Category: Article

Products compliant with the CRA.

Posted on by Ifotec Ifotec

The cybersecurity of your IFOTEC equipment with the Cyber Resilience Act.

The security of connected products has now become a European priority. Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) is coming and already imposes high standards. Anticipating these requirements is a step further towards security. This article explains what the CRA is, but above all how our equipment already ensures cybersecurity in the most demanding infrastructures.

What is the Cyber Resilience Act?

Adopted in 2024 by the European Parliament, the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) is a European regulation aimed at strengthening the cybersecurity of digital and connected products throughout their entire lifecycle.

Its main goal is clear: to reduce vulnerabilities and prevent cyber-attacks.

Manufacturers, importers and distributors of hardware or software electronic products marketed in the EU are all covered by this law.

From 2027 onwards, any product placed on the market in the European Union must be designed, developed and maintained with robust cybersecurity mechanisms in order to:

  • Integrate cybersecurity from the product development stage,
  • Guarantee secure authentication and access control,
  • Receive trustworthy updates,
  • Ensure equipment resilience and recovery,
  • Provide clear documentation on security features.

How do our products meet the CRA requirements?

At IFOTEC, cybersecurity is nothing new. Our industrial equipment is designed for critical environments (telecom networks, rail, tunnels, video surveillance) where security is non-negotiable. We integrated the principles of the CRA long before it came into force, in order to offer reliable and resilient solutions.

Our response to the CRA requirements

Our secure management interface, IFoS, embedded in our INet network switches, is the embodiment of our commitment. It includes features that already exceed CRA standards:

  • Secure updates: via authenticated firmware, ensuring the integrity of every update.
  • Strong authentication: support for RADIUS and TACACS+ for robust access control and precise traceability.
  • Encrypted communications: management of HTTPS certificates and customisable SSH keys securing remote administration.
  • Auditability: secure log export via SNMPv3 for proactive monitoring and anomaly detection.
Our IFoS secure management interface

Solutions ready for your most demanding environments

Our anticipation of the CRA stems from a clear philosophy: designing reliable, robust and secure equipment—not out of obligation, but out of commitment to our customers. Whether for your telecommunications networks, critical video surveillance systems or industrial infrastructures, IFOTEC products offer integrated cybersecurity and proactive compliance.

Get ahead of the Cyber Resilience Act with IFOTEC

The CRA is an opportunity to collectively raise the level of digital security. With IFOTEC, you choose a partner who not only understands these challenges, but already provides solutions that meet them. Gain peace of mind, ensure the compliance of your infrastructures and reinforce digital trust with equipment designed for the future.

Don’t wait, discover our CRA compliant INet solutions.

Solutions for optical IP networks

Posted on by Ifotec Ifotec

IFOTEC optimises your optical IP networks with our latest solutions

Reliability and performance are crucial for modern networks. That’s why IFOTEC is proud to present its cutting-edge solutions for optical IP networks. Designed to meet the demands of critical environments, our latest offerings enhance security, boost efficiency, and simplify the management of your infrastructure.

IFOTEC continues to innovate in optical access network solutions. Our newest technological advancements have resulted in a range of products specifically designed to address the growing demand for connectivity and secure operations in critical environments.

Experience the performance of our new Gigabit Ethernet media converters

IFOTEC introduces a new generation of Gigabit Ethernet media converters. These solutions remain robust and compact, featuring advanced functionalities ideal for demanding deployments, including video surveillance networks.

Advanced Gigabit Ethernet media converters

Each Gigabit Ethernet media converter includes:

  • Copper and SFP ports with flexible data rate configuration (100Mbps or 1Gbps), adjustable automatically or manually to suit your needs.
  • Advanced diagnostic features: FEF (Far-End Fault) and LFP (Link Fault Pass-Through) provide fast and precise detection of issues on fibre and copper links, minimising downtime.
  • IFOTEC Innovation: Our exclusive Optical PoE Control (OPC) technology is available on the PoE++ 90W version. In the event of an optical link failure, PoE power is automatically turned off and restored as soon as the signal returns.

