Transition Point System Slide-In-Module Redundant Link Protector - network bypass unit

The Redundant Link Protector is a 10/100 Ethernet fault-tolerant transceiver. It significantly reduces network downtime, adding a new level of redundancy to 10/100 Ethernet connections. It also provides a redundant path for critical 10/100 devices. In a 10/100 Ethernet network, a critical device such as a file server may be connected to the rest of the network through a hub or a switch. A common problem in this configuration is that the server is often connected to the network through a single cable. If the cable fails, then the server is disconnected from the rest of the network. Similarly, if a port of a hub or switch to which the server is connected fails, the server is disconnected from the network.

The Redundant Transceiver has three ports: one for the critical (main) device, one for the default (primary) path for the critical device, and another (backup) for the backup path. It is a smart device that will not send any signal on a path that is not active. If the primary path loses its link, then the transceiver will immediately (in less than one microsecond) switch to the backup path.

When the primary path re-establishes its link, the Redundant Link Protector will automatically switch back to the primary path.

Optional functionality, controlled via a dip switch, allows the unit to move from the fault-tolerant mode to a 3-port switch mode.