Fiber Optic
Fiber Optic Ethernet Converters: Why You Need One For Your Fiber Network
Networking solutions advance at an extraordinarily fast rate with new and faster types of cables being released regularly. If you have a network that utilizes the conventional type of Ethernet cables and another network that uses the faster and more reliable fiber optic cables, it is possible and advisable to connect them together using a special kind of fiber optic Ethernet converter.
A fiber optic Ethernet converter connects an Ethernet cable at one end into a fiber optic cable at the other end to allow multiple networks that are using different kinds of cables to communicate with each other. Also, it can be used within the same network if multiple computers are using different technologies or not all of them have the capability to use fiber optic cables.
Fiber optic cables are highly resistant to interference from electronic devices, wireless networks, or mobile phones, unlike the more unpredictable traditional Ethernet cables which can frequently lose their signal if exposed to certain types of equipment. This is the main reason that it is a wise decision to convert Ethernet cables to fiber optic cables, as it provides a faster signal than what Ethernet is capable of sending or receiving.
Some fiber optic converters will work with any type of Ethernet cable while others only have ports of either the 100 Megabit or the 10 Gigabit speed Ethernet cables. The maximum speed that data is able to be transferred at on the faster type of cable will slightly be lowered when a converter is attached between two different types of cables. Cisco and HP, as well as other different brands and models of converters will have different speed caps.
Ethernet converters come in different sizes. Some are especially designed for the size of your home or office network. Most converters are made of small plastic units that are intended to change a single Ethernet cable to a single fiber optic cable. Larger converters are available too. These are mounted directly onto metal racks and have the capability to convert dozens of cables at once. Just make sure these are placed in a secured network room
Fiber optic converters should be placed in a secure location so that they cannot be disturbed by people or machinery. If the converter is broken or removed, every computer connected to the fiber optic cable would lose its internet connection. These network technologies should be given special care. Furthermore, since they contain special materials that only work properly in specific temperature ranges, it is crucial to keep converters in controlled temperature rooms that never get too hot or too cold.
The range that fiber optic cables continue to work after being converted from an Ethernet cable is measured in miles. As a result, internet service providers or very large companies with huge networks make use of Ethernet converters. Lastly, fiber optics can greatly extend serial communication reach, and the required adapters and converters are inexpensive, reliable, and easily available.
It’s good to know that when fiber optics converters are used in an Ethernet-based system, serial data communication is not limited to distance anymore. Ethernet converters can easily handle 10BaseT 100BaseT 1000BaseT speeds and gigabit-capable converters are available as well. Take advantage of this advanced networking technology now.
Fiber optic cables: How they work