Key Benefits:

  • Remote automatic reboot of devices (e.g., IP cameras).
  • Simplified diagnostics and remote troubleshooting without costly on-site interventions.
  • Optimised energy consumption.

These converters are built for tough environments, operating across an extended temperature range (-40°C to +75°C) and certified for railway and alarm system applications. Their compact, plug-and-play design ensures seamless and discreet integration into outdoor cabinets.

The new safest Ethernet switches on optical IP networks

In response to rising cybersecurity threats and increasing bandwidth demands, IFOTEC has developed three industrial Ethernet switches, pushing the boundaries of network performance.

Our new switches focus on two major innovations:

  • Each model features 2 x 10G SFP ports, delivering exceptional bandwidth.
  • Chained or self-healing optical network capability: Connect 1–2 IP devices (IP cameras, Wi-Fi access points, VoIP phones, sensors, etc.) with flexibility.

Our PoE++ solutions now power high-consumption IP devices (PTZ cameras, high-performance Wi-Fi access points, etc.), offering the market’s best power-to-size ratio.

Discover our new optical IP network equipment:

  • INET10X++: Ideal for robust deployments. 8 x 1G PoE++ 90W ports (total 400W) with USB-C console port for simplified management.
  • INET4X++: Compact yet powerful, 2 x 1G PoE++ 90W ports, perfect for strategic network points.
  • INET6X: Designed for non-PoE applications, 4 high-performance 1G copper ports.

All switches come with IFoS management interface by default, featuring:

  • Advanced PoE functions (Ping Watchdog, schedule management, PoE classes for smart, optimised power distribution)
  • Secure interfaces: HTTPS, SNMPv3, SSH ensure protected access and management.
  • Enhanced authentication protocols (802.1X, RADIUS, TACACS+) for secure integration.
  • Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) compliance: Future-proof your network with equipment designed for cybersecurity from the outset.

Why choose IFOTEC ?

At IFOTEC, we are committed to delivering reliable, high-performance, and secure solutions. Our expertise addresses the challenges of industrial and security networks. Investing in IFOTEC equipment means peace of mind, simplified maintenance, and a network infrastructure ready for the future.

Learn More:

Compliant with the Cyber Resilience Act

Posted on by Ifotec Ifotec

The Cyber Resilience Act: IFOTEC anticipats the European regulation

The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) is about to come into force, but at IFOTEC, we’re already prepared.
This European regulation imposes strict cybersecurity standards for connected products — and our industrial equipment already complies.

What is the Cyber Resilience Act?

Adopted in 2024, the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) is a European regulation that requires manufacturers of digital and connected products to meet high cybersecurity standards.

Its goal is clear: to strengthen the security of systems in an increasingly interconnected world.

From 2027 onwards, any product placed on the EU market must be designed, developed, and maintained with strong cybersecurity mechanisms to:

  • Ensure secure authentication,
  • Receive trusted software updates,
  • Provide full traceability of access and actions.

Why is IFOTEC concerned by the CRA?

At IFOTEC, our industrial equipment is connected, remotely managed, and integrated into critical networks such as telecommunications, railways, tunnels, or video surveillance.

Our products rely on:

  • Local and remote configuration interfaces,
  • Ethernet-based communication,
  • Secure management protocols.

The CRA fully applies to our portfolio — but at IFOTEC, we don’t wait for regulations to become mandatory.
We act now.

Anticipating the CRA aligns with our DNA

Our vision of cybersecurity goes beyond compliance, it’s part of our quality commitment. Our customers demand secure, reliable, and future-proof solutions. That’s why our products already follow the best practices set out by the CRA.

IFoS: a management interface compliant with the CRA

IFoS, our library of advanced software features for our INet Ethernet switches, already integrates the cybersecurity requirements of the CRA:

  • Authenticated firmware updates,
  • Support for HTTPS certificates and custom SSH keys,
  • Secure authentication via RADIUS and TACACS+,
  • Secure log export through SNMPv3.

The diagram shared on our LinkedIn post illustrates the complete architecture, where the switch, client, and authentication server communicate in a verified and secure way.

Our products are ready for critical environments

This level of security is not just a requirement, it’s a commitment. Our solutions are designed for the most sensitive environments, where security is essential.

