A fibre-optic media converter is a simple network appliance which carries and converts signals between fibre-optic cable and another cable media. Like copper ethernet UTP (unshielded twisted pair) cables, as shown below. Media converters take data signals from one media (such as electronics signals in twisted-pair copper cables) and convert them into another (such as light pulses in fibre-optic cables). While remaining invisible to other network devices. Copper-to-fibre conversion using media converters allows two networking devices that have copper ports to connect across long distances using a fibre cable.
How does the Ethernet media converter works?
Extending the network to a remote location is accomplished using the optical link from a switch. And the media converter for connecting to the devices. When used this way, the copper-to-fibre converter can connect a copper pot on the Ethernet Switch to a fibre connecting a device at a distant location. Thus expanding the copper ports reach. Fibre-to-fibre converters can connect to any Ethernet-compatible fibre port straight into a switch port, so you only need one unit.
As deploying a pair of fibre media converters is more common on the network, sometimes you will want to use. just a single media converter connecting your copper cable to your fibre devices. A media converter is a networking device that links two different media, such as Ethernet copper and Ethernet fibre. The most common media converters connect fibre and copper cables, but others may convert Ethernet into VDSL or inject Power Over Ethernet (PoE).
Copper-to-fibre:
Copper-to-fibre media converters are primarily used for expanding network connections. Beyond the 100-meter reach of traditional copper UTP Ethernet standard cable. In this application, the Ethernet copper-to-fibre media converters are installed into redundant power enclosures to distribute fibre at a higher density from the core (A) of the network. Some applications such as data converters, network cabling closets. And switching rooms utilize a lot of cables that are plugged into different locations to ensure the connectivity of the network.
Ethernet ports:
The Ethernet ports located at the 10/100 based(X) of CSM-200 are used for connecting with Ethernet-enabled devices. Connect means connecting the CSM-200 series to ethernet devices using a direct-through cable or crossover cable. The auto-MDI/MDI-X feature allows users to connect Moxas CSM-200s 10/100 based ports to any Ethernet device without identifying. Which Ethernet cable is used to make the connection.
The Moxa CSM-200s RJ45 Ethernet ports at 10/100Mbit/s automatically negotiate with the connecting device to get the fastest data transfer speeds supported by both devices. If a Moxa CSM-200s RJ45 Ethernet port is connected to a device that does not negotiate. It will default to 10 Mbps speeds and half-duplex mode, as IEEE requires 802.3u standards. Connect a Copper Switch B port to an Ethernet RJ45 converters RJ45 port using a UTP cable (Cat5 and up).
Some advanced tips while handling Ethernet media converter
Always remember to pull out your fibre patch cables before you pull out your converter. And set up your converter on your media converter before putting your cables in the transceiver s terminals.
You should perform a few test connections between converters and various optical fibre devices to verify the compatibility. Generally, fibre cables follow the same principles as fibre optic transceivers, but in most cases. You will want a converter that supports both. This is especially the case when the media’s differences are significant, like when one is copper, and one is fibre.
Ending Note:
Ethernet media converters allow users to optimize the value of their existing networks. They are well-suited to industrial applications that use fibre cables and are challenged with the noise issues caused by EMF. Enterprise media converters allow businesses to optimize the value of their existing network. Either extending its reach, increasing distances between two similar devices, or increasing the lifespan of equipment not built on fibre.
