Re: Hardware question

[Warren Kumari via NANOG <nanog () lists nanog org>]

On Mon, Jun 23, 2025 at 5:40 PM, Kevin Shymkiw <nanog () lists nanog org>
wrote:

> I have seen several Fail To Wire (FTW) switches in the past. I never found
> them to be worthwhile, personally for a few reasons
>
> - Only available in Copper. - You can't FTW optical since you need an OEO
> conversion

Actually, you can, and a bunch of people make bits to do this sort of
thing. It involves micro-mirrors and a solenoid to direct signal out
through one of N ports.

Here is an example from BlackBox
https://www.blackbox.com/en-us/store/product/detail/Fiber-Optic-A-B-Switch-Latching-SC-Multimode-Remote-Control-Dry-Contact/SW1043A-MM
This particular version latches into the last selected position, but there
are versions with many more input/output ports, and which fail to one
position on power-outages. These generally use MEMS devices and get quite
pricey...

W



- Failure scenarios were limited - Our sites didn't have backup power, so
> it was pointless as we would lose the rest of the gear as well
>
> Just my $.02
>
> Kevin
>
> On Mon, Jun 23, 2025 at 9:34 AM Craig Smith via NANOG <
> nanog () lists nanog org> wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> >
>
> Is anyone out there aware of a fail safe switch/router/1U server where
> upon power failure or watchdog event 2 ports would fail to pass through
> data, but could also be assigned an IP address and act as a bridge in
> "normal" mode? The desire is to have an appliance that could perform
> monitoring and send telemetry in between a customer device and an Internet
> connection but not create a single point of failure or require multiple ISP
> handoffs.
>
> >
>
> Best,
>
> >
>
> Craig
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