In summary: anticipating the CRA builds trust

IFOTEC already offers equipment that complies with the Cyber Resilience Act. By anticipating this regulation, we help protect networks, secure data, and reinforce digital trust for our customers.

Want to know more?

Contact our sales engineer at satahias@ifotec.com or visit the product pages dedicated to our INet Ethernet switches.

How to choose the right SFP module ?

Posted on by Ifotec Ifotec

Selecting the right SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) module is crucial for ensuring optimal performance and reliability in your Ethernet fiber optic network. These transceivers typically inserted into switches or media converters handle data transmission by converting electrical signals to optical signals (and vice versa). Below, we’ll explore the key factors to consider when choosing the right SFP module, as well as an overview of the SFP protocol support in IFOTEC equipment.

1. Ensure compatibility

MSA (Multi-Source Agreement) compliance : MSA compliance guarantees basic compatibility among various manufacturers. Before making a purchase, always confirm that the SFP adheres to these standardized specifications.

Manufacturer-specific encoding : Some switch vendors may require SFP modules with proprietary encoding. To avoid any surprises, carefully check the equipment documentation or consult with the manufacturer to avoid compatibility issues.

2. Consider the operating environment

Temperature range : Operating conditions differ based on location and application. Industrial-grade SFPs, such as those from IFOTEC, can function in extreme temperatures ranging from -40°C to +85°C.

Housing and ruggedness : For harsh environments or outdoor installations, look for SFP modules that have robust housings and meet relevant industrial standards.

3. Match the optical fiber type

Singlemode vs. multimode : Before selecting an SFP module, identify whether your existing infrastructure uses singlemode or multimode fiber. While many IFOTEC SFPs support both, it is crucial to choose the module type that aligns with your installed fiber to ensure optimal performance.

Transmission distance : In addition to fiber type, make sure the optical transceiver’s reach (e.g., 2 km, 10 km, 40 km) meets your specific distance requirements. Neglecting this aspect could lead to connectivity issues or signal loss over extended distances.

4. Select the correct wavelength

Single fiber (BiDi SFP) : When using a single fiber for both transmit and receive, the SFPs at each end must use complementary wavelengths (e.g., Tx 1310 nm / Rx 1490 nm on one side and Tx 1490 nm / Rx 1310 nm on the other).

Dual fiber : If you have two dedicated fibers (one for transmit, one for receive), a standard SFP module using the same wavelength (e.g., 1310 nm) on both ends will suffice.

5. Choose the appropriate data rate

Network bandwidth : When selecting an SFP module, it’s essential to consider the required network speed. SFP modules are available at various speeds (100 Mbps, 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps, etc.), so always ensure that the transceiver speed matches the maximum speed supported by the equipment’s port to avoid performance limitations.

Backward compatibility : In some cases, higher-speed SFPs (e.g., 10 Gbps) can be backward-compatible with lower speeds. However, before assuming compatibility, carefully check the product documentation to confirm support and ensure seamless integration into your network.

SFP protocol guide for IFOTEC equipment

IFOTEC equipment supports multiple protocols, each with specific requirements for SFP modules. Use the guide below to ensure optimal performance :

100BASE-FX Protocol

  • Supports optical SFPs rated for at least 100 Mbps.
  • Supports 100 Mbps copper SFPs (but not higher-speed copper SFPs).

1000BASE-X Protocol

  • Supports optical SFPs rated for at least 1 Gbps.
  • Supports 10/100/1000 Mbps copper SFPs.
  • Important : No 10 Mbps or 100 Mbps negotiation on copper SFPs, so the connected remote device must also support 1000 Mbps.

In-band SGMII Protocol

  • Supports 10/100/1000 Mbps copper SFPs with automatic speed negotiation.

10GBASE-R Protocol

  • Supports 10 Gbps optical and copper SFPs.
  • IFOTEC 10 Gbps optical SFPs may also be backward compatible with speeds such as 1000BASE-X.

Choosing the right SFP module is a highly technical task. By carefully evaluating these five key factors compatibility, operating environment, fiber type, wavelength, and data rate you can ensure that your fiber optic network delivers reliable, high-performance connectivity.

