Transition Networks Launches Scorpion-USB Ethernet Adapters

MINNEAPOLIS — Transition Networks, a provider of fiber access technologies, announced the new Scorpion-USB Ethernet Adapter designed as a USB-to-Ethernet over fiber network adapter to enhance the usability of fiber-to-the-desk networks. This enables organizations with extensive fiber-optic network infrastructure to easily connect their tablets, laptops or other computers directly to their fiber-optic network ports.

This product was developed by Transition Networks for companies, universities and government agencies that have extensive fiber-optic networks that make it difficult to adopt tablet and thin-client computers. Many of these installations are in high-security environments where wireless communication cannot be used. Other organizations anticipate high levels of streaming video and want a wired connection to offload this traffic from the wireless network. Initial interest in the product has been high with the military, government research facilities and with universities.

Scorpion-USB Adapter
There are three models of the Scorpion-USB Adapter that all feature a type-A USB 2.0 port for computer connections and a variety of 100 Mbps fiber-optic ports for network connectivity. The fiber port options include a fixed SC connector, a fixed LC connector, and an open SFP port, designed to accept any MSA-compliant SFP module to match transmission distance requirements. All models are powered from the USB port without the need for an external power supply.

“Operating a fiber-optic network has always meant having great security and bandwidth, but it comes with the challenge of flexible connectivity for new devices. We believe our Scorpion-USB Ethernet Adapter provides a much-needed solution to this issue,” said Tom Savard, vice president of product and technology development at Transition Networks. “The highly desirable plug-and-play design means this product is simple and easy to use.”

The Scorpion-USB’s plug-and-play capability makes it very easy to install the driver, set it up, and create an EMI-secure data connection over fiber between a USB port and a 100 Mbps Ethernet port on a fiber switch.

Other key features include:

• USB 2.0 type-A connector


• No external power supply needed (100 Base-FX full duplex bus powered)


• Advanced power save mode (for extended battery life)


• Two models with multimode SC or LC connectors


• One model with open SFP fiber port for flexibility


• LEDs that indicate USB speed / activity / fiber link


• Drivers for Windows 7, 8, 8.1, Mac OS X 10.5 to 10.10 and Linux
  Availability