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IFI Routers/Repeaters Installation & Operation Manual - P/N: 53388:Rev: A1 5/5/09
Section 2 4WRMB Repeaters
2.1 Repeater Description
Repeaters are used for applications that require complex network configurations. They are mainly
used to switch network topologies but do not regenerate the signal; therefore, repeaters are more
limited by wiring distances. Signal degradation is a factor to consider when utilizing repeaters.
Repeaters cannot be connected together.
The 4WRMB is a wire or fiber media repeater that allows transparent passage of network messages
between four network segments. The 4WRMB uses FTXC wire or FOXC fiber transceivers to
connect four network segments. ROUTMBs must be used to separate (installed between) 4WRMB
from a subsequent 4WRMB when such routing exists on Echelon networks. Consecutive
4WRMBs on a bus should not be implemented in your system design (refer to
When using wire, each segment allows T-tapping of up to 64 transceiver connections with a
maximum distance of 1500' between any two transceivers. A wire segment can have a maximum
length of 8000' when only one node is attached to the repeater on that segment.
This repeater has to have four transceivers mounted on it in order for it to function correctly. Each
of the four segments must be property terminated if they are twisted pair wire runs. If an FOXC is
used on a 4WRMB it must be Rev C or later. Only FTXC and FOXC transceivers can be used with
a 4WRMB repeater.
When using fiber, each segment must be point-to-point only (repeater-to-single node). Each
segment can tolerate up to 8 db of attenuation.
Figure 2.1 Typical 4WRMB Connection
4WRMB
ROUTMB
4WRMB
NION
NION
Panel
Panel
Workstation with
Echelon Gateway
