A media converter, also known as a fiber media converter, is a system that enables copper-to-fiber or fiber-to-fiber connections for MAN (metropolitan area network) connectivity and data transport services to business customers. It’s a versatile and cost-effective way to stretch transmission distances while preserving existing cabling infrastructure. How do you choose the right media converter from the wide range of options available? To assist you in making a better decision, the following sections will describe popular media converter types and application environments.
Types of Media Converters and How to Choose One
Different network protocols, data rates, cabling, and connector types are supported by different fiber media converters.
Using Functions
Unmanaged, managed, standalone, chassis-based, micro, industrial media converters, and so on are all available.
Media Converter (Managed vs. Unmanaged)
Unmanaged media converters are plug-and-play, making installation and troubleshooting simple for beginners. It allows for basic communication with other computers, but it lacks control and management capabilities. When simple use and management are needed, unmanaged media converters are adequate for a small business or campus.
Managed media converter has the functions of networking monitoring, fault detection, and remote management, enabling network administrators to completely control the data, bandwidth, and traffic. But they are more costly. For complex environments such as large data centers and enterprise networks, managed media converters are preferable choices for better management, security, and reliability.
Non-PoE vs PoE Media Converter
Power-over-Ethernet or PoE media converters achieve reliable and cost-effective fiber distance extension for PoE-powered devices, providing power to network devices over the same copper cable used for data. It can power devices like IP phones, videoconferencing equipment, IP cameras, and WiFi devices over copper cabling. Thus it is widely used for connecting security cameras and wireless access points in some inaccessible areas to Gigabit backbone.
Over copper cabling, it can power IP phones, videoconferencing equipment, IP cameras, and WiFi devices. As a result, it’s commonly used to link surveillance cameras and wireless access points to Gigabit backbones in some inaccessible areas.
Media Converters: Standalone vs. Chassis-Based
Stand-alone media converters are small and easy to use, saving time and money. It’s ideal for applications that need a small amount of space, such as telecommunication cabinets or distribution boxes. Several independent media converters and a chassis capable of holding a dozen converters are included in chassis-based media converters.
Mini vs. Standard Media Converter
Mini-media converters have better chips than normal media converters. Its benefits include DIP (dual in-line package) switch functions that can be used to meet a variety of requirements. Mini-media converters are common in large network environments because of their small size.
Industrial vs. Commercial Media Converter
Industrial media converters are designed to withstand harsh conditions, delivering high-efficiency media conversion in temperatures ranging from -40°C to 85°C, as well as high shock and vibration. Building automation, oil and gas exploration and mining, traffic control, weather forecasting, and other industrial and outdoor applications are all popular uses for them. Commercial media converters with an operating temperature range of -10°C to 55°C are equipped for standard office and data center environments with a stable ambient temperature.
Copper to Fiber Media Converter
Copper to fiber media converters enables copper-based Ethernet devices to be connected over long distances through a fiber optic link, which protects data from noise and interference while also providing additional bandwidth capacity to a network. Ethernet media converters link Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit, and 10 Gigabit Ethernet devices; TDM (Time Division Multiplexing) media converters expand standard TDM telecom protocols copper connections, and serial-to-fiber media converters extend serial protocol copper connections to fiber. Point-to-point connections are well suited for copper to fiber media converters.
Media Converter from Fiber to Fiber
Fiber to fiber media converters can bind multimode and single-mode fibers, as well as dual and single fibers, and convert wavelengths. When lower-cost legacy equipment uses MM ports but requires connection to SM equipment, multimode to single-mode converters are usually needed. Multimode media converters have a transmission range of up to 2 kilometers and are commonly used in short-distance transmission to extend LANs over fiber cable. Single-mode media converters, on the other hand, can cover distances of up to 100 kilometers, making them ideal for connecting corporate networks or campus backbones with bandwidth-hungry applications.
Conclusion
A fiber media converter can link copper and fiber cables in a network at a low cost. It can greatly increase transmission distances while still being versatile and simple to use. Since there are so many different types of media converters for different applications, it’s best to think about the current and future network needs before selecting the right ones.
