Overcoming the Limitations of Copper UTP Cabling to Wi-Fi Access Points

Wi-Fi has become omnipresent with the ever-growing bandwidth demand from smart phones and tablets. Wi-Fi is in office buildings, retail stores, stadiums, airports, hotels, restaurants, hospitals, and schools. Wi-Fi hotspots are deployed by business owners, government entities (municipalities and education), and Service Providers for offloading internet data from cellular networks.

One of the challenges with any access network is the 100 meter distance limitation of UTP cabling. Fiber access networks overcome this distance challenge, but Wi-Fi Access Points typically do not have fiber ports. In addition, many Wi-Fi Access Points are powered using Power over Ethernet (PoE), which provides flexibility in placing and installing devices, but this requires UTP copper cabling.

The maximum transmission distance of copper UTP cable is 100 meters (328 feet).  The challenge is installing Powered Devices (PD) like PoE Wi-Fi access points more than 100 meters from the Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE).

The maximum transmission distance of fiber optic cable is over 100 kilometers (this varies by data rate and optical equipment). Fiber optic cabling overcomes the distance and bandwidth limitations of UTP, but fiber does not carry electric DC current.

Extending Distances to Wi-Fi Access Points

OmniConverter PoE Media Converters and OmniConverter PoE Fiber Switches are installed near AC or DC power sources at the end of fiber runs, where they convert fiber to copper, and function as PoE Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) to send DC power to the Powered Device (PD) over the UTP cabling.

In this application example, a municipality is partnering with a Mobile Network Operator (MNO) to deploy Wi-Fi throughout the city. The municipality provides Wi-Fi access to its citizens and businesses, and the MNO uses the Wi-Fi hot spots for offloading 3G and 4G data, as well as to offer value added services to subscribers.

W-Fi networks deployed across a municipality require fiber connectivity to meet the distance requirements. Wireless Access Points typically do not have fiber ports, and can require Power over Ethernet (PoE) which cannot be provided over fiber.

The Mobile Network Operator provides network connectivity at a Point of Presence, where fiber is distributed from a fiber switch.

Across the top of the diagram, a point-to-point fiber link runs to an OmniConverter PoE Fiber Switch with one fiber port that terminates the fiber run, and four RJ-45 ports that provides data and PoE+ power to four Wireless Access Points. The PoE Fiber Switch is installed near an AC or DC power source, where it converts the fiber to copper and inject PoE or PoE+ over the UTP cables that are connected to Wireless Access Points installed up to 100 meters from the converters. OmniConverter PoE Fiber Switches can provide full PoE+ power on up to eight RJ-45 ports.

At the bottom of the diagram, OmniConverter PoE Media Converters with two fiber ports are deployed in NEMA enclosures installed on light poles in a fiber daisy-chain that runs down a street. Each OmniConverter can power one or two Wireless Access Points. OmniConverter PoE Media Converters and PoE Fiber Switches support multiple-port configurations for a variety of flexible network architecture options. OmniConverter media converters are temperature hardened for all-weather outdoor deployments.

>> Learn more about Carrier Wi-Fi and Voice over Wi-Fi

Deploying Hotspots in an Office Building

Dozens of Wireless Access Points are required for larger office buildings, and the distance from the service provider point of presence or network data closet often exceeds the distance limitations of copper cable. Fiber is required to provide connectivity to the Wireless Access Points, which typically do not have fiber ports, and can require Power over Ethernet (PoE).

On the Ground Floor, the Mobile Network Operator hands off services to a copper switch. Fiber is distributed from the copper switch using iConverter managed media converters installed in high-density rack-mount chassis to provide a managed demarcation point for the Mobile Network Operator.

Fiber runs extend up the building, and each point-to-point fiber link is terminated with a PoE Fiber Switch or PoE Media Converter.

