What is an Ethernet fiber media converter?
A fiber media converter is a simple networking device that facilitates the connection of two dissimilar media types, like a twisted pair of fiber optic cable.
This device is commonly used to interconnect a system based on fiber optic cabling with a previously existing copper-based system. Introduced to the industry almost twenty years ago, media converters are also used in MAN access and data transport services to various enterprise customers.
The fiber media converter is an extremely useful device, as it can support many different data communication protocols, such as Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, DS3/E3, T1/E1/J1, also allowing multiple types of cabling: coax, twisted pair, as well as both single mode and multi mode fiber optic cables.
There are several types of media converters, ranging from small devices and PC card converters to high-port density chassis systems, which can provide more advanced features for a superior network management. Some converters may work with any type of Ethernet cable, while others are specifically designed with ports for the 100 Megabit or the 10 Gigabit speed Ethernet cables. If you attach a fiber media converter between two different types of cable the maximum data transfer speed will be adjusted on the faster type of cable. The speed caps will vary according to the different types of brands and models.
An Ethernet fiber media converter connects an Ethernet cable with a fiber optic cable, thus allowing multiple networks to communicate although they are using different types of cables. Moreover, if multiple computers are utilizing different technologies, or not all of them accept fiber optic cables, a media converter an also be used within the same network.
Why are Ethernet cables converted to fiber optic? Through this conversion, the signal can be transmitted faster than Ethernet is capable of sending or receiving. Also, fiber optic cables have far better attenuation and resistance to interference from other electronic devices, cellular phones, radios, or wireless networks. Ethernet cables can be rather unreliable sometimes, as they can easily lose their signal if they are exposed to certain sources of interference.
Also, for expanding multiple local area networks (LANs) to span more locations, a fiber media converter will connect the multiple LANs and form a large campus area network, that will span over a limited geographical area. Over a single mode fiber optic cable, the media converter can expand the reach of the LAN up to 130 km with 1550nm optics, gradually transferring data from copper to fiber.
Generally, a fiber media converter is a small plastic unit, designed to change over a single Ethernet cable to a single fiber optic cable. However, larger converters are also available, for direct mounting onto metal racks. Larger media converters can convert dozens of cables at once, in a secured network room.
When installing a fiber media converter, make sure to place it in a secure location, where it cannot be damaged by people or machinery. If the converter is removed or broken, each device connected to the fiber optic cable will lose its connection. Also, the environment in which the converter is placed should have a controlled temperature, because its special materials will work properly only in regular temperature ranges.