Fiber optic media converter devices transparently connect different types of network cabling, especially copper to the newer fiber cables. You can add a standalone optical fiber media converter to a single workstation or add multiple hubs to your network to extend network distance or prolong the life of older copper-based equipment.

The technologies have been well established so you should have no difficulty finding a media converter distributor with the right package for small business or Enterprise LANs. Fiber media converters keep your business competitive in a number of ways:

1. Media converters help your business keep pace with changing technology by adding new devices to your network without replacing older cable.

2. A fiber optic media converter creates a transparent network link between different devices.

3. Fiber optic media converters help you control your budget for network upgrade and replacement.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Extend small local networks and hold down costs with desktop media converters

A standalone single fiber media converter makes sense in offices with small, local networks, especially if you are trying to add a high capacity workstation to an older network. They fit right on the desktop and transmit and receive over one fiber, cutting cable bills in half.

I recommend: Versitron’s single fiber media converter supports 10/100m dual speed on TP connections and full wire speed conversions and a redundant power option. Aexeon offers a variety of standalone converters in desktop or chassis slide-in. Their series include managed and unmanaged converters that support speed options up to 10/100/1000Tx.

Maximize media networks capacity with a multiport fiber media converter

If your network requires a wiring closet or network room, you will want to install rack-mount or chassis based fiber ethernet media converter units. Multiport ethernet media converters convert multiple links from a single location, allowing you to add links as your company grows.

I recommend: Transition Networks’ managed Point System Platforms are NEBS compliant and certified for Class B residential application and offer redundant power supplies and protocol upgrades. Omnitron Systems Techonology offers managed iConverter platforms to configure and monitor every link and FlexPoint unmanaged platforms with reduced oversight capabilities. Both offer carrier-grade fiber optic access.

Incorporate SNMP protocols using a fiber ethernet media converter

The more complex your network, the more your network manager will need to stay on top of fiber media converter links. Simple Network Management Protocols become especially important for monitoring and configuring devices. The better your SMNP management software, the better the performance of your optical fiber media converter. Your media converter distributor may provide you with the software, or you can look download management software from a number of sources.

I recommend: Transitions Networks’ Focal Point 1 is free with their managed platform purchase, offers both command line and graphic interface and runs on Windows, Sun and Unix platforms. Castle Rock Computing’s SNMPc Network Manager offers a workgroup edition for small networks and an Enterprise edition for large-scale networks running from remote locations. SNMP Link offers a number of management utilities at no charge.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Redundancy can be important in network operations especially when maintaining active links is critical to data security. Look for media converters that offer redundant power supplies and the support for multiple connector types.