Serial-to-Ethernet Device Servers
Lantronix TN-USB Series USB 2.0 to 100Base-FX Fiber Adapters
Bus-powered USB 2.0 adapters that give a laptop or desktop a 100Base-FX fiber Ethernet port, with multimode SC or LC optics or an open SFP slot, for fiber-to-the-desk and secure workstations.
From $179.20
Overview
About the Lantronix TN-USB Series
The TN-USB Series (part numbers TN-USB-FX-01), which Lantronix calls the Scorpion-USB 2.0 to Fast Ethernet Fiber Adapter, adds a fiber network connection to any computer with a USB type-A port. No PCI card is needed and the case stays closed. It suits laptops and small form factor PCs on fiber-to-the-desk networks, and Lantronix notes that a fiber connection is more secure than copper or wireless transmission, a common requirement in government and secured facilities.
Each adapter connects through a 6-inch pigtail with a USB type-A plug and provides one 100Base-FX fiber port. The SC and LC versions use multimode optics reaching 2 km with an 11.0 dB link budget; the SFP version has an open slot so you can install a single-mode, single-fiber or other 100Base-FX SFP (sold separately). The adapter is powered from the USB bus, typically 1.12 W for SC and 0.9 W for LC, and an advanced power saving mode helps preserve laptop battery life.
WHQL-certified drivers cover Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10, and Lantronix also publishes Linux, Macintosh, Windows XP/Vista and Windows CE drivers. LEDs show USB speed and activity and fiber link and activity. Operating range is 0°C to 50°C. Lantronix also publishes a Fiber-to-the-Desk application note for this deployment model.
Key capabilities
- No external power
- Draws power from the USB bus, about 1.12 W for the SC model and 0.9 W for the LC model.
- SC, LC or open SFP
- Choose fixed multimode SC or LC optics for 2 km links, or an open SFP slot for other 100Base-FX modules.
- Fiber to the laptop
- Adds a 100Base-FX port to a laptop or small PC through USB 2.0 without opening the case.
- Broad driver support
- WHQL-certified Windows 7 to 10 drivers, plus Linux, Macintosh, Windows XP/Vista and Windows CE drivers.
- Battery-friendly power saving
- An advanced power saving mode reduces drain on laptop batteries, and the adapter draws under 1.2 W typical from the USB bus.
How to choose the right TN-USB Series part number
The connector in parentheses is the only difference. TN-USB-FX-01(SC) and TN-USB-FX-01(LC) have built-in 100Base-FX multimode optics with SC or LC connectors, both rated 2 km with an 11.0 dB link budget. Match the connector type on your wall outlet or patch cord. TN-USB-FX-01(SFP) has an open 100Base-FX SFP slot and ships without a module; pick it when you need single-mode, longer reach or single-fiber operation. The SFP version is narrower but longer (30 x 254 mm) than the SC/LC versions (56 x 233 mm).
Configure & order
Find your TN-USB Series part number
Every orderable TN-USB Series configuration, filtered by the specs that actually differ between them. Pick what you need on the left and the matching part numbers appear here.
TN-USB-FX-01(SC)
100 Mbps fiber · No PoE · USB-to-fiber adapter · Commercial (0 °C and warmer)
$218.40
Ships on backorder
TN-USB-FX-01(LC)
$263.20
Ships on backorder
TN-USB-FX-01(SFP)
100 Mbps fiber · No PoE · USB-to-fiber adapter · Commercial (0 °C and warmer)
$179.20
Ships on backorder
Where the TN-USB Series is used
- Fiber-to-the-desk laptops on 100Base-FX networks
- Secure workstations where copper or Wi-Fi is not allowed
- Field technicians testing fiber links from a laptop
- Adding a fiber NIC to small form factor PCs
TN-USB Series FAQ
Does the TN-USB-FX-01 need an external power supply?
No. It is powered from the USB bus, so no external supply is needed. Typical consumption is 1.12 W for the SC model and 0.9 W for the LC model.
What distance does the TN-USB-FX-01 support?
The SC and LC models use 100Base-FX multimode optics rated 2 km with an 11.0 dB link budget. The SFP model's reach depends on the SFP module installed.
Is an SFP included with TN-USB-FX-01(SFP)?
No. TN-USB-FX-01(SFP) has an open 100Base-FX SFP slot, and the SFP module is sold separately. Choose an SFP to match the fiber type, distance and wavelength required.
Which operating systems support the TN-USB Series?
WHQL-certified drivers are available for Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10. Lantronix also publishes Linux and Macintosh install packages, Windows XP/Vista drivers, and Windows CE 5, 6 and 7 drivers for several embedded processor platforms.
What is the maximum speed of the TN-USB fiber adapter?
The fiber port runs 100Base-FX Fast Ethernet at 100 Mbps, connected to the computer over USB 2.0. Maximum frame size is 1518 bytes untagged, and LEDs show USB speed and fiber link activity.
