Normal operation for the TCR is in pairs, with one unit placed at the RO (Ring Out) port and the other at the RI (Ring In) port. The TCR at the RO port provides reclocking, reshaping and regeneration on the main ring data. The TCR at the RI port repeats ring data in the back-up direction. The TCR is fully compatible with the RADring module, RR-TCR.

The TCR can extend the distance between adjacent TAUs up to 750m (2500 ft) for 4 Mbps operation, and up to 375m (1250 ft) for 16 Mbps. Without the TCR, maximum recommended distance between adjacent access units is 275m (900 ft) for 4 Mbps and 100m (330 ft) for 16 Mbps. 4 or 16 Mbps mode selection in the TCR-16 is by internal switch.

The TCR features jitter attenuation, enabling the number of workstations to be increased without degradation in ring performance. Phantom drive circuits provide cable break detection and automatic ring partitioning, with the main ring looped to the backup path at both ends of the cable, while retaining repeater operation.

The TCR is available for either STP (IBM Data Connector) or UTP (RJ-45 socket). (See Ordering.) The TCR UTP option has an internal 4/16 Mbps Type-3 media filter.

The TCR is available as a stand-alone unit or as a card for installation in an S-TAU or F-TAU. The stand-alone unit has an integral power supply and can be mounted either on a wall with TR-WM brackets, or in a 19" rack, using the TR-RM hardware. Up to four TCR units can be supported by the TR-RM hardware. The card version is powered by a DC adapter (see Ordering).

As an option, the stand-alone unit can be ordered with RADnet Network Management. For the card version, management support is provided upon installation in an S-TAU or F-TAU.