On the 10th Floor, an OmniConverter PoE Media Converter is installed near an AC or DC power source. The PoE media converter provides fiber to copper media conversion, and injects PoE, PoE+, or HPoE (60W and 100W) over the UTP cables that are connected to Wireless Access Points.  OmniConverter PoE Media Converters can power one or two Wireless Access Points.

On the 11th and 12th Floors, four PoE Wireless Access Points are deployed. An OmniConverter PoE Fiber Switch is installed near an AC or DC power source. The OmniConverter PoE Fiber Switch terminates the fiber link, and injects PoE/PoE+/PoE++ over the UTP cables that are connected to the Wireless Access Points. OmniConverter PoE Fiber Switches can power four or eight Wireless Access Points.

OmniConverter PoE Media Converters and PoE Fiber Switches provide a reliable and cost effective method to provide fiber connectivity and PoE/PoE+ power to Wireless Access Points distributed throughout an office building or campus.

Industrial Manufacturing Application with PoE Fiber Switches

In this industrial manufacturing application example, RuggedNet Industrial PoE Fiber Switches are installed on a DIN-rail along an assembly line. Gigabit fiber is distributed from a fiber switch at a network hub location to RuggedNet PoE Switches with dual
fiber ports that enable a fiber daisy chain with multiple locations. Each RuggedNet PoE Switch provides fiber data connectivity
and 30W PoE+ power per port for four Wi-Fi access points at each location.

How to Extend Distances to WiFi Access Points with PoE Extenders

PoE Extenders provide cost-effective distance extension and connectivity to WiFi Access Points where external power is not available or hard to provision, or when replacing copper with fiber becomes cost prohibitive.   This example shows an OmniConverter PoE Extender powering PoE-power WiFi, and achieving a distance of 200 meters (656 feet) between the OmniConverter PoE+ switch and the camera.

In this next example, three OmniConverter PoE Extenders are deployed in a daisy chain that is powered by an OmniConverter GHPoEBT/S 60W PoE PSE switch.  WiFi Access Points are dropped off at the first and second PoE Extender locations using models with one RJ-45 PoE/PD port and two RJ-45 PoE/PSE ports.

The daisy chain continues to the third PoE Extender, and to the final WiFi Access Point for a distance of 400 meters (1,312 feet).

Omnitron Systems and Aruba Networks

Omnitron PoE media converters and switches have been certified by Aruba Networks as interoperable with Aruba Wireless Access Points and AirMesh Routers. Omnitron Systems and Aruba have collaborated to ensure that integrators and network operators have access to a wide range of power sourcing media converters for indoor (0 to +50 ºC) and outdoor (-40 to +60ºC) deployment scenarios.

Download the Aruba Solution Guide:
Deploying Omnitron PoE Media Converters with Aruba Access Points

Omnitron PoE Media Converters, PoE Switches and PoE Extenders

Overcoming the Limitations of Copper UTP Cabling to Wi-Fi Access Points

What is the PoE Cable distance? Power over Ethernet (PoE, PoE+ and HPoE) technology enables powering of IP surveillance cameras through the transfer of DC electrical power along with data over standard Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) network cabling. PoE is typically deployed where access to AC power is inconvenient, expensive or infeasible to supply. PoE can power IP cameras located in ceilings, on rooftops, light poles, along fences, pipelines, transit routes and other out-of-the-way locations. The cost of bringing electrical power to each camera is eliminated by powering the equipment through the UTP cable.

The maximum transmission distance of copper UTP cable is 100 meters (328 feet).  The challenge is installing Powered Devices (PD) like PoE IP cameras more than 100 meters from the Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE). Using midspan power injectors along the copper cable between network equipment does not extend this distance.

The maximum transmission distance of fiber optic cable is over 100 kilometers (this varies by data rate and optical equipment). Fiber optic cabling overcomes the distance and bandwidth limitations of UTP, but fiber does not carry electric DC current.

Omnitron PoE Fiber Switches and PoE Media Converters extend network distances via fiber to remote cameras AND provide Power over Ethernet.

