IEEE 802.3 10Base-FB

The 10Base-FB standard is exclusively for backbone applications, it describes all functions for data transmission between active star couplers. This standard can also be used as a connection from fiber optic MAUs to active star couplers. The 10Base-FB standard uses synchronous optical transmission technology, which allows repeater-free backbone structures to be set up. Up to 15 repeaters can be cascaded. The maximum segment length of a 10Base-FB link segment is 2,000 m.

Due to the synchronous optical transmission technology, ports can be configured as redundant links. In this case, if one connection fails, the system automatically switches to the other so that there is no interruption indata traffic. Error detection is possible; if errors occur, the receiving 10Base-FB transceiver sends a 1.67 MHz signal back to the transmitter.

The signals transmitted by the 10Base-FB standard are not compatible with the 10Base- FP and 10Base-FL standards. For this reason, a repeater or bridge must be used to connect between the standards. The end device is connected to the 10Base-FB fiber either directly via the 10Base-FB Ethernet transceiver integrated on the Ethernet controller or via an AUI interface using a drop cable, whereby the external transceiver enables adaptation to the 10Base-FB standard.