💡 A Specialized Ethernet Card from the Early Fiber Era

Offered here is an authentic Allied Telesyn AT-1700FTPLUS 16-bit ISA Ethernet adapter providing both copper and fiber-optic network connections.

Unlike the far more common RJ45-only adapters, the AT-1700FTPLUS includes:

• RJ45 for conventional 10BASE-T Ethernet
• Dual ST fiber connectors for separate transmit and receive paths

This allowed an ISA computer to participate in an ordinary twisted-pair network or connect through multimode optical fiber. Fiber was particularly attractive in industrial facilities, laboratories and institutional networks where electrical isolation or longer cable runs were desirable.

The prominent AT-1700FTPLUS label is important: this is the PLUS model with assembly number 845-01534-05, not the earlier AT-1700FT shown in our other listing.

🔦 Discrete HP Fiber-Optic Hardware

The card uses separate Hewlett-Packard fiber-optic modules:

• HP HFBR-1414 transmitter
• HP HFBR-2416 receiver

These modules connect through the two ST ports on the mounting bracket. Separate transmit and receive fibers were standard for Ethernet fiber links of this generation.

⚙️ Fujitsu Ethernet Controller

The principal controller is a Fujitsu MB86965A, a highly integrated Ethernet LAN controller used in a variety of ISA adapters during the early-to-mid 1990s.

The card also includes:

• 16-bit ISA host interface
• RJ45 magnetics and support circuitry
• Status indicators
• Separate fiber transmitter and receiver circuitry
• Optional boot-ROM socket, presently unpopulated

🔧 Identification and Technical Details

• Manufacturer: Allied Telesyn
• Model: AT-1700FTPLUS
• Interface: 16-bit ISA
• Maximum Network Speed: 10 Mbps
• Copper Interface: RJ45
• Fiber Interface: Dual ST
• Controller: Fujitsu MB86965A
• Fiber Transmitter: HP HFBR-1414
• Fiber Receiver: HP HFBR-2416
• Front Assembly Number: 845-01534-05
• Front Assembly Revision: Rev. H
• Rear PCB Number: 845-01533
• Rear PCB Revision: Rev. C
• Network Address: 0000F4 C895D1
• Serial Number: L0007048
• Country of Manufacture: Singapore

🖥️ Intended Uses

This adapter is appropriate for:

• Vintage fiber-optic Ethernet projects
• DOS and early Windows networking
• Novell NetWare clients
• Industrial-control computer restoration
• Laboratory equipment
• Period-correct 386 and 486 workstations
• Mixed copper/fiber network demonstrations
• Historical networking collections
• Museum or educational displays

Its combination of an ISA interface, RJ45 copper connection and genuine ST fiber hardware makes it substantially less common than a conventional period network card.

📦 What Is Included

Included:

• One Allied Telesyn AT-1700FTPLUS adapter
• Original full-height mounting bracket
• Permanently installed HP fiber modules
• All permanently installed components shown

Not included:

• Fiber-optic cables
• RJ45 cable
• Fiber hub, repeater or media converter
• Drivers or software
• Printed documentation
• Original packaging
• Computer or other accessories

💗 Physical Condition

The circuit board appears clean and complete. The controller, transformer, fiber modules, RJ45 connector, ST connectors and visible support circuitry are present.

The gold ISA edge contacts show normal insertion wear. The metal bracket and connector hardware have age-related discoloration and handling marks.

Please review all photographs carefully. They show the exact card offered and form an important part of the condition description.

📦 Shipping and Packaging

The adapter will be enclosed in anti-static protective material, supported against bending and packed inside a sturdy shipping carton. Special care will be taken to protect the exposed circuit board, ISA edge connector and fiber-optic ports.

Free shipping with tracking is included.

Everything we sell comes from a smoke-free, pet-free environment.

🏪 Check Out Our Store!

We sell premium electronics, unusual legacy computer components and vintage networking hardware. Please visit our store to see what else is available.

❓ Have Questions?

If you have questions about visible markings, included contents or photographed components, please contact us before purchasing.