The Complete Guide to Media Converters, How To Choose A Media Converter?
The fiber media converter, also known as a media converter, is a common network device that provides enterprise customers and data centers with a flexible and inexpensive solution for converting Ethernet as well as any other communication protocol from copper (CATx/UTP) to fiber or fiber-optic connections. The media converter is typically used in pairs in MAN and LAN, where a fiber segment is inserted into the copper network to extend the maximum transmission length. This article introduces several common types of media converters, and you will learn more about them.
What are The Advantages of Media Converter?
Convert Transmission Speed Rate
Media converters can connect two kinds of different transmission mediums, such as fiber optic transmission to copper transmission and single-mode fiber optic transmission to multimode fiber optic transmission. It can also operate in links with different transmission rates, and help to convert the transmit speed rate such as 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps or from 100 Mbps to 1000 Mbps.
Extend Transmit Distance
By connecting different transmission media, the media converter can also achieve the purpose of extending the transmission distance. For example, if a media converter is installed at the end of a copper media transmission link, and the optical fiber is linked at the other port of the media converter, the maximum transmission distance of 80KM can be achieved.
Cost-effective
Fiber Media Converter can be applied to both copper and fiber optic Ethernet, which also means you can upgrade your copper network to a fiber optic system. If you are currently using a large copper infrastructure, then you only need a media converter to connect your fiber network to your existing copper infrastructure, which can result in significant financial savings for your data center.
Reduce Electromagnetic Interference
We all know that when a copper medium transmits data, it will generate a lot of electromagnetic interference, after using an SFP media converter to convert copper transmission to optical fiber transmission, can solve the problem of electromagnetic interference so that the data center can get higher-quality data transmission.
Do You Know How Many Different Types of Media Converters There Are?
Definition from The Basis of Transmission Mode
Single-Mode Media Converters
Single-mode media converters only carry optical signals in one direction, it is also known by the name transverse mode. Single-mode converters have core diameters ranging from 9 microns to 10.5 microns. The single-mode transmission mode gives it a low attenuation characteristic. Single-mode media converters have a built-in single-mode optical module with transmission distances from 10KM to 40KM.
Multi-Mode Media Converters
Multimode media converters differ from single-mode media converters in that multimode media converters can transmit optical signals in two or more directions, while multimode media converters transmit data with the advantage of high optical dispersion and high authentication rates, as well as multimode fibers with core diameters between 50 and 62.5 microns. Its maximum transmission distance is generally between 300m and 500m.
Definition From The Basis of Form Mode
Chassis-Based Media Converter
Chassis-based media converters were originally created for use in a multitude of different data centers, and this media converter is typically used in data converters, LAN wiring closets, and switching rooms. Such networks typically require the handling of various types of cables and networks, and data centers can easily link various cables and networks through the use of media converters, which are typically deployed in a mix-and-match manner. This type of media converter can bring high-density conversion to the data center.
Slide-in Media Converter Cards
The most important feature of the slide-in media converter is that it slides into the chassis. This feature makes the slide-in media converter easy to maintain at a later stage without having to disassemble the entire system. The slide-in design allows engineers to access the media converter more easily, giving the data center wire system more flexibility while it receives power from the chassis backbone. Slide-in media converters also bring high-density conversion and can provide a variety of ingress and egress ports to the data center network.
Standalone Media Converters
The standalone media converter uses a very compact form, which gives it a very small size and allows engineers to install it very easily. This standalone media converter also has the advantage of a very low price. This media converter is generally used in very narrow and small spaces, such as telecommunication cabinets, distribution boxes, etc.
Definition From The Function of Media Converter
Non-PoE and PoE Media Converter
Non-PoE media converters are switches that provide network connectivity only with no DC power to the connected devices, while PoE switches have Power over Ethernet built-in. PoE media converters, also known as Power over Ethernet media converters, this media converter provides economical and reliable fiber optic distance extension for PoE-powered devices. Cat5 to fiber converters can be used with UTP copper cables to supply power to IP phones, video conferencing equipment, IP cameras, and WiFi devices, which is why they are widely used to connect security cameras and wireless access to gigabit backbone networks.
Figure 1: PoE Media Converter Connection
Commercial and Industrial Media Converter
Industrial grade media converters can operate in temperatures from -40˚C to 85˚C, whereas commercial grade media converters can only operate in the typical commercial environment -10˚C to 55˚C. The major difference between these two types of media converters is their consistent working temperature as with other optical transceivers. Industrial media converters can endure extreme temperatures (-40˚C to 85˚C) and severe environments, as well as being equipped with redundant power supplies by design. This design enables industrial media converters to operate in environments with high levels of shock and vibration. They are commonly employed in a wide range of applications such as building automation, oil and gas drilling and mining, traffic management, weather tracking, etc. Commercial media converters are designed to operate from -10˚C to 55˚C, and they are well suited for commercial applications that do not require extreme environments, such as typical office and data center environments.
Definition From Transmission Media
Copper to Fiber Media Converter
Copper-to-fiber media converters allow copper-based Ethernet devices to be connected via optical fiber links, and this can increase the transmission distance of the devices to longer distances. Furthermore, RJ45 to SFP converters protect data from noise and interfaces. The extra bandwidth also makes the device future-proof, and the RJ45 to fiber converters are well suited for point-to-point Ethernet connections.
Fiber to Fiber Media Converter
Fiber-to-fiber media converters bridge multimode and Singlemode fiber, dual fiber and single fiber, and it enables conversion from one wavelength to another. The multimode converters enable short distances of 2 km when connecting between low-cost devices, such as MM ports to SM devices, and are typically deployed in extension LANs over fiber optic cables. Single-mode fiber-to-Ethernet converters are typically deployed in networks with high bandwidth requirements between 2 km and 10 km in enterprise networks and campus backbones.
Conclusion
The Ethernet Media Converter allows enterprises and data centers to get an easy-to-use, low-cost wire installation solution while extending the existing cabling system over the maximum transmission distance. QSFPTEK provides 1G media converters and 10G media converters and POE media converters, know more about media converters via sales@qsfptek.com. Welcome to get a quote!