Ethernet over VDSL2 Converter

VC-201A / VC-204
Users Manual

Trademarks
Copyright PLANET Technology Corp. 2009
Contents subject to revision without prior notice.
PLANET is a registered trademark of PLANET Technology Corp.
The information in this manual is subject to change without
notice. All other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Disclaimer
PLANET Technology does not warrant that the hardware will
work properly in all environments and applications, and makes
no warranty and representation, either implied or expressed,
with respect to the quality, performance, merchantability, or
fitness for a particular purpose.
PLANET has made every effort to ensure that this Users Manual
is accurate; PLANET disclaims liability for any inaccuracies or
omissions that may have occurred.
Information in this Users Manual is subject to change without
notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of
PLANET. PLANET assumes no responsibility for any inaccuracies
that may be contained in this Users Manual. PLANET makes no
commitment to update or keep current the information in this
Users Manual, and reserves the right to make improvements
to this Users Manual and/or to the products described in this
Users Manual, at any time without notice.
If you find information in this manual that is incorrect,
misleading, or incomplete, we would appreciate your comments
and suggestions.

FCC Warning
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the

regulations for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of

the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment
is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with this users guide, may
cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation
of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful
interference, in which case the user will be required to correct
the interference at his own expense.

CE Mark Warning
This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, this
product may cause radio interference, in which case the user
may be required to take adequate measures.

WEEE Warning
To avoid the potential effects on the environment and
human health as a result of the presence of hazardous
substances in electrical and electronic equipment, end
users of electrical and electronic equipment should
understand the meaning of the crossed-out wheeled bin symbol.
Do not dispose of WEEE as unsorted municipal waste and have
to collect such WEEE separately.

Revision
Ethernet Over VDSL2 Converter Users Manual
For Models: VC-201A / VC-204
Rev 1.0 (January 2009)
Part No.: 2350-AC0110-000

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction....................................................................... 5
1.1 Checklist..................................................................... 5
1.2 Introduction to Ethernet over VDSL2 Bridge................... 5
1.3 Key Features............................................................... 9
1.4 Specifications............................................................ 10
2. Hardware Description....................................................... 12
2.1 Front Panel................................................................ 12

2.1.1 LED indicators for VC-201A................................ 13

2.1.2 LED indicators for VC-204................................. 14

2.2 The Rear Panel.......................................................... 16

2.2.1 MODE DIP Switch............................................. 16

3. Installing and Using VDSL Converter ................................ 19

3.1 Install the Ethernet Over VDSL2 Converter.................. 19

3.1.1 VC-201A / VC-204 LAN to LAN connection.......... 20

3.1.2 VC-201A / VC-204 Connect to Multi-Port Master.. 20

3.2 Connecting VC-201A / VC-204.................................... 21

3.2.1 Connecting Standalone PC................................. 21

3.2.2 Connecting Multiple PCs to an Ethernet LAN........ 22

3.3 Chassis Installation and Rack Mounting........................ 24

4. Power Information............................................................ 25
5. Troubleshooting................................................................ 26
6. FAQ................................................................................ 27

1. Introduction
1.1 Checklist
Check the contents of your package for following parts:
l VC-201A / VC-204
l Power Adapter
l RJ-11 Telephone line
l Users Manual
If any of these pieces are missing or damaged, please contact
your dealer immediately, if possible, retain the carton including
the original packing material, and use them against to repack
the product in case there is a need to return it to us for repair.

1.2 Introduction to Ethernet over VDSL2 Bridge

PLANETs state-of-the-art Ethernet-over-VDSL2 products are
based on two core networking technologies: Ethernet and
VDSL2 (Very-high-data-rate Digital Subscriber Line 2). This
technology offers the absolute fastest possible data transmission
speeds over existing copper telephone lines without the need for
rewiring.
The VC-201A / VC-204 Ethernet Over VDSL2 Converter has a
switching architecture with RJ-45 10/100Mbps Ethernet port
and one symmetric Ethernet over VDSL port (symmetry means
upstream and downstream rate are the same or similar) the
VDSL port can be RJ-11 connectors. The VC-201A / VC-204 can
be set to CO mode or CPE mode via a DIP switch. When the
VC-20X-CO is used to connect to the other VC-20X-CPE as a
standalone pair, up to 100/55Mbps asymmetric data rate within
200m and up to 25/4Mbps asymmetric data rate at 1.6km.
This capability is ideal for use as an Ethernet extender for your
existing Ethernet network.

