The unique Fiber Driver^® Gigabit Multimode Extender technology allows transmission of high-speed signals over multi-mode fibers to distances much longer than the standard. This module allows the use of high-speed backbone protocols over fiber that was originally used for FDDI.

Fiber optic cables for FDDI applications were typically installed in 2 km increments, the maximum distance for FDDI and Fast Ethernet on multi-mode fiber. Multi-mode extender modules can use these long optical fibers with Gigabit Ethernet as well.

The Fiber Driver Gigabit Multimode Extender module is interoperable with all standard Gigabit Ethernet equipment. It carries Gigabit Ethernet data on existing multi-mode fiber (FDDI grade) to specified distances up to 2 km. Depending on the quality of the fiber, much longer links are possible.