Omnitron PoE Fiber Switches and Media Converters

How PoE Media Converters and PoE Fiber Switches Work

PoE Media Converters and PoE Fiber Switches convert fiber to copper, and function as PoE Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) to send DC power to one or more Powered Devices (PD) over the UTP cabling. On the left side of the following illustration, an Ethernet switch with RJ-45 ports resides in a server room or security office. The UTP cabling is converted to fiber using a standard media converter. Network switches with fiber ports can also be used.

The fiber is run a long distance to a PoE Media Converter or PoE Fiber Switch located near a convenient AC or DC power source, where it converts the fiber back to UTP cabling. The PoE Media Converter also injects PoE (DC power) over the UTP cable. At the other end of the UTP cable is an IP surveillance camera, located up to 100 meters away from the PoE media converter.

Extend Point-to-Point Fiber to PoE Cameras

PoE Media Converters and PoE Fiber Switches with One Fiber Port

OmniConverter PoE Media Converters, OmniConverter PoE/PoE+ Fiber Switches, and RuggedNet Industrial PoE/PoE+ Fiber Switches with one fiber port can be deployed in point-to-point, or network star topologies. In this application example, PoE, PoE+, and HPoE (60W) IP surveillance cameras are deployed throughout a large facility. 

iConverter, miConverter or FlexPoint media converters are installed in a high-density rack-mount chassis to provide reliable and cost-effective fiber distribution from existing copper network equipment.

Fiber cables run to OmniConverter PoE Media Converters and PoE Fiber Switches which are located near convenient AC or DC power sources. The OmniConverter PoE Media Converters provide PoE, PoE+ or HPoE over UTP cables to one or two cameras at each location.  OmniConverter PoE Fiber Switches provide PoE or PoE+ to up to eight cameras.

Fiber cables run to OmniConverter PoE Media Converters and PoE Fiber Switches which are located near convenient AC or DC power sources. The OmniConverter PoE Media Converters provide PoE, PoE+ or HPoE over UTP cables to one or two cameras at each location.  OmniConverter PoE Fiber Switches provide PoE or PoE+ to up to eight cameras.

Daisy-Chain Fiber and Redundant Fiber to PoE Cameras

PoE Media Converters and PoE Fiber Switches with Two Fiber Ports

PoE Media Converters and PoE Fiber Switches with two fiber ports can be deployed in daisy-chain configurations with fiber links running hop-to-hop along parking lots, border fences, pipelines, highways or rail lines.

PoE Media Converters and PoE Fiber Switches with two fiber ports can also be deployed with redundant fiber links for mission-critical applications that require failover protection. The OmniConverter PoE Fiber Switch in this application diagram is powered by a UPS for battery back-up power. Even if a fiber link is cut and power is shut off, the camera will continue to send image data over the failover fiber link.

Industrial Manufacturing Application with PoE Fiber Switches

In this industrial manufacturing application example, RuggedNet Industrial PoE Fiber Switches are installed on a DIN-rail along an assembly line. Gigabit fiber is distributed from a fiber switch at a network hub location to RuggedNet PoE Switches with dual
fiber ports that enable a fiber daisy chain with multiple locations. Each RuggedNet PoE Switch provides fiber data connectivity
and 30W PoE+ power per port for four high-speed IP inspection cameras at each location.

Omnitron Systems and Axis Communications

Omnitron Systems is an approved Technology Partner with Axis Communications. 

OmniConverter PoE media converters and PoE fiber switches are field-tested and fully interoperable with Axis Communications PoE, PoE+ and HPoE (60W) network cameras.

Distance Challenges with Power over Ethernet

Power over Ethernet (PoE) is a useful technology in powering remote devices, but as we see with any copper network cable, the challenge lies in the limited distances of UTP cabling. The maximum distance for Power over Ethernet (or any network data transmission) is 100 meters or 328 feet. 