For detailed specifications on IFOTEC’s range of SFP modules, be sure to consult the product datasheet by clicking the link below. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our technical support team for personalized guidance.

To check out the product datasheet for SFP modules, click below 👇

Here it is !

Detect a malicious website in 4 points

Posted on by Ifotec Ifotec

How to detect a malicious website ?

In an era where online shopping and digital interactions dominate our daily lives, security risks are increasing. Cybercriminals create fraudulent websites to steal personal or banking information or to spread malicious software. It is crucial to know how to spot these sites to avoid falling victim. Here are four key points to consider when detecting a fraudulent website.

Four key points to detect a malicious website

1. URL and site security 

The first thing to check is the URL. Ensure it starts with “https://,” indicating a secure connection. Using tools like Google Safe Browsing helps verify if the site is recognized as dangerous. Be cautious of URLs that resemble a company’s official domain name. For example, the main domain name of IFOTEC is “ifotec.com” : Slightly modified names like “if0tec.com,” “fr-ifotec.com,” or “ifotec.fr.com” are not valid. Always check the end of the URL to identify the site’s domain name. A URL consists of several strings of characters separated by dots (“.”). For example, the address “support.ifotec.com” corresponds to the subdomain “support” of the main domain “ifotec.com,” which is valid, whereas “ifotec.support.com” refers to a subdomain “ifotec” under the main domain “support.com,” which is not valid.

2. Site reviews and reputation

Before trusting a site, check its online reputation. Look at user reviews on sites like [Trustpilot] (https://trustpilot.com/). Pay attention to the number of reviews, as a large quantity is essential to ensure they’re not fake.

3. Site owner and age

Use tools like Whois DomainTools to find details about the domain owner. A recently registered domain or one with a hidden owner may indicate a fraudulent site.

4. Payment methods 

Be cautious if a site only offers unusual payment methods, such as bank transfers or gift cards. Secure sites provide options like PayPal or credit card payments with protection. If you’re asked to pay through untraceable means, you’re likely dealing with fraud. Also, beware if you receive an email after a purchase saying the payment was declined and asking you to try again—this could indicate you’ve already been scammed, and they’re attempting to defraud you further.

It’s not uncommon to come across fraudulent websites online that mimic official ones, offering deals that seem too good to be true. Sometimes, a friend may even share a link to one of these sites, thinking it’s a great deal. This is why it’s always best to follow the verification steps mentioned above.

If you realize you’ve been scammed, immediately notify your bank and change all your passwords (email and site accounts). For your information, even if you’ve entered your card details on a fraudulent site, in most cases, your bank is required to refund any unauthorized transactions.

More informations on the IFOTEC LinkedIn page !

ATEC ITS 2024

Posted on by Ifotec Ifotec

IFOTEC at the ATEC ITS 2024 Congress !

ATEC ITS 2024

Reserve your dates now to take part in the ATEC ITS 2024 Congress!

📆 23 & 24 January 2024

📍 Paris, Beffroi de Montrouge

👨‍💼 Stand D

👉 Get your Visitor Pass to meet us.

Why meet us?

  • To find solutions built on cutting-edge expertise and innovation.
  • To discuss your security and information transmission issues together.
  • To see IFOTEC products and news

Our management functionalities

Gigabit Ethernet switches with management functionalities that meet security requirements, including :

  • Radius server access management
  • 802.1x authentication
  • Syslog protocol management
  • Multilingual supervision management

And functionalities for PoE switches :

  • PoE watchdog
  • Notification of PoE events via SNMP or Syslog
  • Programmable PoE reboot
  • PoE power calendar

Our products can be integrated into compact boxes.

ATEC ITS 2024 : our compact products
1) INet6+ 2) Mini Plus 3) Mini Giga PoE++ 90W 4) INet6+

For more news, visit our LinkedIn page.

Best wishes for 2024

Posted on by Ifotec Ifotec

Dear customers and partners,


The entire IFOTEC team wishes you a successful and fulfilling 2024 💯. May this year bring each of you moments of happiness, growth and success, both professionally and personally.