PLANETs VDSL2 Converter solution provides a much cheaper

replacement and smooth migration for existing Long Reach
Ethernet (LRE) networks.
The cable specifications of the connection are listed as following:
n 10BASE-T, Category 3, 4 or 5 UTP
n 100BASE-TX, Category 5 UTP
n Ethernet over VDSL, Twisted-pair telephone wires
The two drawings listed below are typical application for the
Ethernet Over VDSL2 Converter.

Note

Slave device (CPE) must connect to Master device

(CO) through the telephone wire. Slave cannot
connect to Slave and Master cannot connect to
Master. To define the VC-201A / VC-204 to CO or
CPE, please refer to section 2.2.1 for more detail.

LAN to LAN Connection

Existing Telephone Network
Telephone wire
Main office/PBX,
Telco CO,
wire closet

Ethernet over VDSL and Telephone Network

Telephone wire
VDSL2

Up to 1.6km

Main office/PBX,
Telco CO,
wire closet
VC-201A/CO

VC-201A/CPE

LAN1

LAN2

Ethernet over VDSL and Telephone Network

Telephone wire
VDSL2

Main office/PBX,
Telco CO,
wire closet
VC-204/CO

LAN1

Up to 1.6km

VC-204/CPE

LAN2

Multi-LAN Connection
Existing Telephone Network

Main office/PBX,
Telco CO,
wire closet

Telephone wire

Ethernet over VDSL and Telephone Network

Telephone wire
VDSL2

Main office/PBX,
Telco CO,
wire closet

VDSL2 Switch
(Multi-port CO)

VC-201A/CPE

LAN1

UP to 1.6km
VDSL2

VC-201A/CPE

LAN2

Internet
Router

Ethernet over VDSL and Telephone Network

VDSL2

Main office/PBX,
Telco CO,
wire closet

VDSL2 Switch
(Multi-port CO)

VC-204/CPE

LAN1
UP to 1.6km
VDSL2

VC-204/CPE

LAN2

Internet
Router

1.3 Key Features

The Ethernet Over VDSL2 Converter provides the following key
features:
l Cost-effective VDSL2 CO/CPE bridge solution
l One box design, CO/CPE selectable via DIP Switch
l Defines asymmetric (Plan 998) and symmetric (Plan 997)
band plans for the transmission of upstream and downstream
signals
l Complies with IEEE 802.3, IEEE 802.3u and IEEE 802.3x
standards
l DMT (Discrete Multi-Tone) line coding
l Half duplex Back pressure and IEEE 802.3x Full Duplex Pause
frame flow control
l Built-in POTS splitter to share voice and data
l Voice and data communication can be shared on the existing
telephone wire simultaneously
l Support up to 1536 bytes packet size, 802.1Q VLAN tag
transparent
l VDSL2 stand-alone transceiver for simple bridge modem application
l Selectable target band plan and target SNR margin
l Support extensive LED indicators for network diagnostics

1.4 Specifications
Product

VC-201A

VC-204

10/100Base-TX

1 RJ-45, Auto-negotiation
and Auto-MDI/MDI-X

4 RJ-45, Auto-negotiation
and Auto-MDI/MDI-X

VDSL

1 RJ-11, female Phone Jack

PHONE

1 RJ-11, Built-in splitters for POTS connection

Hardware Specification

Ports

DIP Switch

4 position DIP switch

Functionality

Encoding

VDSL-DMT
- ITU-T G.993.1 VDSL
- ITU-T G.997.1
- ITU-T G.993.2 VDSL2 (Profile 17a)

LED Indicators

One Power,
3 for RJ-11/VDSL2:
2 for per RJ-45
10/100Base-TX port

One Power,
4 for RJ-11/VDSL2:
1 for per RJ-45
10/100Base-TX port

Ethernet

10Base-T: 2-pair UTP Cat.3,4,5 up to 100m (328ft)

