IEEE 802.3 10Base-FP

The 10Base-FP standard describes all functions for data transmission from the Medium Attachment Unit( MAU) to a passive star coupler via optical fiber. The maximum length of a 10Base-FP link segment is 500 m. There is no specification for the number of ports of the hub.

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

The use of 10Base-FP is especially recommended in production environments, factory floors, or high noise environments because of its immunity to external interference signals. The configuration is ideal for small installations or workgroup LANs; it does not require its own power supply as the end devices provide the optical power.