We look forward to continuing to be your trusted partner for the treatment and transmission of your signals, particularly over fibre optics. We look forward to building an even brighter future together 🌟.

Thank you for these 25 extraordinary years, which we have had the pleasure of celebrating since 1 January 🎂, and may the adventure continue!

The entire IFOTEC team wishes you all the best for 2024.

Tropicalization of electronic boards

Posted on by Ifotec Ifotec

To mark International Tropical Day on 29 June, we are honouring this climatic zone, the tropics, from our “business” angle.

tropicalization of electronic boards

Why are electronic boards tropicalized ?

Did you know that this environment affects the operation and durability of electronic products ? To protect our transmission equipment, we use a specific method : the tropicalization of electronic boards. That means we varnish them. The tropicalization of electronic boards is a protective measure applied to make them resistant to the specific environmental conditions of tropical or humid regions. Here are some of the reasons why electronic boards are tropicalized :

1 : Humidity 💧 : firstly, tropical regions are often characterized by high levels of humidity. Humidity can penetrate into electronic circuit boards and cause oxidation, corrosion and short-circuit. Tropicalization consists to applying special coatings to electronic boards to protect them against humidity and prevent damage caused by condensation.

2 : Heat 🔥 : tropical regions are usually hot, with high temperatures throughout the year. These high temperatures can affect the performance of electronic components and even cause them to fail. Tropicalization enhances thermal resistance of electronic boards by using specific materials and coatings to protect them from excessive heat.

3 : Dust et contaminants 🌫 : tropical regions can also be characterised by significant amounts of dust, dirt and other contaminants. These particles can infiltrate electronic circuit and lead to malfunctions or breakdowns. The tropicalization aims to hermetically seal electronic boards to protect them against external particles and ensure they operate correctly.

4 : Insects and pest 🐜 : tropical regions often harbour a large variety of insects and vermin such as termites, ants and rodents. These organisms can damage electronic boards by nibbling them or by using them as shelter. Tropicalization can include additional protection measures, such as the application of repellent coatings or the design of special housings, to deter these pest.

In conclusion, tropicalization of electronic boards is essential to guarantee their reliability and durability in tropical environments where particular conditions can represent challenges to their correct operation. All of our fibre optic transmission equipment delivered, for example, to Martinique or New Caledonia, have been “tropicalized” boards, that is to say “varnished”, to ensure its reliability and durability.

For more information, please visit our LinkedIn page.

Our eco-responsible solutions for fibre optic transmission

Posted on by Ifotec Ifotec

IFOTEC’s commitments

Environmental conservation is an important commitment for IFOTEC. Being a company that manufactures electronic products, IFOTEC is focused on an eco-responsible approach. The major axes of this approach are :

  1. The eco-design of our products and the respect of regulatory requirements.
  2. The eco-responsibility of our packaging
  3. The optimisation of sorting and the reuse of our waste.

Small gestures at IFOTEC, a big step for the planet !

1. Eco-design products

At IFOTEC, we design products that last the longest possible. We are aware of our environment’s fragility and its needs. Our R&D engineers optimise the housings of our products in order to keep the electronic boards at the most suitable temperature. For the INet range, for example : the housing is made of white-painted aluminium, which combines excellent thermal conductivity with emission (infrared emission and reception). In addition the housing has openings to facilitate natural convection of the products.

Our housings dissipate thermal energy and therefore increase their lifespan. Indeed, the less the product heats up, the longer the components last. This environmental awareness is present in all our products developments, right through to manufacture.

Our eco-design Gigabit Ethernet switch : INet 6+
Example : INet6+ Gigabit Ethernet PoE+ switch housing

2. Eco-responsible packagings

At IFOTEC, the packaging of our products is designed to have the least impact on our environment while ensuring the safety of our shipments. The same packaging can be used for different product sizes. Conservation of our resources is a fundamental commitment, and that’s why our packagings are made from recyclable cardboard.

For example, using individual packaging in recyclable cardboard for our Ethernet products doesn’t only recycle our waste, but also participates to reduce deforestation and saves other resources such as water and the necessary energy to manufacture them.

