How to Use Fiber Media Converter in Your Network?

Media converters have become increasingly popular due to their cost-efficiency and flexibility in integrating copper infrastructure into fiber-based systems. They provide a simple solution for extending the reach of legacy UTP copper cabling, which is limited in distance. Today, media converters are widely used across various industries, including security surveillance, government defense, enterprise, and campus LANs, to seamlessly connect copper and fiber networks. This article will guide you on how to properly use media converters, detailing the cabling procedures, key considerations, and troubleshooting tips for effective integration and operation.

Guide on How to Use Media Converter

Copper to Fiber Network Application

While it is more common to deploy a pair of fiber media converters in a network, a single media converter is sometimes needed to connect copper cabling to a fiber device. In the figure below, a copper to fiber media converter with 1×SFP slot and 1×RJ45 is applied, connecting the Ethernet switch (Switch B) of RJ45 interfaces to an SFP switch (Switch A) to transfer a copper network to a fiber optic network at a speed of 1Gbps. The steps of connecting fiber optic cable and copper cable to media converter are as follows:

1. Connect the copper port of Switch B to the RJ45 port of fiber media converter using a UTP cable (Cat5 and above).

2. Plug an SFP transceiver into SFP slot on the media converter, and plug another SFP module into Switch A.

3. Insert a fiber patch cable into the SFP transceivers on the media converter and Switch A.

Extend the network distance of Gigabit Fiber Links

A pair of fiber media converters are often applied to link together two copper cabling systems for extending transmission distance. It is also the most common scenario using media converter in a network. The following steps show how to use a pair of media converters with network switches, transceivers, fiber and copper cables.

1. Connect the copper port of Switch A and RJ45 port of fiber media converter #1 using a UTP cable (Cat5 and above).

2. Plug an SFP module into SFP slot of fiber media converter #1, and plug another SFP module into SFP slot of fiber media converter #2.

3. Use a fiber patch cable to connect the fiber media converter #1 and fiber media converter #2.

4. Connect the RJ45 port of fiber media converter #2 to Switch B using a UTP cable.

Multimode to Single-mode Conversion

Fiber to fiber media converter provides multimode to single-mode fiber conversion and dual fiber to single-fiber conversion. They are the ideal solution to connect different fiber types, distances and wavelengths (WDM, CWDM & DWDM) across a variety of topologies and network architectures for longer data transmission distances. The specific configuration steps of fiber to Ethernet converter are as follows:

1. Connect the 10GBase SFP+ ports of Switch A and SFP+ port of fiber media converters #1 using two 10GBase SR SFP+ multimode optical transceivers and a multimode fiber.

2. Connect the SFP+ port of two fiber media converters using two 10GBase LR SFP+ single-mode optical transceivers and a single-mode fiber.

3. Connect the SFP+ port of fiber media converters #2 and 10GBase SFP+ ports of Switch B using two 10GBase SR SFP+ multimode optical transceivers and a multimode fiber.

Note: Optical transceivers are basically hot-pluggable devices, so there is no need to power off the media converter when inserting transceivers into the corresponding ports. Always remember to remove the fiber patch cable before removing the transceiver, and install the transceiver on the media converter before inserting the cable into the transceiver endface.

Considerations for Using Media Converters in a Network

Media converters are simple plug-and-play devices, yet you still have to consider some factors when connecting them to the network.

• Installation Location: It is better to choose a flat, secure place to install the media converter. Leave ample space around the converter for ventilation.

• Consistent Wavelength and Speed: The wavelengths of the transceivers on both media converters should be consistent. For example, if one transceiver has a wavelength of 1310nm/850nm, the other one should have the same. Additionally, the data rates of the transceivers and the media converters must match. If you are using 1000BASE SFP transceivers, the media converters should be gigabit. Also, the transceiver type on a pair of media converters should be the same, using either single mode or multimode optical transceivers on both sides.

• Matching Fiber Patch Cable Interfaces: The end face of the fiber patch cable should align with the port on the media converter. Generally, SC fiber patch cables are used to connect media converters with SC ports, while LC fiber patch cables are plugged into the SFP/SFP+ ports on fiber media converters.

• Duplex Modes: Confirm whether the media converter supports full-duplex or half-duplex transmission. Using full-duplex media converters with a switch or hub in half-duplex mode will cause serious packet loss in the network.

• Operating Temperature: The operating temperature should be maintained within a proper range, or the media converter might fail to work. The parameters can vary for media converters from different vendors.

• Rack Installation: Confirm the size of the fiber media converter if you intend to install it in a rack. Accessories like hanging ears and screws might be needed.

Troubleshoot Media Converter in a Network

Media Converters are designed for easy use in optical fiber transmission. When the connection does not work as expected after setting it up in a network, we need to do some troubleshooting. The checking include but not limited to the following six aspects:

• 1. Power Issues (POWER LED Off) The POWER LED on the media converter is off, and the unit is not receiving power. Solutions:

  • Verify that the power cord is securely connected to the power source and to the DC connector on the back panel of the media converter.

  • Check that the power outlet has power by connecting another device to it.

  • Try using another power adapter of the same type that came with your media converter.

  • Verify that the voltage from the power source is within the required levels for your region.

• 2. System LED Issues (SYS LED Off) The SYS LED on the media converter is off. Solutions:

  • Try power cycling the unit.

  • If power cycling does not work, contact the supplier for help, as an internal component on the unit might be damaged or not working properly.

• 3. System Errors (SYS LED Blinking Slowly) The SYS LED on the media converter is blinking slowly. Solutions:

  • Try power cycling the unit.

  • Remove and re-install the SFP module, or try another SFP module.

  • Check if the SFP module is the correct type for the application.

• 4. Slow Network Performance Network performance between the twisted-pair port on the media converter and the end node is slow. Solutions:

  • There might be a duplex mode mismatch between the port and the end node. Adjust the duplex mode so both ports are using the same mode. This mismatch occurs when a twisted-pair port using Auto-Negotiation is connected to a device with a fixed duplex mode of full-duplex.

• 5. No Communication with Connected Devices There is no communication with the devices connected to the media converter. Solutions:

  • The fiber optical cables connected to the TX and RX ends might be reversed. Ensure correct connections.

  • The RJ45 port might not be connected correctly with the devices. Pay attention to the connecting method of straight-through and crossover cables.

• 6. Intermittent Network Communication When the media converter is applied for the network, the whole link of the network can not communicate constantly. Solutions:

  • The attenuation of the fiber link may be too large. Use an optical power meter to test the optical power at the receiving end. If the optical power exceeds its normal sensitivity range, the faulty communication might be caused by a failed fiber link.

  • If the connection between the media converter and the network switch is not working well, connect the fiber media converter to a PC instead. If the media converter works well with the PC, the issue might be with the network switch.

  • If the media converter is faulty, connect the two ends of the media converter directly to a PC. If there is nothing wrong with PING on both ends, transfer a large file (such as 100MB) from one end to another and focus on the speed. If the speed is very slow (more than 15 minutes for below 200MB), the media converter might be faulty.

  By following these guidelines and troubleshooting tips, you can ensure the effective operation of media converters and maintain network stability.

Purchase Diverse Media Converters at FS

FS offers a veriety of high-quality media converters at competitive prices. For inquiries, please contact us at fs.com.

Summary

Media converters offer a variety of features and options to meet a wide range of network applications. Always remember to consider the essential factors when connecting media converters to your network, and refer to the troubleshooting guide if you encounter any problems. For support and expertise, please feel free to contact us.