100Base-TX: 2-pair UTP Cat.5, up to 100m (328ft)

VDSL

Twisted-pair telephone wires (AWG24 or better) up

to 1.6km

Cabling

10

CO / CPE mode select

Selectable fast and interleaved mode
Selectable target Band Plan
Selectable target SNR mode

Asymmetric Mode

Performance*
(Down Stream /
Up Stream)

200m -> 100/55Mbps

600m -> 70/40Mbps
1000m -> 45/15Mbps
1400m -> 30/6Mbps

400m -> 90/50Mbps

800m -> 60/25Mbps
1200m -> 35/10Mbps
1600m -> 25/4Mbps

Symmetric Mode
200m -> 100/100Mbps
600m -> 70/70Mbps
1000m -> 45/35Mbps
1400m -> 25/20Mbps

400m -> 90/95Mbps

800m -> 55/50Mbps
1200m -> 30/25Mbps
1600m -> 20/15Mbps

Power Requirement

5V DC, 2A

Operating
Temperature

0~50C

Storage Temperature

-25~70C

Operating Humidity

10% to 90%, relative humidity, non-condensing

Storage Humidity

10% to 90%, relative humidity, non-condensing

Standard Conformance
Regulation Compliance FCC Part 15 Class A, CE
IEEE 802.3 10Base-T
IEEE 802.3u 100Base-TX
ITU-T
Standards Compliance
G.993.1 (VDSL)
G.997.1
G.993.2 VDSL2 (Profile 17a)
* The actual data rate will vary on the quality of the copper wire
and environment factors.

11

2. Hardware Description
The VC-201A / VC-204 provides 2 RJ-11 ports for voice
connection (like telephone) and for network line connection.
The VC-201A provide 1 RJ-45 ports and VC-204 provide 4 RJ-45
ports for two different running speed 10Mbps, 100Mbps, in the
same bridge and automatically distinguish the speed of incoming
connection.
This section describes the hardware features of the Ethernet
Over VDSL2 Converter. For easier control of the converter,
familiarize yourself with its display indicators, and ports. Front
panel illustrations in this chapter display the unit LED indicators.
Before connecting any network device to the converter, read this
chapter carefully.

2.1 Front Panel

The units front panel provides a simple interface monitoring the
Ethernet Over VDSL2 Converter.

n VC-201A Front Panel

Figure 2-1: VC-201A front panel

12

n VC-204 Front Panel

Figure 2-2: VC-204 front panel

2.1.1 LED indicators for VC-201A

The rich diagnostic LEDs on the front panel can provide the
operating status of individual port and whole system.

n System
LED

Color

PWR

Green

Function
Lit

Power ON

Off

Power OFF

Lit

Indicate that the VDSL link is

established.

Fast
Blink

Indicate that the VDSL link is at

training status(about 10 seconds).

Slow
Blink

Indicate that the VDSL link is at idle

status.

Off

Indicate that the port is link down.

n VDSL
LED

LNK/
ACT

Color

Green

Function

CO

Green

Lit

Indicate the VDSL Bridge is running at

CO mode.

CPE

Green

Lit

Indicate the VDSL Bridge is running at

CPE mode.

13

n 10/100Base-TX Port
LED

LNK/
ACT

100

Color

Green

Function
Lit

Indicate that the port is link up.

Blink

Indicate that the Converter is actively

sending or receiving data over that
port.

Off

Indicate that the port is link down.

Lit

Indicate that the port is operating at

100Mbps.

Off

Indicate that the port is link down or

10Mbps.

Green

2.1.2 LED indicators for VC-204

The rich diagnostic LEDs on the front panel can provide the
operating status of individual port and whole system.

n System
LED
PWR

14

Color
Green

Function
Lit

Power ON

Off

Power OFF

n VDSL
LED

ACT

Sync

Color

Green

Green

Function
Lit

Indicate that the VDSL link is

established.

Fast
Blink

Indicate that the VDSL link is at

training status(about 10 seconds).

