active equipment at the other end of the link to quickly detect that the end-to-end Ethernet connection has been disrupted.

Dying Gasp — power loss detection

The Dying Gasp function enables remote detection of media converter power loss. Before shutting down completely, the device sends an alarm notification to the management system.

This helps distinguish between:

• a fiber-optic cable break;
• an Ethernet link fault;
• equipment failure;
• loss of local power.

Auto Laser Shutdown

Auto Laser Shutdown (ALS) automatically controls the optical transmitter under certain fault conditions. This function improves operational safety and simplifies maintenance of the optical link.

Jumbo Frame 16K

IMC-2M supports Jumbo Frames up to 16K, significantly exceeding the standard Ethernet frame size.

Support for large frames is useful in networks with intensive data transfer:

• server infrastructure;
• data storage systems;
• video surveillance;
• industrial systems;
• backups;
• large file transfers.

Bandwidth Control

IMC-2M supports Ingress and Egress Bandwidth Control. The administrator can limit the bandwidth of incoming or outgoing Ethernet traffic.

This enables administrators to:

• control link utilization;
• limit traffic at an individual endpoint;
• prevent uplink congestion;
• establish bandwidth-controlled service links.

VLAN

IMC-2M supports IEEE 802.1Q VLAN and up to 16 Tag VLAN Groups.

VLAN enables logical isolation of network traffic without creating a separate physical infrastructure.

RMON

Support for RMON counters enables collection of Ethernet interface statistics and analysis of network status.

IMC-2M Technical Specifications

IMC-2M and a standard unmanaged media converter

Carrier networks

IMC-2M is well suited for Ethernet carriers and ISPs that need to monitor remote subscriber or transport nodes.

• Metro Ethernet;
• FTTx aggregation;
• remote Ethernet nodes;
• corporate customer connections;
• carrier CPE;
• Ethernet over Fiber.

Industrial networks

With its management capabilities, optical interface and DIN-rail mounting option, IMC-2M can be used in industrial Ethernet systems.

• SCADA;
• PLC;
• production lines;
• industrial controllers;
• data acquisition systems;
• remote process nodes.

Video surveillance systems

• remote IP cameras;
• CCTV aggregation nodes;
• perimeter video surveillance;
• transport facilities;
• city security system;
• industrial sites.

Management capabilities allow administrators to remotely monitor the status of the optical link and the Ethernet connection to the remote node.

Energy and utility infrastructure

• electrical substations;
• pumping stations;
• water treatment facilities;
• telemetry systems;
• remote controllers;
• infrastructure monitoring.

Enterprise and campus networks

• inter-building connectivity;
• office complexes;
• university campuses;
• hospitals;
• logistics centers;
• warehouse complexes.

Transport infrastructure

• airports;
• railway stations;
• tunnels;
• metro systems;
• traffic controllers;
• transport terminals;
• information systems.

When to choose IMC-2M

IMC-2M is recommended if:

• a standard unmanaged media converter is not sufficient;
• remote web-based management is required;
• SNMP monitoring is required;
• OAM support is required;
• SFP DDM/DOM parameters need to be monitored;
• bandwidth limiting is required;
• VLANs are required;
• remote power loss detection is important;
• the LFPT function is required;
• Jumbo Frame support up to 16K is required;
• single-mode, multimode or Bi-Di optical links are used;
• desktop, wall or DIN-rail mounting is required.

FAQ — frequently asked questions

How does IMC-2M differ from a standard media converter?

IMC-2M offers comprehensive management and monitoring features: Web Management, IEEE 802.3ah OAM, SNMP, VLAN, Bandwidth Control, RMON, Dying Gasp and SFP DOM.

What speeds does the copper port support?

The RJ45 port supports 10, 100 and 1000 Mbit/s.

What speeds does the optical interface support?

The optical interface supports 100/1000Base-X. For the SFP version, 100 or 1000 Mbit/s operation depends on the use of a compatible dual-rate SFP.

Can SFP modules be used?

Yes. IMC-2M supports an SFP interface, and the optical link distance depends on the installed transceiver.

Is DDM/DOM supported?

Yes. IMC-2M supports Digital Diagnostic Monitoring of compatible SFP modules.

Is VLAN supported?

Yes. Supports up to 16 Tag VLAN Groups.

Can bandwidth be limited?

Yes. Ingress and Egress Bandwidth Control are supported.

What is the maximum Jumbo Frame size?

IMC-2M supports Ethernet frames up to 16K.

What is Dying Gasp?

Dying Gasp — a function that allows the device to notify the management system of a local power loss immediately before shutting down.

What is LFPT?

Link Fault Pass Through propagates the Link Down state between the copper and optical ports. If the link goes down on one interface, the device forces the link down on the other.

Can the device be managed through a browser?

Yes. IMC-2M supports Web Management and can be configured through a standard web browser.

Is SNMP supported?

Yes. It supports SNMPv1.

Can IMC-2M be mounted on a DIN rail?

Yes. DIN-rail mounting is supported, as well as desktop or wall mounting.

What power supply is required?

IMC-2M operates on 12 V DC and consumes less than 3 W.

Configuration selection

OPTOKON IMC-2M — is a professional managed Gigabit Ethernet media converter for networks where simple RJ45-to-fiber conversion is not enough. Web Management, OAM, SNMP, VLAN, RMON, Bandwidth Control, SFP DOM, Dying Gasp, LFPT and Jumbo Frame 16K allow it to serve as a fully managed network infrastructure component.

A wide range of optical options — Multimode, Single Mode, WDM/Bi-Di and SFP — allows IMC-2M to be adapted to various link types and distances, from local connections to remote links spanning tens of kilometers.

Contact us:
info@optokon.es