Our eco-responsible packaging for different product sizes
Example : Mini Giga PoE++ 90W packaging

3. Optimisation of the life cycle of our electronic products

Our commitment continues throughout the life cycle of our products. For example, the pieces of our products are easy to dismantle, and consequently easy to repair. As a result, their lifespan is extended. And once a product has reached the end of its life, IFOTEC has optimised its disassembly to enable the product to be recycled more effectively, by separating the electronic board from the housing. We try to reuse as much of our waste as possible, because eco-responsibility is a priority.

The integration of environmental criteria must be at the heart of every company approach. Designing our products with ecological criteria, preventing pollution and limiting the ecological impact of our activities, are all part of our fundamental commitments.

Optimisation of the life cycle of our electronic products, Mini Giga PoE++ 90W example
Example : recycling of the Mini Giga PoE++ 90W
For more informations on our eco-responsible approaches, follow us on IFOTEC’s LinkedIn page.

Radio frequency transmission on FO

Posted on by Ifotec Ifotec

The basics to understand radio frequency transmission over optical fibers

Celebrated every February 13, World Radio Day is there to remind us of the importance of this information tool which, according to international reports, remains the most used today. Pascal Brand, an R&D engineer specialized in the field of radio frequencies, chose to give us a technical overview on how radio frequency transmission on optical fibers works, an IFOTEC specialty.

The choice of optical fiber to deport a radio signal, an antenna signal or television channels has advantages, but the quality of a radio frequency deport is also based on parameters and values that must be taken into consideration.

Why RF over optical fiber ?

The RF (Radio Frequency) transmission on optical fiber allows a fast deportation of an RF signal from few meters to several kilometers without any external perturbation.

RF deport system

Radio frequency transmission

It is possible to transmit several RF signals on the same optical fiber at the same time using WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing). This technique allows for example to transmit up to 18 wavelengths simultaneously in one optical fiber with a spacing between each wavelength of 20nm. This is called CWDM (Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing).

The 4 parameters to control for an optimal radio transmission

Optical emission

The optical emission is performed by lasers that offer a much smaller spectral width than LEDs. A DFB laser (Distributed FeedBack laser) has a spectral width below 0.4nm and can emit optical powers of several milliwatts up to several Gigahertz.

OMI (Optical Modulation Index)

To ensure a good transmission, it is necessary to adjust the OMI (Optical Modulation Index) of the laser. If the OMI is too high, distortion phenomena such as intermodulation (IP2/IP3) between the transmitted signals will appear, creating spurious signals. If the OMI is too low, the signal will be very close to the noise level and the quality of the transmitted signal will be affected.

Radio frequency transmission

Optical reception

Photodiodes typically used in reception are PIN diodes (InGaAs) which allow a faithful reproduction of the signal thanks to their high linearity and their wide optical bandwidth.

Carrier to Noise Ratio

The quality of a transmission is characterized by the C/N (Carrier to Noise Ratio) which determines if the transmitted signal is exploitable by the receiving terminal.

The required C/N value depends on the modulation technology and the bandwidth of the RF channel that supports the service.

A QAM256 (Quadrature Amplitude Modulation) modulation will therefore be more restrictive than a QAM64 modulation.

The noise power is proportional to the bandwidth occupied by the channel, which defines the bandwidth penalty Pbw= 10 log bw. For example, in DVB-T (Digital Video Broadcasting – Terrestrial), standard for broadcasting digital terrestrial television (DTT), the width of a channel can be 6, 7 or 8MHz.

Radio frequency transmission over optical fiber is reliable and has a very good quality but requires to control several factors and parameters as well as having expertise in high frequency technology. This particular knowledge allows us to offer technical solutions for “outdoor” or “indoor” applications such as:

  • Radio coverage (FM, INPT)
  • Mobile network (GSM,3/4G, LTE, TETRA,… )
  • CWDM solutions, multi-frequency band
  • Satcom, GNSS (GPS, Galileo, …) and Radar deport
  • CATV, Analog and digital TV type DVB (TNT, UHF-VHF)

To learn more about IFOTEC’s radio frequency and telecom services continuity solutions, click here.