Slow
Blink

Indicate that the VDSL link is at idle

status.

Off

Indicate that the port is link down.

Lit

Indicate that the VDSL link is

established.

Fast
Blink

Indicate that the VDSL link is at

training status (about 10 seconds).

Slow
Blink

Indicate that the VDSL link is at idle

status.

CO

Green

Lit

Indicate the VDSL Bridge is running at

CO mode.

CPE

Green

Lit

Indicate the VDSL Bridge is running at

CPE mode.

n 10/100Base-TX Port
LED

LNK/
ACT

Color

Green

Function
Lit

Indicate that the port is link up.

Blink

Indicate that the Converter is actively

sending or receiving data over that
port.

Off

Indicate that the port is link down.

15

2.2 The Rear Panel

The rear panel of the Ethernet Over VDSL2 Converter is shown
as below.

n VC-201A Rear Panel

1 2 3 4

Figure 2-3: VC-201A rear panel

n VC-204 Rear Panel

1 2 3 4

Figure 2-4: VC-204 rear panel

2.2.1 MODE DIP Switch

The Ethernet Over VDSL2 Converter provides 4 selective
transmission modes. By switching the transmission modes,
you can obtain a best transmission mode to suit with phone
line quality or distance of connectivity. The following is the
summary table of transmission setting, bandwidth and distance
extensibility tested for AWG 24 (0.5mm) twisted-pair without
noise and cross talk.

16

DIP-1

DIP-2

DIP-3

DIP-4

Mode

Channel

Band Plan

SNR

OFF

CO

Interleave

Symm

9dB

ON (default)

CPE

Fast

Asymm

6dB

l CO / CPE
u
CO (Central Office) the Master device mode, usually
the CO device will be located at the data center of ISP or
enterprise to link to the backbone.
u
CPE (Customer Premises Equipment) the Slave device
mode, usually the CPE device will be located at branch
office, home or remote side as the long reach data receiver.
The CPE can be connect to the PC, IP Camera or Wireless
Access Point and etc network devices.

Note

When the Ethernet Over VDSL2 Converter operate

at CPE mode, the DIP switch 2,3,4 is no function.

l Fast and Interleave mode

u
Fast mode guarantees a minimum end to end latency less
than 1 ms.
u
Interleaved mode provides impulse noises protection for
any impulse noise with a duration less than 250 us. Interleaved mode has a maximum end to end latency of 10m
sec.
l Band Plan
u User has the ability to select Band Plan. When Symmetric
is selected that provides better downstream performance,
when Asymmetric is selected that provides better upstream
performance. Refer to table above for details.

17

l Target SNR (Signal Noise Ratio) Margin

u When fixed SNR margin is selected, the system will maintain the SNR margin at 9 dB across all usable loop length.

Note

By default setting, the four DIP switch at ON

position and operate as CPE. For operate as
CO, please adjust the DIP 1 switch as OFF
position. Adjust other DIP switch setting to fill
different network application demand.

Please power off the Ethernet Over VDSL2 Converter, before

making any transmission mode adjustment.

2.2.2 DC power jack

VC-201A / VC-204 require 5V DC power input. It will conform
to the bundled AC adapter. Should you have the problem to
make the power connection, please contact your local sales
representative.

Note

18

1. The device is a power-required device, it

means, it will not work till it is powered. If
your networks should active all the time,
please consider using UPS (Uninterrupted
Power Supply) for your device. It will prevent
you from network data loss or network downtime.
2. In some area, installing a surge suppression
device may also help to protect your Ethernet
Over VDSL2 Converter from being damaged by
unregulated surge or current to the Ethernet
Over VDSL2 Converter or the power adapter.

3. Installing and Using VDSL Converter

3.1 Install the Ethernet Over VDSL2 Converter
The Ethernet Over VDSL2 Converter does not require any
software configuration. Users can immediately use any feature
of this product simply by attached the cables and plug power
on. There is some key limitation on the Ethernet Over VDSL2
Converter. Please check the following items:
l The device is used for Point-to-Point connection only (Master
device to Slave device) and allows data and voice work on
the same telephone lines.
l VC-201A / VC-204 two RJ-11 connectors for VDSL port. One
for voice device connection (like telephone) and the other one
for network link connection.
l Depending on the quality of telephone line, the maximum
distance of one VDSL segment is 2.0km (6560ft) with AWG
24 telephone wires.
l The distance will change by the quality of telephone wires.