In the diagram below, an Ethernet switch with PoE Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) capabilities sends data and power over the UTP cable. The Wi-Fi access point is a PoE Powered Device (PD), and must be located within 100m of the Endspan PoE switch.

Omnitron manufactures PoE Power Sourcing Equipment to overcome this 100 meter distance limitation of UTP cabling, and meet your unique network requirements.

• • PoE Media Converters and PoE Switches that use fiber to extend the data beyond 100 meters
  • PoE Extenders that use UTP to extend the data and power beyond 100m

How to Extend Distances to PoE Devices with PoE Media Converters and Switches

On the left side of the application is a fiber switch that distributes multiple fiber links to remote locations. This could also be a copper switch with RJ-45 ports with media converters used to convert the copper cabling from the switch to fiber optic cabling. The fiber links can extend up to 140 kilometers, depending on the fiber type, data rate and optical power of the equipment.

At the remote end of the fiber links, the fiber is terminated by a PoE Fiber Switch or PoE Media Converter located near a convenient AC or DC power source. These devices convert the fiber to copper, and function as PoE Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) that injects PoE power (DC power) over the RJ-45 port to the UTP cable. A PoE Powered Device (PD) is connected to the other end of the UTP cable, and can be installed up to 100m away from the PoE Fiber Switch or PoE Media Converter.

How PoE Port Configurations Enable Flexible Architecture Options

All OmniConverter and RuggedNet products support one or two fiber ports. OmniConverter PoE Media Converters feature one or two RJ-45 ports that support PoE, PoE+ or HPoE. OmniConverter PoE Switches and RuggedNet Industrial PoE Switches feature four or eight RJ-45 ports that support PoE, PoE+ or HPoE.

Up to Eight RJ-45 Ports

Multiple PoE RJ-45 ports allows for connecting up to eight different Powered Devices at the end of the fiber run. Copper UTP cables support distances up to 100 meters, so the Powered Devices can be up to 200 meters apart.

Dual Fiber Ports

PoE Media Converters and PoE Fiber Switches that support dual fiber ports enable daisy chaining multiple Powered Devices (PD) along a fiber route. Applications for daisy chain devices include surveillance cameras along border fences and pipelines, and traffic monitoring cameras and wireless devices along highways and train routes.

Dual fiber ports also provide protection with redundant fiber links. This architecture option provides redundancy with failure switchover in less than 50ms for critical applications requiring fiber protection. One fiber port is the active fiber port, the other is the protect fiber port.

How to Extend Distances to PoE Devices with PoE Extenders

PoE Extenders provide cost-effective distance extension and connectivity to remote PoE devices where external power is not available or hard to provision, or when replacing copper with fiber becomes cost prohibitive. They feature one PoE/PD port and one or two PoE/PSE ports, and can be powered by an IEEE 802.3at or High-Power (HPoE) 60W power source, such as an OmniConverter or RuggedNet GHPoEBT/Sx or GHPoEBT/M PSE switch.

On the left, an Omnitron or 3^rd party PoE PSE switch is sending Gigabit Ethernet and PoE power to a PoE Extender located within 100m of UTP cable from the switch.  The PoE Extender is powered by PoE (PD), and then automatically negotiates with the connected PoE Camera or WiFi Access Point to deliver the power level required.

Omnitron PoE Extenders have smart voltage-boosting technology to maintain the required standard compliant PoE voltage levels between hops.  Utilizing data regeneration and voltage level boosting capabilities, Omnitron PoE Extenders can be daisy chained to break through the Ethernet copper distance barrier and deliver 10/100/1000 data and power to multiple PoE powered devices.

Omnitron PoE Fiber Switches and Media Converters

Deploy Fiber-to-the-Desk and Power over Ethernet

Fiber-to-the-Desk is deployed where distance and security requirements surpass the capabilities of copper Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) cabling. 

