How to Use a Media Converter in Your Network?

A media converter is a device with a fibre interface at one end and a copper interface on the other. Read how you can use a media converter here.

Since the start of networking, media converters have played an important role in solving problems of network interconnection. Despite their benefits, there is huge confusion on how-to use these devices. These devices provide flexibility to the networks by establishing a connection between copper and fibre cables.

What is a Media Converter?

A media converter connects and translates signals between optical fibre cabling and other media, such as unshielded twisted-pair copper cable. It converts light signals to electronic signals and back. Typically, a media converter has two ports: a fibre interface on one end and a copper interface on the other.

It also performs fibre-to-fibre conversions, switching multimode fibre signals to single-mode signals. A media converter can convert a dual fibre link into a single link using bi-directional data flow. Additionally, it supports wavelength conversion for Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM). These devices are protocol-specific and accommodate various network types and data rates.

Media Converter Types

Media converters come in multiple types, supporting different data rates, network protocols, connectors, and cabling options. We will look at some different types

Fibre-to-Fibre Media Converters

Fibre-to-fibre media converters enable connectivity between single-mode and multimode fibre, as well as between single fibre and dual fibre. These converters also handle wavelength conversions, including CWDM wavelengths and standard wavelengths. Fibre-to-fibre converters are typically protocol-independent and work with both TDM and Ethernet applications.

Copper-to-Fibre Media Converters

Copper-to-fibre converters provide a connection of copper-based ethernet equipment with optical fibre links. This provides connectivity over a larger distance through fibre optic cable, protecting the data from interference and noise and provides additional bandwidth capacity to the network.

PoE Media Converters

Power over Ethernet (POE) converters offer a cost-effective and reliable extension to PoE-powered devices. PoE media converters can be used in devices like videoconferencing devices, IP phones and cameras, and Wi-Fi devices over UTP copper cables.

Standalone and Chassis-based Media converters

Managed and Unmanaged Media Converters

Managed media converters provide complete control of bandwidth, traffic, and data to the network administrators. The converters let the administrators manage and troubleshoot the network remotely to maintain optimal reliability and performance. Hence, these converters are suitable for network environments that require the deployment of medium-scale to large-scale media converters.

Unmanaged media converters are easy to install and manage. Unlike managed media converters, unmanaged converters don’t provide full control to the administrators for monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting.

Commercial and Industrial Media Converters

Commercial media converters are suitable for data centres and office environments where the temperature is controlled. These types of converters provide a cost-effective method to extend the distance of the network and enhance the life of the equipment. Best suited for commercial applications with no extreme environmental issues.

Industrial converters are used to convert data or signals between twisted-pair copper cables and single-mode or multimode fibre cabling, allowing the distance extension of the network. These converters can operate in extreme environmental conditions. They can withstand a temperature of -40⁰Cto 75⁰C. The converters are designed for applications with high vibration and shock, making it suitable for industrial networks. Industrial converters are widely used in oil and gas drilling, mining, and building automation applications.

How to use Media Converter?

Widely in several industries to provide a connection between fibre and copper. These industries and sectors include security surveillance, campus LANs, and government defense. The compact size of the device makes it a perfect fit for data centres, desktops, and other installation setups. Here are the two most commonly used cases of how to use media converters:

How to use a Single Media Converter

Using a pair of media converters in a network is common. A single media converter is also used to connect a copper cabling system to an optical fibre device.

To connect the optical fibre device with a copper cable using a media converter, follow the steps below.

1. Connect the copper cable of the Ethernet switch to the RJ45 port of the media converter using an Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cable (use Cat6 or above).
2. Plug the SFP transceiver into the SFP slot of the media converter and plug the second SFP module into the SFP switch.
3. Insert the fiber patch cable in the SFP transceiver and SFP switch.

How to Use a Pair of Media Converters

Used to link two copper cabling systems to extend the distance of transmission. In a network, a pair of media converter is a common scenario. Here is how you can use a pair of media converters with various elements like network switches, transceivers, and copper/fiber cables:

1. Connect the copper port of the Ethernet Switch and RJ45 port of the first media converter using a UTP cable (use Cat5 or above).
2. Plug an SFP module into the first media converter’s SFP slot and into the second media converter’s SFP slot.
3. Connect the fibre module of the first media converter with a second media converter using a fibre patchlead.
4. Connect the RJ45 port of the second media converter to the SFP switch using a UTP cable.

Optical transceivers are hot-pluggable devices, so when inserting the transceivers into the ports, you don’t need to turn off the media converter. Also, remove the fibre patch cable before you remove the transceiver and install the transceiver on the media converter before you insert the cable into the transceiver port.

Conclusion

Media converters provide a value-added feature to several network applications. This allows the network administrators to choose the option that best fits their environmental conditions. The connection methods used here are a reference to how to use these converters in a network. Remember, to use the converter effectively, contact us, and ask for support.