19

3.1.1 VC-201A / VC-204 LAN to LAN connection

Two sets of the Ethernet Over VDSL2 Converters could be used
to link two local Area networks that are located in different
place. Through the normal telephone line, it could setup a
100/55Mbps asymmetric backbone, but one Ethernet Over
VDSL2 Converter must be Master (CO mode) and the other one
is Slave (CPE mode).

Figure 3-1: VC-201A LAN to LAN connection

Figure 3-2: VC-204 LAN to LAN connection

3.1.2 VC-201A / VC-204 Connect to Multi-Port Master

In order, to built up a local Internet in apartment, hotel, campus
and hospitality environment.
The Multi-port Master (for example, VC-810S VDSL2 Switch)
need to be placed in the wiring center (MDF room) and connect

20

to the telephone line system, on the other hand, need to install

a Slave (VC-201A / VC-204 CPE) converter on the individual
client side and connect to the Multi-port Master through the
telephone lines.
When deciding where to put the converter then you must
ensure:
l It is accessible and cables can be connected easily.
l Cabling is away from sources of electrical noise such as
radios, transmitters and power lines and fluorescent lighting
fixtures.
l Water or moisture can not enter the Converter.
l Air flow around the unit and through the vents in the side
of the case is not restricted (company recommend that you
provide a minimum of 25mm inch clearance)
To prolong the operational life of your units:
l Do not place objects on top of any unit or stack

3.2 Connecting VC-201A / VC-204

3.2.1 Connecting Standalone PC
Refer to the following procedures to setup the VC-201A to a
standalone PC.
1. Set the VC-201A to be CO mode or CPE mode from the DIP
switch at the rear panel.
2. Power on the VC-201A by connecting its power source.
3. Power LED will illuminate.
4. Connect VDSL line from another VDSL device to VDSL port of
the VC-201A.
5. LNK LED will from blinking to illuminate.

21

6. Connect telephone to the PHONE port.

7. Connect Ethernet port to PC Network Interface Card (NIC) via
regular Cat. 5 cable.

Figure 3-3: Connecting Standalone PC

3.2.2 Connecting Multiple PCs to an Ethernet LAN

Refer to the following procedures to setup the VC-201A / VC204 to an Ethernet LAN.
1. Set the VC-201A / VC-204 to be CO mode or CPE mode from
the DIP switch at the rear panel.
2. Power on the VC-201A / VC-204 by connecting its power
source.
3. Power LED will illuminate.
4. Connect VDSL line from another VDSL device to VDSL port of
the VC-201A / VC-204.
5. LNK LED will illuminate.
6. Connect telephone to the PHONE port.
7. VC-201A: Connect Ethernet port to Ethernet Switch (or Broadband Router) via regular Cat. 5 cable.
VC-204: Connect per Ethernet port to each network device via
regular Cat 5. cable

22

Figure 3-4: Connecting Multiple PCs to an Ethernet LAN

Note

Please refer to your Ethernet device Users Manual

for the devices set up information.

23

3.3 Chassis Installation and Rack Mounting

(VC-201A)
To install the Ethernet over VDSL2 Converter in a 10-inch
or 19-inch Converter Chassis with standard rack, follow the
instructions described below.
Step 1: Place your chassis on a hard flat surface, with the
front panel positioned towards your front side.
Step 2: Carefully slide in the module until it is fully and firmly
fitted into the slot of the converter chassis.

Figure 3-5: Insert a VDSL2 converter into an available slot

Step 3: Attach a rack-mount bracket to each side of the
Converter Chassis with supplied screws attached to
the package.
Step 4: After the brackets are attached to the Converter
Chassis, use suitable screws to securely attach the
brackets to the rack
Step 5: Proceed with the steps 4 and steps 5 of session 3.2
Stand-alone Installation to connect the network
cabling and supply power to your Converter Chassis.

