Allied Telesyn International AT-1700FT ISA Ethernet AdapterRJ45 Copper and Fiber-Optic Networking — Early-1990s Vintage PC Hardware
Offered here is an uncommon Allied Telesyn International AT-1700FT 16-bit ISA Ethernet adapter. Unlike ordinary desktop network cards of its period, the AT-1700FT combines a conventional twisted-pair RJ45 network connection with a dedicated fiber-optic interface using separate transmit and receive connections.
This was specialized networking hardware intended for installations where fiber provided electrical isolation, longer cable runs, or resistance to electromagnetic interference. Cards of this type were more likely to appear in corporate, institutional, industrial, or campus networks than in an ordinary home computer.
The board is labeled AT-1700FT and carries Allied Telesyn assembly and part-number markings. It is built around a Fujitsu MB86965A Ethernet controller and includes Hewlett-Packard optical transmitter and receiver modules.
📋 What Is Included
- Allied Telesyn International AT-1700FT Ethernet adapter
- Full-height metal expansion bracket
- Installed RJ45 network connection
- Installed fiber-optic transmit and receive connections
- Installed components shown in the photographs
Only the exact card shown is included.
🔍 Visible Identification
- Manufacturer: Allied Telesyn International
- Model: AT-1700FT
- Interface: 16-bit ISA
- Assembly Number: 845-01134 Rev. C
- PCB Part Number: 845-01133 Rev. A
- Main Ethernet Controller: Fujitsu MB86965A
- Copper Connection: RJ45
- Fiber Connections: Separate transmit and receive ST-style ports
- Optical Components: Hewlett-Packard HFBR-series transmitter and receiver modules
- Boot ROM Socket: Present but unpopulated
- Manufacturing Label: Made in Thailand
The empty boot-ROM socket is not evidence of a missing essential component. Network boot ROMs were optional and were only needed when booting a computer from a network server.
🖧 Historical Significance
This card comes from the early-1990s period when Ethernet installations were transitioning toward twisted-pair cabling while fiber was becoming increasingly useful for backbone connections and electrically difficult environments.
Most home and small-office computers used inexpensive copper-only network adapters. The addition of onboard optical hardware made the AT-1700FT a more specialized and substantially more expensive product. It represents an interesting period when a single expansion card could directly bridge the worlds of desktop copper Ethernet and fiber-optic infrastructure.
⚙️ Installation and Compatibility
This is genuine vintage ISA hardware and requires an appropriate computer, driver package, and network configuration.
Successful installation may depend on:
- A motherboard with a compatible 16-bit ISA expansion slot
- Correct Allied Telesyn drivers
- Available and correctly configured system resources
- A compatible operating system
- Properly matched copper or fiber network equipment
- Suitable fiber type, connectors, and optical network hardware
No claim is made regarding compatibility with modern computers, passive ISA adapters, virtual machines, every operating system, or every contemporary networking device.
The buyer is responsible for confirming compatibility with the intended system and network.
✅ Condition
The card is in good physical condition for its age. The circuit board, installed components, edge connector, bracket, RJ45 port, and fiber connections appear intact. The metal bracket has normal cosmetic wear and oxidation from age and prior installation.
This card has not been recently bench-tested because we no longer maintain a suitable period-correct ISA Ethernet test system.
Please inspect all photographs carefully. They show the exact card being offered and are an important part of the description.
📦 Shipping and Packaging
The card will be enclosed in an anti-static bag, supported with rigid material to prevent flexing, cushioned thoroughly, and shipped inside a sturdy outer carton. Particular care will be taken to protect the circuit board, expansion bracket, RJ45 port, and exposed optical connections.
Free shipping, tracking, and insurance are included.
🏪 Check Out Our Store!
We sell a wide variety of premium electronics, legacy computer hardware components, and unique vintage collectibles. Please take a look at our store to see what else we have available!
Everything comes from a smoke-free, pet-free home.
❓ Have Questions?
Please contact us before purchasing if you need an additional photograph, visible component marking, or physical measurement. We are happy to clarify anything that can be determined without altering the card.
