ATEN 1500 FT Optical Module for KE8950/8952 - 2A-136G

ATEN 2A-136G 1500 ft Optical SFP Module for KE8950/KE8952 KVM Extenders

Overview

The ATEN 2A-136G is a 1300 nm SFP fiber optic transceiver designed specifically to extend the reach of ATEN KE8950 and KE8952 KVM-over-IP extenders beyond copper's practical limits. Rated at 1250 Mbit/s and supporting runs up to 550 m on multimode fiber, this module slots directly into the SFP port on compatible KE-series extenders and delivers the sustained throughput those units need for uncompressed or near-lossless 4K KVM signal transport. If you are designing a fiber-linked KVM infrastructure in a data center, broadcast facility, or campus environment where copper Cat6 simply won't span the required distance, the 2A-136G (often searched as 2A 136G) is the purpose-matched component for that gap.

Key Features

• 1250 Mbit/s Line Rate: Running at 1.25 Gbps, this module keeps pace with the full bandwidth envelope of the KE8950/8952 signal chain — no bottlenecking at the fiber interface even during high-refresh 4K KVM sessions.
• 550 m Maximum Reach on MMF: Multimode fiber support at up to 550 m covers most intra-building and campus-adjacent runs without requiring single-mode infrastructure. If your fiber plant is already MMF, this is a direct plug-in solution.
• Single-Mode Fiber (SMF) Also Supported: SMF capability extends potential reach well beyond 550 m on appropriate SMF cabling — useful in campus or inter-building deployments where longer dark fiber spans already exist in the tray.
• 1300 nm Wavelength: Operating in the 1300 nm window keeps attenuation low on both OM1/OM2 multimode and OS1/OS2 single-mode runs, which translates directly to reliable link margins across the supported distance envelope.
• Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM): DDM allows your switch or host device to report real-time transceiver health — optical Tx/Rx power, temperature, voltage — without pulling the module. Useful during commissioning to confirm link quality and during operation to catch degrading fiber spans before they cause outages.
• Dual-Fiber SMF and MMF Compatibility: Supporting both fiber types means the 2A-136G can be deployed into mixed fiber plants without sourcing separate part numbers for SMF vs. MMF segments — reduces procurement complexity in facilities that have both in the cable infrastructure.
• Operating Temperature 0–70°C: Standard commercial operating range covers data center, IDF closet, and control room environments without derating. The extended storage range of -40 to 85°C means modules can be staged in unconditioned warehouse or field-kit storage without risk of damage before deployment.
• RoHS Compliant: RoHS certification confirms the module meets EU hazardous substance restrictions — relevant for projects requiring environmental compliance documentation or international deployments.
• Compact SFP Form Factor: At 146 mm × 55.9 mm × 13 mm, the 2A-136G fits the standard SFP cage on the KE8950/8952 without tooling or adapters. Hot-swap capable per SFP convention, so replacements can be made without powering down the extender host.

Integration & Compatibility

The 2A-136G is engineered for the ATEN KVM extender line, specifically the KE8950 and KE8952 models. These are KVM-over-IP extenders that transmit HDMI 4K video, USB, audio, and RS-232 over a network or direct fiber connection. Pairing the 2A-136G into the SFP slot on either end of a KE8950/8952 link converts that connection from copper Ethernet to fiber, extending the viable deployment distance to 550 m on multimode infrastructure.

For installations where both ends of the KVM link need fiber modules, two units of the 2A-136G are required — one per extender unit (transmitter and receiver). Ensure your fiber patch cords and trunk cabling match the module type (MMF or SMF) and use LC connectors, which are standard for SFP transceivers in this class. Review your KVM infrastructure accessories and fiber patch requirements before finalizing the bill of materials.

Because this module operates at 1300 nm over standard SFP electrical interface, it integrates cleanly with managed switches that support SFP slots — though primary use is in the KE-series extender SFP cages. DDM-capable host devices can poll transceiver diagnostics via I2C, giving network operations teams visibility into link health from the management plane. For broader fiber networking infrastructure planning, confirm SMF vs. MMF fiber type in your existing cable plant before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What KVM extenders is the 2A-136G compatible with?

A: The 2A-136G is designed for use with the ATEN KE8950 and KE8952 KVM-over-IP extenders. It installs into the SFP slot on those units to enable fiber optic connectivity.

Q: Does the 2A-136G support both multimode and single-mode fiber?

A: Yes. The 2A-136G supports both multimode fiber (MMF) and single-mode fiber (SMF). Maximum transfer distance on multimode is 550 m. SMF support extends potential reach further depending on the fiber plant, though always verify with the ATEN KE8950/8952 specifications for the supported distance on SMF with this module.

Q: What is the data transfer rate of the 2A-136G?

A: The 2A-136G supports a maximum data transfer rate of 1250 Mbit/s (1.25 Gbps), which aligns with the bandwidth requirements of the KE8950/8952 KVM extender signal chain.

Q: What does DDM (Digital Diagnostics Monitoring) mean for this module, and why does it matter?

A: DDM allows the host device to read real-time transceiver parameters — including optical transmit/receive power levels, temperature, and supply voltage — directly from the module. This is useful during commissioning to verify the fiber link is performing within spec, and during ongoing operation to detect a degrading fiber run before it causes a hard failure.

Q: What are the operating temperature limits for the 2A-136G?

A: The 2A-136G operates from 0°C to 70°C, which covers standard data center and IDF/MDF closet environments. Storage temperature range is -40°C to 85°C.

Q: Is the 2A-136G RoHS compliant?

A: Yes. The 2A-136G carries RoHS compliance certification, confirming it meets EU restrictions on hazardous substances — relevant for projects with environmental documentation requirements.

Karl Wilson

The ATEN 2A-136G is the dedicated SFP transceiver for KE8950/8952 deployments where copper simply runs out of road. Operating at 1300 nm with a 1250 Mbit/s throughput ceiling and DDM support, this module is purpose-built — not a generic SFP you are adapting into service. If you are extending a 4K KVM link over fiber in a broadcast control room or a large data center floor, the 2A-136G slots the engineering gap cleanly.

Technical Highlights:

• 1250 Mbit/s at 1300 nm: The combination of wavelength and rated throughput keeps insertion loss manageable on MMF runs up to 550 m while fully saturating the KE8950/8952 signal pipeline — no rate mismatch at the fiber interface.
• DDM (Digital Diagnostics Monitoring): Real-time Tx/Rx optical power, temperature, and voltage readback via the SFP I2C interface. During initial fiber commissioning, this eliminates guesswork — you can confirm margin before the system goes live rather than chasing intermittent dropouts post-installation.
• Dual SMF/MMF Support: A single part number covers both multimode and single-mode fiber plant types. In facilities that have mixed fiber infrastructure across floors or buildings, this avoids maintaining two SKUs in the spares kit.

Deployment Considerations:

• Two units are required for a complete fiber KVM link — one installed in the transmitter-side KE8950/8952 and one in the receiver-side unit. Factor this into your bill of materials at the design stage, not at the pull-through stage.
• The 550 m maximum distance spec applies to multimode fiber. If your run exceeds 550 m, verify SMF compatibility distance with the KE8950/8952 documentation before committing to a fiber route — the module supports SMF, but the extender's validated distance on SMF should be confirmed separately.

The 2A-136G is best positioned in broadcast master control or large-campus data center environments where KE8950/8952 extenders are already deployed and the fiber run between operator console and server room exceeds what copper structured cabling can reliably span.