Media Converter vs Network Switch

Media converter and network switch are both widely used in today’s high speed network applications. In some scenes, one can used to replace another one. Then, which one should I choose for my network? What is the difference between media converter and network switch? This post will cover the knowledge of media converter and network switch, and explain the difference between them.

 

1.What is Media Converter?

Media converter is a very simple networking device that used to convert electrical signal utilized in copper cable to light signal for fiber optic cabling and vice versa. It is essential to have the fiber optic connectivity if the distance between two network devices is greater than the copper cabling’s transmission distance. They were introduced to the industry in the 1990s, and played an important part of fiber types of cabling system in connection with existing copper-based wiring system. They are also used in metropolitan area network (MAN) access and data transport services to enterprise customers.

 

2.What is Network Switch?

A network switch is a computer networking device that connects devices together on a computer network by using packet switching to receive, process, and forward data to the destination device. Usually, a switch serves as a controller, enabling networked devices to talk to each other efficiently. Through information sharing and resource allocation, switches save businesses money and increase employee productivity. And the network switch operates at the data link layer (Layer 2) of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model called layer 2 switch, which operates at the network layer (layer 3) of the OSI model called layer 3 switch.

 

3.DifferencesBetween Media Converter and Network Switch

In fact, both a media converter and a network switch today can act and perform the same functions. And Both of them operate within the OSI model which is hierarchical and structured in the form of layers such as layer 1, layer 2, layer 3 and so on. A clear understanding of what OSI layers do, and what the differences between devices operating at different layers are, will help you learn about the difference between media converter and network switch.

 

 Layer 1: Media Converter

Layer 1 refers to the Physical Layer, which is the first layer of OSI model. It defines electrical and physical specifications for devices, and the relationship between a device and a transmission medium, such as a copper or optical cable. If a device only operates at Layer 1 of the OSI model, that is usually a media converter. Working at this layer, media converter is used to convert electrical signals and physical media, but don’t do anything for data changes. These media converters usually have only two ports to convert the incoming electrical signal from one cable type and then transmit it over another cable type, such as UTP to fiber and so on.

 

Layer 2: Media Converter and Network Switch

Layer 2 refers to the Data Link layer of the OSI model. The Data Link layer is concerned with moving data across the physical links in the network. Both media converter and network switch can operate at layer 2. The difference between a layer 2 media converter and a layer 2 network switch is the number of ports. Usually, a device with two or three ports is called a media converter. Compared with layer 1 media converter, a layer 2 media converter can be thought as an advanced converter. A device with four or more ports is called a network switch, and compared with layer 3 switch, a layer 2 switch is usually a basic switch.

 

Layer 3: Network Switch

Layer 3 refers to the Network layer of the OSI. The Network layer is concerned with knowing the address of the neighboring nodes in the network, selecting routes and quality of service, and recognizing and forwarding to the Transport layer incoming messages for local host domains. Only network switch can operate at Layer 3. Switches operating at Layer 3 are smarter than Layer 2 devices and incorporate routing functions to actively calculate the best way to send a packet to its destination.

 

Conclusion

Media converters can be used anywhere in the network to integrate newer technology with existing equipment to support new applications, technologies and future growth. Layer 2 and layer 3 network switches are also widely deployed in enterprise and data center for higher speed and more capacity. fiber-mart.com provides both media converters and managed network switches for your option. You can choose the most suitable one according to your specific needs.

Economically Increase Network Capacity With CWDM Mux/DeMux

As the demands for voice, video and data networks are increasing dramatically, more bandwidth and higher transmission speed over long distances are needed. To meet these demands, it means that service providers should depend on more fiber optics which definitely cause more costs for optical devices. But they apply Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) technologies which is a cost-effective way to increase capacity on the existing fiber infrastructure.

 

CWDM Technology

WDM technology multiplexes multiple optical signals onto a single fiber by suing different wavelengths, or colors, of light. WDM can expand the network capacity using existing fiber infrastructure in an economical way. It includes CWDM (Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing) and DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing).

