Networking solutions advance at an unbelievably fast rate with new and faster types of cables being released frequently. 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.

To allow multiple networks that are using different kinds of cables to communicate with each other, a fiber optic Ethernet converter connects an Ethernet cable at one end into a fiber optic cable at the other end. It can also 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.

Unlke the more temperamental conventional Ethernet cables which can often lose their signal if exposed to certain types of equipment, fiber optic cables are highly resistant to interference from electronic devices, wireless networks, or mobile phones. That is why 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.

Other fiber optic converters only have ports for either the 100 Megabit or the 10 Gigabit speed Ethernet cables, while some will work with any type of Ethernet cable. 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 a variety of sizes. Some are particularly designed for the size of your home or office network. Most converters are intended to change a single Ethernet cable to a single fiber optic cable and these are made of small plastic units. Larger converters are available also. They have the capability to convert dozens of cables at once and are mounted directly onto metal racks. 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, each computer connected to the fiber optic cable would lose its internet connection. These network technologies should be given special care. Additionally, it is crucial to keep converters in controlled temperature rooms that never get too hot or too cold since they contain special materials that only work properly in specific temperature ranges.

Fiber optic cables that continue to work after being converted from an Ethernet cable has a range that is measured in miles. Thus, internet service providers or very large companies with huge networks take advantage of Ethernet converters. Lastly, fiber optics can greatly extend serial communication reach, and the required adapters and converters are cost-effective, reliable, and easily available.

Good to know: 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. It’s now high time that you also take advantage of this advanced networking technology.

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