Caution

24

You must use the screws supplied with the

mounting brackets. Damage caused to the parts
by using incorrect screws would invalidate your
warranty.

4. POWER INFORMATION
The power jack of VC-201A / VC-204 is with 2.5mm in the
central post and required +5VDC power input. It will conform to
the bundled AC-DC adapter and Planets Media Chassis. Should
you have the problem to make the power connection, please
contact your local sales representative.
Please keep the AC-DC adapter as spare parts when your VC201A / VC-204 is installed to a Media Chassis.
2.5mm
DC Receptacle 2.5mm
+5V for each slot

DC receptacle is 2.5mm wide that conforms to and matches

the VDSL2 Converter 2.5mm DC jacks central post. Do not
install any improper unit, model of the Ethernet Over VDSL2
Converter

25

5. Troubleshooting
SYMPTOM:
VDSL LNK LED does not lit after wire is connected to the VDSL
port.

CHECKPOINT:

1. Verify the length of the wire connected between two VC-201A

/ VC-204 is not more than 2.0km. Please also try to adjust
the DIP switch or VC-201A / VC-204 to other SNR mode.
2. Please note you must use one VC-201A / VC-204 with CO
mode and the other VC-201A / VC-204 with CPE mode,
connect to each other to make it work.

SYMPTOM:

TP LED does not lit after cable is connected to the port.

CHECKPOINT:

1. Verify you are using the Cat.5 or better cable with RJ-45
connector to connect to the port.
2. If your device (like LAN card) supports to Auto-Negotiation,
please try to manual set at a fixed speed of your device to
solve this problem.
3. The converter and the connected devices power are on or
not.
4. The ports cable is firmly seated in its connectors in the switch
and in the associated device.
5. The connecting cable is good and with correct type.
6. The connecting device, including any network adapter is functional.

26

6. FAQ
Q1: What voltage that VC-201A / VC-204 used?
A1: 5VDC, 2A
Q2: What is VDSL2?
A2: VDSL2 (Very High-Bit-Rate Digital Subscriber Line 2),
G.993.2 is the newest and most advanced standard of
xDSL broadband wire line communications.

Designed to support the wide deployment of Triple Play
services such as voice, data, high definition television
(HDTV) and interactive gaming, VDSL2 enable operators
and carrier to gradually, flexibly, and cost efficiently upgrade
exiting xDSL-infrastructure.
Q3: What is the best distance for VC-201A / VC-204?
A3: In order to guarantee the stability and better quality of
network, so we would suggest the distance in 1.6 kilometer
is the best for VC-201A / VC-204.
Q4: What is the best date rate for VC-201A / VC-204?
A4: We provide the data rate of the VC-201A / VC-204 is up to
100Mbps/55Mbps (downstream / upstream) in 200 meters.
Q5: Can VC-201 compatible with VC-201A / VC-204?
A5: Currently NO. Although VC-201 (profile 12a) and VC-201A
/ VC-204 (profile 17a) are base on ITU-T G.993.2 VDSL2,
but with different Profiles, so far they are not compatible
with each other.

27

Q6: What is SNR and whats the effect?

A6: In analog and digital communications, Signal-to-Noise
Ratio, often written SNR, is a measure of signal strength
relative to background noise. The ratio is usually measured
in decibels (dB).

In digital communications, the SNR will probably cause a

reduction in data speed because of frequent errors that
require the source (transmitting) computer or terminal to
resend some packets of data. SNR measures the quality of
a transmission channel over a network channel. The greater
the ratio, the easier it is to identify and subsequently isolate
and eliminate the source of noise.
Generally speaking, the higher SNR value gets better line
quality, but lower performance.

Q7: What is band plan and whats the effect?

A7: VDSL2 defines multiple band plans and configuration modes
(profiles) to allow asymmetric and symmetric services in
the same binder (by designated frequency bands) for the
transmission of upstream and downstream signals. User
has the ability to select fixed band plan. When Symmetric
is selected that provides better downstream performance,
when Asymmetric is selected that provides better upstream
performance.

28