Allied Telesis AT-MMC2000/LC-960 – Gigabit Media Converter LC Multimode TAA

Product Overview

The Allied Telesis AT-MMC2000/LC-960 is an Allied Telesis Gigabit media converter LC multimode TAA Federal model that converts 10/100/1000Base-T copper (RJ-45) to 1000Base-SX multimode fiber (LC connector) with integrated rate conversion. TAA compliant for U.S. federal and government procurement, the MMC2000/LC-960 is designed for enterprise network fiber extension, campus backbone interconnects, and government facilities where LC-terminated multimode fiber is the installed plant standard. Consuming only approximately 1.7W, the MMC series delivers over 50% power savings versus standard-size converters, making it ideal for energy-conscious and high-density deployments requiring Gigabit fiber extension with TAA compliance.

Product Description

The Allied Telesis MMC2000/LC-960 performs media and rate conversion between 10/100/1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet copper and 1000Base-SX multimode fiber via an LC duplex connector. The LC connector format is the current standard in modern enterprise data centers and campus fiber installations, making this model the preferred choice for new deployments or facilities that have standardized on LC multimode fiber. Rate conversion capability enables legacy 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps copper-connected devices to integrate into a Gigabit fiber backbone, extending the useful life of older equipment without switch replacement. The MMC series is specifically engineered for low power consumption at approximately 1.7W, representing over 50% power savings compared to conventional full-size media converters — a significant advantage in high-density installations or facilities with tight power budgets. Multimode fiber support covers 50/125 µm and 62.5/125 µm cable at 850 nm wavelength with a maximum reach of 500 meters (1,640 feet), addressing most in-building and campus fiber backbone distances. The Smart MissingLink feature continuously monitors both the copper and fiber network segments, propagating link failures end-to-end so that network management systems receive timely fault notifications. Smart Link Restoration automatically re-establishes links following power interruptions or transient failures, eliminating the need for on-site personnel to reset units at remote locations. The converter is fully transparent to IEEE 802.1Q VLAN-tagged jumbo frames up to 10KB, maintaining compatibility with modern enterprise switching and VLAN policies. A 2K MAC address table, store-and-forward switching mode, Far End Fault detection on the fiber port, and per-port Link/Activity LEDs complete the feature set. An AC adapter is included, and the unit supports rack-mount or wall-mount installation.

Key Features

• 10/100/1000Base-T to 1000Base-SX/LC — Media and rate conversion from auto-negotiating copper to Gigabit multimode fiber over LC connector.
• TAA Compliant — Singapore country of origin meets Trade Agreements Act requirements for U.S. federal procurement.
• Ultra-Low Power Consumption — Approximately 1.7W power draw, over 50% more efficient than full-size media converters.
• 500m Multimode Fiber Reach — Supports 50/125 µm and 62.5/125 µm multimode fiber up to 500m at 850 nm.
• Rate Conversion — Auto-negotiates 10/100/1000 Mbps copper; outputs 1000 Mbps on fiber, integrating legacy endpoints into Gigabit backbones.
• Smart MissingLink (SML) — End-to-end link failure propagation for fast fault detection and management notification.
• Smart Link Restoration — Automatic link recovery after power or connectivity interruptions, no manual reset required.
• IEEE 802.1Q VLAN Transparent — Passes VLAN-tagged jumbo frames up to 10KB without modification.
• Far End Fault Detection — Fiber Far End Fault signaling for enhanced fiber link monitoring.
• 2K MAC Address Table — Store-and-forward switching with 2,048 MAC address capacity.
• Link/Activity LEDs — Per-port LEDs for visual operational status verification.
• Compact Mini Form Factor — 0.9" H x 2.2" W x 4" D; wall-mountable or rack-mountable.

Typical Applications

• Enterprise data center and campus Gigabit fiber extension with LC multimode infrastructure
• U.S. federal and government facility network deployments requiring TAA-compliant equipment
• Rate conversion from 10/100 Mbps copper endpoints into Gigabit fiber backbones
• High-density or energy-efficient deployments with tight power budgets
• Building-to-building fiber interconnect over existing LC multimode fiber plant
• Remote unattended installations requiring automatic link restoration

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What fiber type and connector does the AT-MMC2000/LC-960 use?

The AT-MMC2000/LC-960 uses a duplex LC connector for 1000Base-SX multimode fiber, supporting 50/125 µm (OM2) and 62.5/125 µm (OM1) multimode fiber at 850 nm, with a maximum reach of 500 meters over OM2 fiber.

Q: Is the AT-MMC2000/LC-960 TAA compliant?

Yes. The -960 suffix denotes TAA compliance. The unit is manufactured in Singapore, qualifying under the Trade Agreements Act for U.S. federal government and GSA schedule procurement.

Q: What is the difference between the AT-MMC2000/LC-960 and the AT-MMC2000/SC-960?

Both models perform identical 10/100/1000T to 1000SX Gigabit media and rate conversion. The only difference is the fiber connector: the LC-960 uses an LC duplex connector (preferred for modern installations), while the SC-960 uses an SC duplex connector (common in legacy or older fiber plants).

Q: What does rate conversion mean in practice?

Rate conversion allows the copper port to accept connections at 10, 100, or 1000 Mbps while the fiber port operates at a fixed 1000 Mbps. A legacy 100 Mbps device connected to the copper port can communicate over a Gigabit fiber backbone without requiring a switch port upgrade.

Q: How energy-efficient is the MMC2000/LC-960?

The MMC2000/LC-960 consumes approximately 1.7W, which Allied Telesis describes as over 50% power savings compared to standard-size media converters. This makes it well-suited for green IT initiatives and facilities with constrained power budgets.

Q: Does this converter support VLAN and jumbo frame traffic?

Yes. The MMC2000/LC-960 is fully transparent to IEEE 802.1Q VLAN-tagged frames and passes jumbo frames up to 10KB, compatible with all modern enterprise switching platforms.

Q: Where can I purchase the AT-MMC2000/LC-960?

The AT-MMC2000/LC-960 is available from Creation Networks at creationnetworks.net.