Desktop devices such as VoIP Phones, video terminals, and even thin client computers are powered by Power over Ethernet (PoE, PoE+ and HPoE) through the transfer of DC electrical power along with data over standard UTP network cabling.

The challenge in deploying Fiber-to-the-Desk is that fiber optic cabling does not transfer electricity like copper network cabling.   

Omnitron PoE Fiber Switches and PoE Media Converters enable fiber connectivity to desktop devices AND provide Power over Ethernet.

Omnitron PoE Fiber Switches and Media Converters

Fiber-to-the-Desk Application Example

In this application example, a fiber-to-the-desk network is deployed in a large office.

Fiber is distributed from a copper network switch in a data closet using media converters. iConverter, miConverter or FlexPoint media converters can be installed in high-density rack-mount chassis to provide reliable and cost-effective fiber distribution from existing copper network equipment.

Fiber optic cables run to offices and cubicles, where they are terminated by OmniConverter PoE Media Converters and a PoE Fiber Switches that are powered by AC or DC power sources. The PoE media converters and switches provide fiber-to-copper media conversion, plus Power over Ethernet (PoE) via UTP cabling for up to eight PoE Powered Devices (PDs). OmniConverter PoE media converters and switches automatically negotiate the required PoE power level with the attached PD, and automatically detect whether or not a connected device is a PoE PD, so non-PD devices can also be safely connected.

In OFFICE 1, the OmniConverter media converter has two RJ-45 ports that provide PoE to an IP Phone and PoE+ to Video Conferencing Equipment. A desktop PC is tethered to the IP phone and receives data only over the UTP cable.

In OFFICE 2, the OmniConverter media converter has two RJ-45 ports that provide HPoE to Thin Client, and PoE to a VoIP Phone.

In the CUBICLES, an OmniConverter PoE fiber switch provides PoE to four (and up to eight) VoIP phones with tethered PCs that receive data only over the UTP cable.

>> More Fiber-to-the-Desk Applications

Building Automation And Smart Buildings

The concept of building automation, or smart buildings, involves integrating all of a facility's systems into a centrally controlled network with IP-based structured cabling. Smart buildings provide several benefits, including improved safety, reduced labor and operating costs, simplified asset management and energy efficiency.

According to the market research report from Fortune Business Insights - the global smart building market is projected to grow from $67.60 billion in 2021 to $265.37 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 21.6% in forecast period.  The growth of this market is driven by the increase in demand for energy-efficient systems, the growing need for automation of security systems in buildings, and advancement of IoT in Building Automation Systems (BAS).  Furthermore, the emergence of 5G technology and growing smart-projects is expected to create many opportunities for the growth of this global market.

Building Automation and PoE Devices

Building Automation Systems leverage the convergence of low-voltage building systems with an Ethernet network and IP addressable devices throughout the building. With an Ethernet network, all of the smart building devices can be connected to the network and powered by the same network cable. Power over Ethernet (PoE) allows system integrators or network administrators to deploy powered devices at any location, regardless if a site has electrical outlets. The devices connected to the PoE network in a smart building include:

• Access control door locks, badge readers, parking gates, turnstiles and intercoms
• Surveillance cameras
• Wi-Fi access points and routers
• Thin clients
• Synchronized clocks
• Electronic signage and emergency messaging systems
• Thermostats and HVAC controls
• Intelligent LED Lighting

Power over Ethernet is supplied by power sourcing switches that inject power over copper UTP cabling to all the devices in the building. These switches are located in a centralized network server room that controls the building system.

The challenge to network managers and system integrators is that in larger buildings and facilities with secure parking, the distance from the network server room to PoE devices will often exceed the 100 meter distance limits of UTP copper cabling. Fiber optic cabling overcomes the distance and bandwidth limitations of UTP, but fiber does not carry electric DC current.

OmniConverter PoE Power Sourcing Media Converters and PoE Fiber Switches enable fiber connectivity and Power over Ethernet for multiple smart building devices.

