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Tech Guide

Introduction to Fiber Optic Converters

Fiber Optic Converters (also known as Media Converters) are devices that convert the electrical signal used in copper wiring such as Ethernet or Serial Data into light waves for transmission over fiber optic cable. They are commonly used in pairs, one at each end of the fiber cable span, enabling two devices or networks with copper wiring to be connected over fiber optic cable.

Benefits of Fiber optics

Fiber optics are an efficient, reliable, low-energy way to transmit copper-based signals over long distances while providing immunity to electrically noisy environments. Many modern networks utilize fiber optic cable between two copper-based distribution points – for example between two floors in a multi-story building. Using Fiber Optic Converters, you can connect two devices that require copper signaling by utilizing the fiber optic cable connecting the two floors together.

This guide serves as an overview to those who are new to Fiber Optic Converters and fiber optics, and presents general information about copper-to-fiber converters, their components, and general features.

Please note that while there are many types of Fiber Optic Converters, for the purposes of this guide we will be discussing stand-alone, point-to-point single-service systems.

Types of Signals

The most popular signal type supported by Fiber Optic Converters is Ethernet. An Ethernet Fiber Optic Converter accepts the copper Ethernet signals, converts it to light for transmission over fiber optic cable, and then converts the light back into a copper electrical signal at the other end of the fiber span, providing a seamless Ethernet connection over fiber cable. This type of converter is popular as Ethernet is everywhere these days and a fiber converter is useful in extending an Ethernet network’s reach, such as in a large campus networks or providing remote connections to ethernet devices in industrial applications.

While Ethernet is the most popular, it is not the only type of Fiber Optic Converter available. There are many different Fiber Optic Converters designed to transmit various signals over fiber optic cable.

No matter which signal is transported, it’s important to remember that the job of the fiber converter is to be the device that translates the electrical copper signals into light for transmission over fiber optic cable. So at their core, all fiber converters generally work the same way.

Common Signals:

Construction/Mounting Options

Stand-alone fiber converters have various mounting options depending on their physical characteristics and powering requirements. These mounting options include:

  • Wall Mounted Stand Alone Fiber Optic Converter

Wall Mounting:

Devices intended for commercial or industrial use may be provided with mounting ears for wall or panel attachment. This type of mounting is common in telecommunication rooms. Typically, the wall mounting surface is a plywood backboard, and the mounting ears are configured on the housing so that it may be fastened to the surface with screws.

  • Stand Alone Fiber Optic Converters in Rack Mount Bracket

Rack Mounting:

Fiber Optic Converters are commonly found in standard EIA 19” or 23” equipment racks alongside servers, network switches, and other network devices. The typical fiber converter will require a rack mount bracket or rack mount shelf that is sold separately. These accessories will mount into the rack and then hold or house the Fiber Optic Converter.

  • DIN Rail Mounted Fiber Optic Converter

DIN Rail Mounting:

Fiber optic converters used in commercial and industrial environments are commonly intended for DIN rail mounting and have clips for easy attachment to the rail. T-35 DIN rails are metal brackets designed for securely attaching electrical and industrial control products such as circuit breakers, terminal blocks, power supplies, actuators, solenoids, and other industrial control equipment. DIN rail mounting is commonly used in Automation and Control applications and the rail may be attached to a wall, panel, or backboard.

  • Desktop-Style Fiber Optic Converter

Desktop Use:

Desktop Style fiber optic converters are meant to be simply placed on a flat surface such as a table or equipment shelf. These may be secured in place with cable ties or hook and loop fasteners. This is commonly the case with retail or home applications where commercial mounting styles aren’t practical or necessary.

Power Connectors

All Fiber Optic Converters require power to operate. There are