Fiber to Fiber Media Converter Application Guide

Fiber to fiber media converter is capable of connecting multimode and single mode networks, connecting dual fiber network cables to single fiber cables, and connecting two networks that utilize different light wavelengths. Here presents three application scenarios where fiber to fiber media converters are deployed.

Multimode to Single Mode Application

It is known that single mode fiber is constructed with thin glass strands that have a very small diametrical core which produces low signal attenuation. This construction enables very high data throughput of up to 100Gbps at distances between 10km and 80km. A multimode cable has a larger diametrical core than a single mode fiber, with shorter transmission distances of up to 500 meters for 10Gbps network signals. Fiber to fiber media converter is used in places where conversion from MM to SM fiber is required to support longer distances. With multimode to single mode conversions, the network transmission is extended effectively, eliminating the need to replace the fiber type.

Fig.1 Multimode to single mode fiber media conversion

Dual Fiber to Single Fiber Application

There are situations where we are obliged to convert dual fiber to single fiber link, and sometimes, in order to save budget for leasing fiber, users may seek to put the BiDi single fiber link for transmission between the two sites that use dual fibers. Generally, two optical fibers were used for signal transmission, one for receiving and the other for transmitting. BiDi fiber cable just uses one single fiber with two wavelengths for transmitting and receiving, which can save fiber resources. The conversion to single fiber transmission can be realized by fiber to fiber converters. The figure 2 shows two dual fiber switches that are connected with single fiber by using a pair of fiber to fiber converters.

Fig.2 Dual fiber to single fiber media conversion

Fiber to fiber media converter can also double the fiber capacity by converting dual fiber link to single fiber link. In many cases, the network is bound to expand in parallel to the growth of end devices, usually with the backbone fiber optic cabling remains unchanged. In this case, the fiber capacity can be doubled by converting each strand of dual fiber to a BiDi single fiber link, as shown in figure 3.

Fig.3 Dual fiber to single fiber media conversion to double fiber capacity

Optical Wavelengths Conversion Application

Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) technology can increase the capacity of existing fiber infrastructure by enabling multiple wavelengths over the same fiber cabling. Each channel carries data independently from each other, allowing network designers to transport different data rates and protocols for different applications. Prior to that, fiber to fiber media converters are required to convert standard optical wavelengths into the corresponding WDM wavelength.

As figure 4 shows, on the one side, an Ethernet Gigabit fiber switch link is converted from 1310nm to 1570nm fiber, a 10/100 UTP Ethernet switch link is converted from copper to 1590nm fiber, and the DS3 Multiplexer link is converted from DS3 copper to 1610nm fiber. All three wavelengths are combined (multiplexed) into the CWDM common fiber link. At the other side of the CWDM fiber link, the MUX filters out each of the wavelengths and provides connectivity to individual fiber links. At each link, a media converter with the appropriate wavelength SFP converts the CWDM wavelengths back to the original forms.

Fig.4 Wavelengths Conversion

Conclusion

Fiber to fiber media converter is a cost-effective solution to extend the network transmission distance and increase fiber capacity. It improves the capabilities of existing fiber infrastructure by providing multiple functions, such as dual fiber to single fiber conversion, multimode to single mode conversion and standard wavelength to WDM wavelength conversion.