Omnitron PoE Fiber Switches and Media Converters

Building Automation with PoE Application

In this building automation application diagram, OmniConverter PoE Media Converters and OmniConverter PoE Fiber Switches are used to extend distances to building automation devices that are outside the 100 meter distance limitation of UTP copper cabling.  At the server room on the ground floor (bottom of the diagram), a PSE PoE switch is deployed to provide network connectivity and PoE power to local devices with copper UTP connectivity.  A chassis of miConverter PoE/D PoE powered media converters are powered by the PoE switch with copper patch cables. The miConverter PoE/D can draw power only from the PoE switch, or have redundant power with AC power provided by the miConverter 18-Module Chassis. The copper is converted to fiber and multiple fiber runs are distributed throughout the building. 

iConverter, miConverter and FlexPoint media converters can also be installed in high-density rack-mount chassis to provide reliable and cost-effective fiber distribution from existing copper network equipment.

On the top of the diagram, a fiber run to the top floor connects to an OmniConverter PoE Fiber Switch  that powers up to eight PoE+ devices. Another fiber run connects to an OmniConverter PoE Media Converter that powers two PoE, PoE+ or HPoE devices. The PoE Media Converters and PoE Fiber Switches are located near convenient AC or DC power sources. 

>> PoE Product Overview Data Sheet (PDF)               

>> PoE and Fiber Resource Center

The iConverter Multi-Service Platform  is diverse product family of LAN and WAN fiber network connectivity products with a comprehensive management system that monitors network performance, enables remote configuration and provisioning, and provides fault notification status.

• Remote configuration/provisioning reduces trips to edge equipment and accelerates service deployments
• Performance monitoring enables Service Level Agreements and provides warnings on potential problems
• Fault management proactively monitors for network problems and quickly isolates network faults
• Intuitive software interface simplifies provisioning of complex networks and services

Fiber Connectivity and Network Management Products

Managed Campus LAN Star Network Application Example

This application example illustrates how iConverter management modules and SNMP management software enables managed gigabit Ethernet in a copper and fiber campus fiber network with VLAN segregation of departmental data.

At Building A in the upper left, three UTP links from a gigabit copper switch are converted to three fiber links with an iConverter 19-Module Chassis of GX/TM2 gigabit media converter modules. The GX/TM2 modules (also referred to as Network Interface Devices, or NIDs) feature integrated management.  The third-party copper gigabit switch is also connected to servers for different departments in the campus network. An iConverter NMM2 Network Management Module is also installed in the chassis and is connected to a Network Management Station (NMS) that is running NetOutlook SNMP Management Software. The iConverter network management system provides comprehensive trouble-shooting, performance monitoring and remote hardware configuration of the network.

The fiber links from Building A run to other buildings, where the fiber at each location is converted back to copper and distributed to end users at different departments.

At Building B, a 1000Mbps fiber link connects to an iConverter GX/TM2 installed in an iConverter 2-Module Chassis with an iConverter 4GT 4-port switch module. This compact chassis configuration functions as a managed switch with a fiber uplink and five managed 10/100/1000 UTP ports that connect to multiple workstations and/or department switches.

At Building C and Building D, the fiber links are connected to standalone iConverter GX/TM2 NIDs that provide media conversion and connectivity to Ethernet switches in the buildings.

Each server and the Service Provider internet access is segmented with VLANs and delivered to different switches and workstations in the campus with the iConverter equipment and management software. VLAN tables are easily configured and duplicated with NetOutlook SNMP management software.

Note that 10/100M2 NIDs and 4Tx VT switch modules can be used for 10/100 network deployments.

Management Capabilities

iConverter GX/TM2 and 10/100M2 media converters feature integrated SNMPv1, SNMPv2c, SNMPv3 and IP-less 802.3ah management that supports a variety of advanced network management capabilities.