 

CWDM is a technology multiplexing 16 channels onto one single fiber between the wavelengths from 1270 nm to 1610 nm. It’s designed for city and access network. Since the channel spacing is 20 nm, CWDM is a more cost-effective method to maximize existing fiber by decreasing the channel spacing between wavelengths. CWDM is a passive technology, therefore, CWDM equipment needs no electrical power.

 

CWDM Mux/DeMux

CWDM technology has been applied into wide areas, such as CWDM optical transceivers, CWDM OADM and CWDM Mux/DeMux. CWDM Mux/DeMux modules are multiplexers and demultiplexers which provide long distance coverage with premium optical technology to enhance fiber optic systems. It multiplexes signals of different wavelengths on one single fiber and demultiplexes wavelengths to individual fibers. CWDM Mux/DeMux can offer low-cost bandwidth and upgrade the existing system without leading spare costs on more fibers. CWDM Mux/DeMux can hold up to 18 channels of different standards (for example, Fibre Channel, Gigabit Ethernet) and data rates over one fiber optic link without interruption. fiber-mart.COM offers a full series of CWDM Mux/DeMux, including 2, 4, 8, 9, 12, 16, 18 channels with or without monitor port and expansion port in 1RU 19” rack chassis or pigtailed ABS module. The following will show you how to use a 18-channel CWDM Mux/DeMux to increase the data rates up to 180 Gbps on a fiber pair.

 

In Figure2, all Cisco compatible 10G CWDM SFP+ 1270-1610 nm 40km DOM transceivers on the switch are connected with the CWDM Mux/DeMux by LC-LC fiber patch cords. This CWDM Mux/DeMux has 18 channels and is designed as 1 RU rack mount size, covering the wavelengths from 1270 nm to 1610 nm and supporting LC UPC port. During the long distance transmission, only one single-mode armored LC fiber patch cord is needed to achieve 180 Gbps by connecting the two 18-channel CWDM Mux/DeMux. Thus, it greatly saves the cost for increasing the bandwidth on the existing fiber infrastructure.

 

 

FMU CWDM Mux/Demux

To increase the capacity, it requires more space and cable management is also a big trouble. So Fiberstore independently researched and developed FMU CWDM Mux/DeMux to solve this problem. We provide FMU 16-ch 1U Rack CWDM MUX/DEMUX specially designed as 2-slot plug and play style, which allows you to add or remove fiber fiber optic cables and plug-in-modules freely according to your applications. There are two separate CWDM plug-in modules. One is high band (1470nm-1610nm) module with an expansion port and the other is low band (1270nm-1450nm, skip 1390nm, 1410nm) module without expansion port. Via this expansion port, channels can be expanded over one pair of fiber without interruption. You can also insert two CWDM Mux/DeMux FMU-plug-in modules without expansion port for two separated 8-channel connections. Besides, you can mix CWDM and DWDM system by adding CWDM Mux/DeMux FMU-plug-in modules and DWDM Mux/DeMux FMU-plug-in modules with matching wavelengths.

 

fiber-mart.COM FMU Plug-in Modules

The table below lists both single fiber and dual fiber FMU plu-in modules for 2-slot CWDM Mux/DeMux. You can choose suitable modules according to you specific requirements. Custom service is available, too.

Why choose fiber optic cleaning products?

All the clean freaks out there, we know what goes through your head when something does not seem clean even when you wipe it spotless. Little fragments of dust seem to be present throughout. In fact dust, dirt, oil and other particles can block signals of your fiber optic network by accumulating on the optic connectors. That is why fiber optic cleaning is the future; it is efficient in its own way and does a lot of work for its money to reduce downtime of any network.

There are different types of cleaner available in the market but let us discuss one here that is commonly used and it is fiber optic cleaning fluid.

