Member Avatar for jim3472

I am an employee of an IT support company. I need to design the network of one of our client. But i am confused with types of Fiber optic cable and the media converter. Some says i need two media converter and sobbody says i need one. So i am become confused. Can somebody suggest me? What type of media converter support on what type of Fiber?

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For : the simple rule is this — conversion is required at every endpoint that lacks a native fiber interface. If both devices only have RJ45 ports, an optical-to-copper converter (or an SFP cage with a copper-to-fiber module) is needed at each end. If one or both devices already provide a fiber-capable port (SFP/GBIC/100FX, etc.), that port counts as the fiber end and an external converter may not be needed on that side. This is the practical point touched on; ’s request for model numbers is exactly the right next step because specifics change the recommendation.

Key things to decide before buying hardware: required link distance and target speed, fiber type, connector type, and whether only one fiber strand is available. Multimode (OM1/OM2/OM3/OM4) is common for short building runs and 10G over OM3/OM4; single‑mode is for longer runs and higher future headroom. Transceiver types/wavelengths must match the fiber (for example, 850nm transceivers for MMF, 1310/1550nm for SMF); avoid mixing MM and SM transceivers/cable except with vendor-approved solutions.

Practical notes and pitfalls: modern switches often accept SFP/SFP+ modules, which is preferable to external boxes. If only one physical fiber is available, use paired BIDI (bi‑directional) SFPs — they operate on complementary wavelengths and must be matched end-to-end. Watch polarity (Tx↔Rx), connector type (LC/SC/ST), link speed mismatch, and vendor SFP compatibility (some equipment rejects third‑party modules).

Quick checklist

  • Inventory endpoints (ports available), distances, and required speed.
  • Pick fiber type and matching transceivers/SFPs.
  • Decide converter vs. using device SFPs.
  • Verify connector/polarity and, if needed, BIDI pairs.
  • Test continuity, replace/sw swap SFPs to isolate problems, and confirm LEDs/link status.

Model numbers and exact run distances are the deciding details for whether one box, two boxes, or SFPs inside devices are the right choice.

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Member Avatar for zomgmike

That's a bit vague, unfortunately. Can you tell us some model numbers or show us some photos?

Member Avatar for rubberman

Media converter? Such as gigabit ethernet to fiber? Go to www.blackbox.com. They have lots of such stuff. And yes, you would need two converters - one to go from ethernet to fiber, and another from fiber back to ethernet, unless the system, router, bridge you are connecting from/to has a compatible fiber port (a lot have standard fiber ports these days). Just remember, the nice thing about "standards" is that there are so many! Read the fine print and make sure you understand the standards and protocols each device uses, otherwise you will spend a lot of your client's money and not have a functioning system.

Edited by rubberman
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