What is BLU link

BLU link is a 256 channel proprietary high speed d​​igital audio bus. This bus is used to interconnect devices that support the BLU link protocol. BLU link uses a point to point connection between BLU link devices over a CAT5e or better cabling with a maximum length of 100 m /328 ft. BLU link devices are connected from an out port to an in port between all devices as an open ended chain or a closed ring.

BLU link Over Longer Distances

If the distance between devices is greater than 100 m /328 ft. then you will need to use fiber optic cable [fiber]. Fiber allows for much greater distances between devices. A device is needed to convert the BLU link signal from electrical [CAT5e] to optical [fiber], this is called a Media Converter.

Types of Fiber

Fiber comes in two formats; single mode and multi-mode. We have to choose the correct converter for the type of fiber being used.

• Single-mode fiber can run longer distances up to 10 km/6.2 miles, but typically costs more.
• Multi-mode fiber typically costs less, but has a maximum distance limit of 550 m/1804 ft.

Fiber Connectors

Like fiber, there are multiple types of connectors that can be terminated at the ends. SC connectors are the most common, and these are the connectors that were on the BSS Audio MC-1, but the products below are available in other connector formats to suit the application.

Fiber Solutions for BLU link

The BSS Audio MC-1 was sold to provide a Harman tested solution for BLU link over single mode fiber. Harman has discontinued distribution of the MC-1, but​ the product is still available from the Original Equipment Manufacturer [OEM].

Below are listed the single mode and multi-mode versions of the MC-1 media converter:

https://www.lantronix.com/products/sgetf-series-2/

• Lantronix – [DISCONTINUED] SGETF1014-110
  
  • Gigabit Ethernet Stand-Alone Media Converters 1000BASE-T (RJ45) [100 m/328 ft.] to 1000BASE-LX 1310 nm single-mode (SC) [10 km/6.2 miles]
• Lantronix – [DISCONTINUED] SGETF1013-110
  • 1000BASE-T (RJ45) [100 m/328 ft.] to 1000BASE-SX 850 nm multimode (SC) [62.5/125µm: 220 m/722 ft.; 50/125µm: 550 m/1804 ft.]
• Lantronix - M/GE-T-LX-01
  • 1000Base-T (RJ-45) [100m/328 ft.] to 1000Base-LX 1310m single mode (SC)[10 km/6.2 mi.] Link Budget: 10.5db
• Lantronix - M/GE-T-SX-01(LC)
  • 1000Base-T (RJ-45) [100m/328 ft.] to 1000Base-SX 850nm multimode (LC)[62.5/125 μm fiber: 220 m/722 ft.] [50/125μm fiber: 550 m/1804 ft.] Link Budget: 8.5 dB

There are a few specifications that allow these Ethernet Media Converters to work with BLU link:

• Fixed speed @ 1000Mb/s – No Auto speed switching.
• Passive conversion – No reading of the data stream or header, just straight conversion.
• Supports Jumbo Frames – Jumbo Frames are Ethernet frames with more than 1500 bytes of payload.
• Data is passed at line speed, making it ideal for application where low latency is essential.