A media converter is a device that allows data to be transferred from one medium to another. This mechanism allows remote objects to be linked together using fiber optic connections.
The IP video surveillance market is constantly growing and developing, which is confirmed by numerous studies of various marketing agencies. In this regard, the demand for active network equipment continues to grow in the security systems market. We are talking about routers, switches, wireless access points and media converters.
How the device works
A media converter is a network device designed to organize a packet data transmission system from one medium to another. Thanks to such devices, it is possible to create systems of tremendous tension. Media converters are capable of converting the signal path. The most common medium is copper and everything that is made from it - light fiber, copper wires and optical cables, which use the principle of signal transmission over twisted pair and fiber-optic communication lines.
Businesses and organizations looking to grow their network very often use media converters. First of all, in such an inexpensive way, it is possible to interconnect remote departments and structures based on fiber-optic connections, which ultimately will increase the throughput and the number of end users. Media converters allow you to inexpensively upgrade your LAN that is still copper-based without the need for a complete upgrade.
Classification of media converters
Media converters are indispensable when you need to transfer data over long distances. For example, if you need to organize an IP video surveillance system on an area of several km² and ensure the transmission of video and sound from IP video cameras to a video surveillance post located at some distance.
Signs by which these devices are classified:
1. Controllability. Media converters can be managed and unmanaged. An unmanaged type cannot be configured - it works in automatic mode. In some cases, it can be turned into a steerable one by installing a chassis. The second type can be managed using the web interface and SNMP protocol.
2. The used copper port standard. One of three operating mode standards can be selected, each of which provides a different baud rate.
3. The used optical port standard. Here you can also choose from four standards of operation, each with a different connector. For example, the ST connector is suitable for multimode fiber, and the FC connector is suitable for singlemode fiber. SC and LC connectors are the most popular because can be used for both singlemode and multimode fibers and differ only in size.
