Title: Types of Media Conversion in Local Area Networks
1Types of Media Conversion in Local Area
Networks (LANs)
2Introduction to Media Conversion
- A Local area network (LAN) is a network where
several devices are connected in one physical
location such as buildings, offices, homes, etc.
Although it may sound simple, the LAN may
feature a challenging layout with multiple types
of cables, switches, routers, access points, and
several other components. - The cables are the most important ones, as they
ensure connectivity between different devices.
There are two types of cables used in any network
and they are copper and fiber optic cables.
Using these cables directly will not work, as
they demand media conversion. This is achieved
through special devices known as ethernet media
converters.
3What Types of Cables Used in LAN?
Copper Cables These cables feature copper
conductors, which use electrical signals to
transmit data between the networks. Copper
cables arent a new technology and have been
used in LANs for several years. Fiber Optic
Cables These cables feature optical fibers,
which transmit data through optical pulses.
Fiber cables are preferred in long-distance
applications that require immunity to EMF and
demand high bandwidth and transmission speeds.
4On the basis of design, Cables are further
distinguished in the following types
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Unshielded Twisted
Pair (UTP) Coaxial Copper Cables Single-Mode
Fiber (SMF) Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF)
5Types of Media Converters in LAN
- Media converters help synchronize these different
media types used in the network. Following are
the types of media converters used in a LAN
which we will discuss one by one in detail - - Copper-to-fiber media converters
- Fiber-to-fiber media converters
- Coaxial-to-fiber media converters
- Serial-to-fiber media converters
- Wireless-to-wire media converters
6Copper to Fiber Media Converters
These converters allow the conversion of
Copper-based Ethernet signals to fiber optic
signals. C opper to Fiber Media Converters are
commonly used to extend the range of Ethernet
networks over long distances without making any
significant infrastructure changes or huge
investments. Copper cables are simple and easy
to install, which is why they are commonly used
in most LANs. For long-distance transmission,
fiber optic cables are used which makes them the
first choice for any network.
7Fiber to Fiber Media Converters
These converters are used to convert between
different types of fiber optic cables to extend
the distance of an existing fiber optic
network. Fiber to Fiber Media Converters enable
transmission through the easy conversion of
different wavelengths. Fiber to Fiber Media
Converters are a common choice for TDM and
Ethernet applications.
8Coaxial to Fiber Media Converters
These converters allow the conversion of coaxial
cable signals to fiber optic signals, typically
used in cable TV applications where fiber optic
cables are used to transmit TV signals over long
distances. A coaxial-to-fiber media converter
allows these two types of cables to be
connected, enabling the transmission of signals
over longer distances with higher data rates and
improved signal quality.
9Serial to Fiber Media Converters
These converters enable serial communication over
fiber optic links and are commonly used in
industrial automation and control systems where
serial communication is used to control
equipment or machinery over long distances.
Serial to Fiber Converters come in different form
factors such as standalone units or modules that
can be installed in a rackmount- chassis. The
serial media converters support RS-232 and RS-485
connectors.
10Conclusion Importance of Media Conversion in
LANs.
The performance of any network depends on the
synchronization of various devices, quality, and
their connecting media. For connecting different
media types in LAN or to ensure efficient media
conversion in the local area network, you need to
purchase these media converters from a reliable
manufacturer like VERSITRON. The company has
been providing media conversion devices as well
as fiber optic devices for several years now.
11VERSITRON
The First and Trusted Source of Fiber Optic
Connectivity
Phone 302-894-0699 Email - sales_at_versitron.com
Website www.versitron.com