Fiber to Ethernet Media Converters - Which to Buy (2023)

What Is a Fiber Media Converter?

Fiber to Ethernet media converters adapt between a typical copper twisted-pair Ethernet cable (e.g., Cat 6a) and fiber-optic cable.

• Ethernet Extension - There are various ways to extend your Ethernet network. However, fiber optics allow you to reach a nearly limitless range while maintaining high signal quality.
• IP Video Systems - Whether for CCTV or another video-over-IP system, being limited to the 100-meter maximum distance of copper Ethernet cable may be a constraint for you. Outdoor cameras and video equipment can also benefit from electrical isolation.
• Electrical Isolation - By converting a segment of your Ethernet connection to fiber, you can electrically isolate your equipment. This electrical isolation can act as a means of insurance, protecting your equipment from power surges and lightning damage.
• Connecting Fiber to Copper Ethernet Devices - It may sound ideal to have all of your equipment communicating at the speed of light. However, it is often convenient and necessary to communicate with devices with copper RJ-45 Ethernet ports.

10 Gigabit Fiber to 10G Copper UTP Ethernet Media Converter

Pair of 1.25G Media Converters, SFP Slot and SFP Modules, MMF, 850-nm, 550 meters

Fiber to fiber media converters can convert between single-mode fiber (SMF) and multi-mode fiber (MMF) or between single fiber and dual fiber cable.

• Converting between Single-Mode Fiber and Multi-Mode Fiber is useful when using MMF within a datacenter and SMF for longer fiber cable runs.
• Converting between Single Fiber and Dual Fiber - BiDi transceivers may use a single fiber to transmit and receive data, whereas dual fiber transceivers use two. You could use a fiber to fiber media converter to adapt between the two.

SFP to SFP Fiber Media Converter

Custom Media Converters

Depending on which features you need, you could create a custom media converter by using a switch with SFP ports.

For example, suppose you're unable to find a 10 Gbps media converter. In that case, you could use a switch with SFP+ ports and use a copper Ethernet SFP+ transceiver and a fiber SFP+ transceiver.

MikroTik 5-Port Desktop Switch, 1 Gigabit Ethernet Port, 4 SFP+ 10Gbps Ports

Alternatives to Fiber to Ethernet Media Converters

Suppose you don't have a specific need for converting between Ethernet and fiber. In that case, another option is to run fiber directly to a computer, using a PCIe network adapter with an SFP port.

10 Gb PCI-E NIC Network Card, Single SFP+ Port

Transmissions Speeds

When choosing a fiber to Ethernet media converter, it's essential to consider the supported Ethernet speeds and the SFP form factor.

Ethernet speeds are typically correlated with the SFP port form factor. For example, if it has a 10G SFP+ port, the Ethernet port will often be 10G. If you need to connect with a lower-speed network, you may want to determine if the Ethernet port also supports lower speeds.

The SFP form factor typically determines which speeds are supported.

DAC

Direct Attach Copper is a Twinax copper cable that integrates the SFP modules.

Twinax

Twinaxial cabling is similar to coaxial cable, except it uses two inner conductor wires instead of one.

Transceiver Compatibility

Typically when connecting two devices with fiber transceivers (e.g., two SFP transceivers connected via a fiber optic cable), you should use the same transceiver models on both ends. Using the same models will ensure compatibility.

For this reason, if you get media converters with built-in transceivers, you'll probably want to buy them in pairs to ensure compatibility.

Built-in Transceivers

Media converters with built-in transceivers can simplify setup, ensuring compatibility between two of the same device. However, the drawback is that you will be unable to select a specific transceiver to ensure that it can communicate with other equipment.

Media Converter Form Factors

As the name implies, mini media converters are just a compact version of fiber to Ethernet converters. The mini media converters may be more suited for rack-mounting in a chassis.

Unmanaged vs. Managed

Unmanaged media converters are plug-and-play and can sometimes be configured via DIP switches.

DIP Switch

DIP switches are physical switches accessible on a device, used for configuring it.

On the other hand, managed media converters have more advanced features such as remote configuration and monitoring.

PoE vs. Non-PoE

Some media converters support Power over Ethernet (PoE/PoE+). Power over Ethernet allows you to power PoE devices such as cameras, video/audio IP phones, and Wi-Fi access points.

Keep in mind that passive PoE power sourcing equipment (PSE) is incompatible and will damage non-PoE devices.

PoE Fiber Single Mode LC Gigabit Ethernet Media Converter

Industrial Media Converters

Industrial media converters can survive higher temperature ranges, shock, and vibration and usually require a separate industrial power supply. They are intended for harsh industrial and outdoor environments.

Recommended Fiber to Ethernet Media Converters

• 1 Gbps SFP media converter Pair of 1.25G Media Converters, SFP Slot and SFP Modules, MMF, 850-nm, 550 meters Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
• 1 Gbps SFP media converter with POE/POE+ PoE Fiber Single Mode LC Gigabit Ethernet Media Converter Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
• 10 Gbps SFP+ media converter 10 Gigabit Fiber to 10G Copper UTP Ethernet Media Converter Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link
• 10 Gbps SFP+ switch for a custom media converter MikroTik 5-Port Desktop Switch, 1 Gigabit Ethernet Port, 4 SFP+ 10Gbps Ports Check Price on Amazon Amazon Affiliate Link

Learn More About Fiber-Optic Networks

• Learn more about fiber-optic networking: Set Up a Fiber-Optic Network in Your Home or Office.
• More recommended equipment for a 10G or 40G network: 10G or 40G Home Network?! A Guide to Insane Ethernet Speeds
• Suggested equipment for surge-protecting your network: Ethernet Surge Protection for Home Networks - What to Buy

A Note From the Authors