• 802.3ah Link OAM for early fault detection and performance monitoring
• VLAN with 802.1ad Q-in-Q for segmenting network data
• Quality of Service for prioritizing Voice/Data/Video traffic
• Bandwidth control (rate limiting) with 64Kb increments
• Port MIB statistics and optical performance statistics
• Port Access Control that enables remote disabling of port access for enhanced security
• Configurable Link Fault Propagation modes for advanced fault detection and isolation

IP-Less Management

The combination of iConverter NMM2 Network Management Module and GX/TM2 and 10/100M2 media converters with integrated management improves network security by providing IP-less management of the network. This configuration isolates one IP address at the network core that can manage up to 18 remote IP-less standalone GX/TM2 or 10/100M2 converters at the network edge.

IP-less management provides the Network Administrator two important benefits. First, it allows management of a large number of individual media converters and chassis through one IP address, and second, it provides an added level of security for the management channel that is not affected by end-user actions or traffic on the system. The IP address is isolated to a physically secure management station at the network core, and does not exist on the fiber link or on the media converters at the network edge. Secure IP-less management reduces the risk of unauthorized access to the IP address, and prevents malicious attacks on the network.

Copper-to-Fiber Ethernet Media Converters

Fiber-to-the-Desk Application Example

Fiber optic technology provides a higher level of signal quality and security than copper UTP. A fiber optic network link is immune to EMI, RFI, cross-talk, ground loops and other electrical problems, greatly enhancing the signal quality in severe environments. Conversely, fiber optic links do not generate EMI or RFI signals that can lead to security breaches like copper UTP. These characteristics make fiber to the desktop/laptop extremely attractive to operators of high-security enterprise and government networks.

• High-security networks
• Thin Client Virtualization
• LAN networks with long distance links to workstations
• Field deployed fiber-to-the-laptop where local power is unavailable

Media converters enable fiber-to-the-desktop connectivity, and overcome the challenges installing a fiber optic Network Interface Card (NIC) in each workstation. Media converters are more cost-effective than NIC cards, because they do not require time-consuming installations (including software drivers). Unlike NIC cards, media converters function independently of Operating Systems, so they do not compete for processing resources, and are compatible with all PCs and workstations.

Omnitron’s extensive media converter product lines support a variety of network protocols, including 10, 100, Gigabit, and 10 Gigabit Ethernet. This diagram illustrates how the miConverter, FlexPoint and iConverter media converters can be utilized in a variety of fiber-to-the-desk applications.

In the upper left of this diagram, UTP from a core switch is converted to fiber with a high density, iConverter 19-Module Chassis of media converters. This can also be accomplished with a FlexPoint 14-Module Chassis or a miConverter 18-Module Chassis for unmanaged networks.

miConverter Miniature Unmanaged Media Converters with USB power

1) Fiber is distributed to a field-deployed laptop computer. A miniature miConverter media converter provides fiber connectivity to the laptop and draws power from the laptop’s USB port (USB power cable represented by the black line), and can be attached to the laptop with Velcro. The miConverter is an excellent solution for fiber-to-the-laptop military field operations, portable buildings with limited local power availability, or portable network testing equipment.

2) Fiber is distributed to a Thin Client in an unmanaged network application. A miniature miConverter converts the fiber to copper and provides connectivity to the Thin Client device that does not have a fiber port. The miConverter can be attached to the side of the Thin Client device with a Velcro tab, or can be wall-mounted using optional wall-mounting brackets. The miConverter module is powered directly from a USB port on the Thin Client device, eliminating the need for an electrical outlet and saving energy costs.

miConverter media converters are available in 10/100, 1000 and 10/100/1000 models, and with external AC power supplies.

Learn more about the miConverter miniature media converters

FlexPoint Unmanaged Media Converter Modules

3) Fiber is distributed to a PC or Workstation. An unmanaged standalone FlexPoint module converts the fiber to a UTP cable that is connected to the workstation, and provides cost-effective and reliable fiber connectivity. FlexPoint media converters support 10, 10/100, 1000, or 10/100/1000 networks.

