How Does Fiber Media Converter Work? How to Use It?
November 8, 2021
What is Fiber Media Converter
The fiber media converter can realize the conversion of optical signals and electrical signals. Converting the signals through optical fibers, and finally connecting with some equipment, we can have unimpeded transmission and communication.
When we transmit signals over long distances, optical fiber are usually used to do the job. That is because the transmission distance of optical fiber is very long. In general, the transmission distance of single-mode fiber is more than 10 kilometers. And the transmission distance of multi-mode fiber can reach up to 2 kilometers.
In optical communications networks, we often use fiber media converter. So, how is the fiber media converter connected?
How Does Fiber Media Converter Work
If you want to know how to use fiber media converters, you must first know how the fiber media converters work.
Simply put, the role of the fiber media converter is the mutual conversion between optical signals and electrical signals. The optical signal is input from the optical port, and the electrical signal is output from the electrical port (common RJ45 interface), and vice versa.
The process is roughly as follows: convert electrical signals into optical signals, transmit them through optical fibers, and convert optical signals into electrical signals at the other end. On the other end, electrical signals can then be connected to routers, switches, and other equipment.
Therefore, fiber media converters are generally used in pairs. For example, the fiber media converter (maybe other equipment) in the server room of the carrier and the fiber media converter of your home. If you want to build your own LAN with fiber media converters, you must use them in pairs.
Where is Media Converter Used
Optical fiber media converters are generally used in actual network environments where Ethernet cables cannot be covered and optical fibers must be used to extend the transmission distance. At the same time, they also play a huge role in helping to connect the last mile of optical fiber lines to metropolitan area networks and outer networks.
With the optical fiber media converter, it also provides a cheap solution for users who need to upgrade their network system from copper wire to optical fiber, and for users who lack funds, manpower or time.
The function of the fiber media converter is to convert the electrical signal we want to send into an optical signal and send it out. At the same time, it can convert the received optical signal into an electrical signal and input it to our receiving end.
How to Use A Media Converter
The general optical fiber media converter is the same as the general network switch. It can be used with power connected, and no configuration is required. Optical fiber is connected with the optical interface, such as SC, and electrical signal is connected with ethernet interface such as RJ45. Although you should make sure the transmit and receive of media converter are connected correctly.
Transmitting
This is mainly the remote media converter that transmits information to the server room through optical fiber transmission, where the media converter on the transmitting end is connected to device. It transmits the information and data from front-end device to the media converter.
And then the media converter convert the electrical signal from the Ethernet port to an optical signal. Then the optical fiber signal is transmitted over a long distance from the optical port of the fiber media converter.
Receiving
When fiber media converter in server room receive the optical signal from the remote media converter, it convert the optical signal transmitted by the optical fiber at the front end into an electrical signal.
It receives the data, and finally transmit it to the management equipment to complete the long-distance signal transmission.
LED Indicator
Here, HOC reminds everyone that when installing and connecting the fiber media converter, pay attention to check whether the connection is correct and how the indicator lights indicate. Fiber media converter normally has 6 indicator lights corresponding to different connection information, and the correct indicator should be like this (as shown below)
| LED Indicator | Function | Status | Working Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| PWR | power | on | powered |
| off | no power | ||
| FX | optical connection | on | with optical connection |
| off | without optical connection | ||
| FX LINK/ACT | optical connection | on | connected |
| twink | data transmit | ||
| off | not connected | ||
| FDX | optical interface mode | on | full duplex |
| off | half duplex | ||
| TX-1000 | ethernet signal | on | 1000M signal |
| off | 10-100M signal | ||
| TX LINK/ACT | ethernet connection | on | connected |
| twink | data transmit | ||
| off | not connected |
Summary
Above is how fiber media converter works, hope it’s helpful for you. HOC has been specialized in the R&D, production and sales of optical communications fiber cable and equipment for 20 years. Welcome to contact us.
Tony Lau is technical manager and co-founder at HOC. He loves writing about content optical fiber communications, specializes in fiber optic cables, FTTH turnkey solutions, ADSS cable, and ODN networks.
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