There is no alcohol present. While some people argue that alcohol helps germs and dust particles to come off completely. The alcohol doesn’t mix well with the fiber optics and instead causes it to block the signals on its connectors. While alcohol removes germs, it can also attract new forms of dust on products.

It is environmentally safer. Due to its double filtration and alcohol free formulas, it poses no threat to the environment. These fiber cables are non toxic and non flammable so they carry no risks of potential danger anyways.

You can take it on travel anywhere and everywhere, its non hazardous nature is approved by travel authorities and it is very convenient as it is properly sealed and it is not pressurized. It is extremely economical as well. Any average person can buy this and make it worth their money with unlimited shelf life.

In this day and age, fiber optics have become a fundamental part of our lives and maintaining it that way is very important task that we need to fulfill. Repeated connection and disconnection leaves debris in the bulkheads of the different compartments, which if not attended to, can cause a major problem.

There are different types of cleaning involved in fiber optic cleaning.

• There is dry cleaning, meaning without the use of any sort of solvent

• There is wet cleaning that involves a solvent

• Non-abrasive cleaning, which involves the material not touching the fiber optic connectors and are merely air dusted.

• Then there is abrasive which is basically the opposite of non abrasive and involves wiping on the surfaces of the fiber optic.

Overall, this is the best product you can get for your money as it includes the necessary qualities to properly clean and get the job done.

SFP to 16x10/100Base-T RJ-45 Industrial Managed Media Converter

4x10/100/1000Base-X SFP to 16x10/100Base-T RJ-45 Industrial Managed Media Converter

Media converters can be used anywhere in the network to integrate newer technology with existing equipment to support new applications, technologies and future growth. Instead of costly, across-the-board upgrades, media converters can extend the productive life of the existing cabling as well as the active equipment.

Fiber-Mart supply 10/100Base Ethernet Fiber Media Converters, 1000Base Gigabit Fiber Media Converter, SFP Fiber Media Converter, Industrial managed Media Converter, Managed Media Converter, POE media Converter, options in singlemode dual fiber, multimode dual fiber and singlemode single fiber. We also supply Media Converters Chassis, like 14 slot media converter chassis and 16 slot media converter chassis, used to manage the various media converters.
 

Key Features

• 4 SFP 10/100/1000 Ports, 10/100Mbps auto-negotiation UTP Ports
• Supports Full/Half Duplex, auto-negotiation, MDI/MDI-X on TX ports
• Support Web Management
• Support Vlan and QoS
• Support OP Ring Protection (OPRP) and recovery within 30ms
• Relay alarm for port breakdown
• Reliable and stable performance
• Free fall, Shock and Vibration Stability
• Standard: IEEE802.3, IEEE802.3u, IEEE802.3x, IEEE802.3z, 10/100Base-TX, 100Base-FX, 10/100/1000Base-TX, 1000Base-FX/LX

Specifications

The Industrial web managed media converter enables network administrators to easily monitor and setup the converter, the transmission speed and duplex through web browsers. Build an ISP network solution of FTTH (Fiber to the Home), FTTC (Fiber to the Curb) for ISPs, or FTTB (Fiber to the Building) for small office network environment in the enterprises.

Note: Port Base VLAN is optional, please contact sales@fiber-mart.com for more details.

• MAC address: 8K
• UTP port: 16-ports RJ45
• UTP Rate: 10/100Mbps
• UTP cable: Cat. 5 (the max distance up to 100m)
• Multimode Fiber: 50/125, 62.5/125μm(the max distance up to 224/550m)
• Single-mode Fiber:9/125μm single-mode cable, provides long distance for 10/15/20/30/40/50/60/70/120km (very on fiber transceiver or SFP module)
• Input Voltage: 18- 36V DC, Redundant dual power input
• Operation Temperature: -10 ℃~60 ℃(Humidity: 5~90% non-condensing)
• Storage Environment: -20℃~+85℃ (Humidity: 5~90% non-condensing)