Learn more about FlexPoint unmanaged media converters

iConverter Managed Media Converters and Network Interface Devices

4) Fiber is distributed to a PC or Workstation in a managed VLAN network. An iConverter Network Interface Device, or NID (a media converter with built-in management) converts the fiber to UTP. The network utilizes VLAN technology to segregate application data or management data, and the iConverter NID supports the VLAN tags assigned by the network devices. In addition, the iConverter NID supports port access control for added security, QoS for real time voice/data/video over Ethernet, and bandwidth control. iConverter media converters and NIDs are designed to provide fiber connectivity in managed, high-security networks.

Learn more about iConverter copper-to-fiber managed media converters

OmniConverter PoE/PoE+ Injector Media Converters and PoE Fiber Switches

5) Fiber is distributed to a PC or Workstation and a VoIP phone with Power over Ethernet. An OmniConverter media converter automatically detects whether or not a connected device is a PoE Powered Device (PD), so the VoIP phone receives data and power, and the non-PD Workstation is safely connected to the media converter with data only.

Learn more about OmniConverter PoE Media Converters

Learn more about OmniConverter PoE Fiber Switches

View an OmniConverter Fiber-to-the-Desk Application with multiple desktop devices

Networks often require conversion from multimode to single-mode fiber, which supports longer distances than MM fiber. Mode conversion is typically required when:

1. Multimode equipment is in a building and connectivity is required to an outside plant single-mode network
2. Legacy equipment uses multimode fixed fiber LC and SC ports, and connectivity is required to single-mode equipment
3. High cost of proprietary Single-mode SFPs
4. Connecting multimode network equipment to a single-mode CWDM multiplexer

Multimode to Single-Mode Fiber Conversion Products

Convert Multimode to Single-mode Fiber

In this application example, a network requires multimode to single-mode fiber conversion to connect two in-building multimode networks over a single-mode fiber link, which supports longer distances than multimode fiber.                   

Fiber-to-fiber media converters are used to extend a multimode network across single-mode fiber with distances up to 140km for Fast Ethernet (100Mbps) and 80km Gigabit Ethernet (1000Mbps). In this application, two Ethernet switches equipped with multimode fiber ports are connected utilizing a pair of fiber-to-fiber converters which convert the multimode fiber to single-mode and enable network connectivity across the distance between the switches.

Omnitron Fiber-to-fiber Media Converters and Transponders feature a variety of fixed fiber connectors or SFP transceivers, and can support a variety of network protocols and data rates.

Convert Multimode SFPs to Single-Mode and Save Money with Transponders

In this application example, multimode to single-mode fiber conversion is required for longer network distances. The fiber switches can be Ethernet, Fibre Channel, or any other network protocol. The fiber switches require the use of proprietary (name-brand switch manufacturer) single-mode SFPs that can be very expensive. Using third-party single-mode SFPs can void the manufacturer’s warranty and service contract.

Transponders are used to convert the 850nm multimode to 1310nm single-mode fiber.  The transponders with multimode and single-mode SFPs can cost 50% less than buying proprietary single-mode SFPs and installing them in the switches.  Since the transponders are external to the switches, they do not void the warranty or service contract from the switch manufacturer. 

The iConverter standalone xFF Transceivers have multimode SFPs in one port and single-mode SFPs in the other for multimode to single-mode conversion.  For distribution of multiple single-mode fiber runs from a multi-mode switch, xFF Transponder chassis plug-in modules can be installed in a high-density iConverter 19-Module Chassis.

NOTES:

• iConverter xFF Transponders are used for network protocols up to 8.5Gbps, and iConverter XG Transponders are used for network protocols up to 11.32Gbps.
• Transponders can also convert multimode fiber to single-mode fiber with CWDM wavelengths for connectivity to a CWDM multiplexer.