Media converter

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(FO) media converter for Fast Ethernet 100BASE-TX / 100BASE-FX (conversion of twisted pair cable to FO with ST connector ).
(FO) media converter for Fast Ethernet 100BASE-TX / 100BASE-FX (conversion of twisted pair cable to FO with ST connector).

Media converters are devices used in networks that connect network segments of different transmission media such as twisted pair cables (TP), coaxial cables or fiber optic cables (fiber optic cables) and thus physically convert the transmitted data from one medium to the other. With fiber optic media converters, enormous increases in the range of a network can be achieved, for example by using a TP cable with max. 100 m range is converted to a transmission using fiber optic cables with a range of up to 100 km.

Media converters work either on the first or second layer of the OSI model :

  • Standard media converters function like a repeater and work on layer 1. Normally, one repeater is used for each direction so that full duplex operation is possible. Data rates and duplex settings must be identical on both sides.
  • Switched media converters , on the other hand, work like a bridge and work on layer 2. They can connect media at different speeds, a full-duplex connection with a half-duplex segment or two half-duplex segments with a division of the collision domain .

Instead of dedicated media converters, interchangeable interface modules ( transceivers ) are being used more and more frequently in network devices , in particular small form-factor pluggable (SFP and SFP +), in older installations also gigabit interface converters (GBIC) and others. Media converters are also available with modular interfaces for flexible adaptation.

Examples

Common transmission media of certain network technologies, between which can be implemented (without switch function only within the same speed):

Fiber optic media converter

Fiber optic media converters (fiber optic media converters) convert electrical into optical signals (e.g. fieldbus signals and Ethernet signals) and establish the direct connection between different types of copper cables or fiber optic cables . Other network components such as routers , industrial Ethernet , switches or servers can be connected to one another via fiber optic media converters. In this way, the range of an existing network can be increased, as optical fibers can cover ranges of up to 100 kilometers without additional reinforcement. In addition, old network installations can be merged with new cabling or length restrictions can be overcome.

Integrated redundancy mechanisms should ensure a high availability of networks as well as the flexible construction of line, star, tree and ring structures . For the connection and bridging of large distances, the fiber optic media converters are able to operate various fiber technologies such as POF , PCS fibers and multimode and singlemode glass fibers with various types of fiber optic connectors . Depending on the application and the required range, distances from a few meters to several tens of kilometers can be achieved.

literature

  • Bundschuh, Bernhard; Himmel, Jörg: Optical information transmission. Oldenbourg Verlag, Munich, Vienna 2003, ISBN 978-3486272529 .
  • Eberlein, Dieter, among others: fiber optic technology. 4th, revised and expanded edition. Expert Verlag, Renningen 2002, ISBN 978-3816929857 .
  • Dieter Eberlein: DWDM - Dense Wavelength Multipex. Dr. M. Siebert GmbH, Berlin 2003, ISBN 978-3000108198 .
  • Fischer, Ulrich: Optoelectronic Packaging. VDE Verlag, Berlin 2002, ISBN 978-3800725724 .