A media converter is a networking device that transparently converts Ethernet or other communication protocols from one cable type to another type, usually copper CATx/UTP to fibre. Media converters are often used in pairs to insert a fibre segment into copper networks to increase cabling distance and enhance immunity to electromagnetic interference. Mainly it connects two different media like Ethernet copper and Ethernet fibre. They are cost effective and flexible devices for implementing and optimising fibre links in all types of networks. The most common type of media converter is a device that functions as a transceiver converting the electrical signal used in copper Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) network cabling into light waves used in fibre optic cabling. Copper-to-fiber conversion using media converters enables two network devices with copper ports to be connected over extended distances via fiber optic cabling. We know that media converters are available as Physical Layer or Layer 2 switching devices, and also provide rate- switching and other advanced switching features.Media are typically protocol specific and available to provide support for a wide variety of network types and data rates.
Media converter can also convert between wavelengths for Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) applications.
Media converters present solutions to these problems, by allowing the use of fiber when it is needed, and integrating new equipment into existing cabling infrastructure. Media converters provide seamless integration of copper and fiber, and different fiber types in Enterprise LAN networks.
BENEFITS OF MEDIA CONVERTORS
1.Extend LAN Distance With Fiber
By using Ethernet to fiber conversion you can extend land distance up to 80 kilometers pr more also copper based Ethernet connections are limited to data transmission distance measured 100 meters when using UTP cable. It estimates the distance needed to provide the correct connection.
2. Protect Data From Interference
Data transmitted over fibre optic cable is completely immune to this type of noise, ensuring optimal data transmission and network performance. It looks at the proper management of data at any level,also new network services are driving up bandwidth demand.
3.Speed Conversion
Media converter allows you to convert link speed from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps or from 100 Mbps to 1000 Mbps.
4. Solutions provided by media convertors
It increase the capacity of existing fiber with WDM wavelength, when used with multiplexers.Also it increases the network distance by converting UTP to fiber and extending fiber links. Media convertors maintain investments in existing equipment.
Media converters also reduce Network Operating Cost by helping to troubleshoot and remotely configure network equipment that is located at distant locations,saving time and money when there is no network administrator at distant locations.Managed media converters require additional hardware to enable SNMPv1, SNMPv2c and SNMPv3 management.
