PoE Media Converters

Technical Specifications of PoE Media Converters

Explore the technical specifications of our PoE media converters.

• Network Standards Supported: IEEE 802.3, 802.3ab, 802.3u, 802.3z, 802.3af, 802.3at
• Copper Port (TP):
  • Connector Type: 10/100/1000Base Shielded RJ-45 jack
  • Cable Types: Cat5e or higher UTP cable up to 100m
  • Port Speed: Auto-negotiation for duplex and flow control
• Fiber Port:
  • 100/1000Base-X SFP compliant
  • Cable Types: Multimode 50/125 or 62.5/125, Single-mode 9/125 Fiber
  • Adaptability: Auto-negotiation for flow control
• PoE Standards: IEEE 802.3af (15.4 Watts max), IEEE 802.3at (30 Watts max)
• Surge Protection: 4KV
• Compliance: IEEE 802.3af, 802.3at, FCC, CE, RoHS
• Environment:
  • Operating Temperature: 0°C ~ 55°C | -40°C ~ +80°C
  • Storage Temperature: -20°C ~ 75°C | -40°C ~ +80°C
  • Humidity: 5% ~ 95% non-condensing | -40°C ~ +80°C

Product Comparison: Feature Breakdown

This section compares two high-performance models—the PoE+ Gigabit Industrial Media Converter and our commercial grade PoE Media Converter—highlighting their key features to help you make an informed choice. A quick review of their specifications will enable you to determine which best suits your technical requirements.

Key Features and Benefits of PoE Fiber Media Converters

The following key features and benefits of PoE fiber media converters have contributed to their widespread adoption across industries.

• High Speed Network Connectivity: These PoE fiber media converters support 10/100/1000Mbps copper ports and a 100/1000Mbps SFP fiber port, enabling high-speed data transmission of both copper and fiber-based networks. Features such as auto-negotiation for speed, duplex, and flow control help automatically adjust connection settings for optimal performance. Additionally, store-and-forward switching with non-blocking architecture ensures data processing and forwarding without delays.
• Power over Ethernet (PoE/PoE+): Our PoE fiber media converters fully support industry-standard technologies, delivering power and data over a single Ethernet cable to reduce cabling complexity. These media converters automatically detect powered devices like IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points, simplifying installation and reducing setup time. These devices offer PoE output power up to 30W per port for IP cameras, VoIP phones, and wireless access points.
• Advanced Network Protection and Reliability: These PoE powered media converters feature 4KV Ethernet surge protection that ensures durability in harsh environments. This feature protects networks from voltage spikes and power surges, making it ideal for industrial settings or areas with unstable power sources. The link-fault pass-through (LFP) feature provides real-time fault detection by transmitting network errors to connected devices, ensuring network issues are quickly identified and addressed. Built-in safeguards protect against electrical noise and electromagnetic interference, maintaining consistent network reliability and preventing data disruption.
• Flexible Fiber Connectivity: These PoE media converters feature a 100/1000Base-X SFP slot for multi-mode or single-mode fiber connections allowing users to choose between multi-mode or single-mode for high-speed or long-distance applications. These devices support bi-directional and CWDM communication for long-range deployments.
• Industrial Grade Performance: Our industrial PoE media converters have an extended operating range of -40°C to +80°C (select models), ideal for industrial or outdoor environments where temperature fluctuations are common. These devices are equipped with a corrosion-resistant IP44 metal case for rugged environments. They are also equipped with dual 9~52VDC redundant power input with DIN rail mounting. The DIN rail mounting makes installation easy in industrial settings.
• Smart Traffic Management: Our PoE-powered media converters support 8K MAC addresses for efficient data monitoring. They also support jumbo frames up to 9.6K bytes, thereby improving network performance in environments requiring the transfer of large files or heavy traffic. The back pressure & IEEE 802.3x pause frame flow control reduces data congestion, ensuring smooth data transmission.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide: How to Set Up and Use a PoE Media Converter

The following steps will help you effectively set up and use VERSITRON’s PoE media converter for your applications.

1. Install the SFP Modules: Install one SFP module in the SFP port of your switch and another SFP module in the fiber port of the PoE media converter.
2. Connect Ethernet and Fiber Optic Cables: First, connect the fiber optic cable to the SFP port of your switch and the other end to the SFP module of the PoE media converter. Next, connect the IP camera to the RJ45 port of the PoE media converter using a UTP Ethernet cable.

PoE Fiber Media Converter Applications & Use Cases

PoE fiber optic media converters are widely used across industries where high-speed data transmission, long-distance connectivity, and remote power deliveries are required. Below are the key applications of PoE fiber media converters.

• IP Surveillance and Security Systems: These devices are used to power long-distance IP cameras that need PoE+ or PoE++ installed in highways, large campuses, or airports using fiber optic cables.
• Wireless Network Expansion (Wi-Fi and 5G Deployments): These devices are used to connect remote Wi-Fi access points and 5G cells while delivering Power over Ethernet. VERSITRON’s PoE fiber media converters are used to expand wireless coverage in stadiums, universities, and other large venues. They are also used to deploy outdoor Wi-Fi spots in public spaces, transportation hubs, and parks.
• VoIP Telephony Systems: Our PoE media converters deliver both data and power to remote VoIP systems. We provide them to corporate offices using fiber backhaul for VoIP phone networks, remote branch offices using Ethernet copper cables with distance limitations, and industrial environments that use traditional EMI-prone Ethernet cables.
• Industrial Automation and Smart Factories: Industrial PoE media converters are extensively used across industrial facilities to connect industrial control systems, sensors, and IoT systems over fiber optic cables while supplying PoE power. Many factories use fiber optic cables to connect PLC (Programmable Logic Controllers) and SCADA systems using these media converters. We also provide these devices to our clients, including some major players in the oil and gas industry, to connect their fiber-based remote monitoring systems. These devices are also used to connect PoE-powered sensors and industrial robots in many manufacturing facilities.
• Industrial & Military Applications: PoE fiber media converters are used for network monitoring and automation. They help build reliable and secure fiber-based PoE networks for mission-critical applications. We provide customized PoE media converters to military bases using fiber-to-Ethernet connections to secure their network expansions. These devices are also used by many drone control and surveillance stations requiring long-range connectivity. Many times, emergency response teams also use these devices to secure portable, high-speed fiber solutions.
• Data Centers and Enterprise Networks: With many data centers leveraging fiber optics, the demand for PoE fiber media converters has increased. These devices integrate fiber-based backbones with Ethernet-powered PoE devices for seamless networking. PoE media converters are used to connect server racks with fiber optic links while powering edge networking devices. These devices are also used to expand corporate LANs using fiber optics for high-speed, low-latency communication. They are also used to deploy PoE-powered IoT devices in smart office environments.

Tips to Choose the Right PoE-Powered Media Converter for Your Application

Here are some points to consider when choosing the PoE-powered media converter for your application.

• Single mode or Multimode: The PoE media converter is distinguished into types – multimode and single mode converters, depending on the fiber optic transceivers or fiber optic patch cables and the transmission distance.
• Data Rate: PoE-powered media converters with 10M, 100M, 1000M, 10/100M, and 10/100/1000M networking speeds. Our selection features 10/100/1000M networking speeds.
• Port Type and Number: Most PoE fiber media converters feature one RJ45 and fiber port. However, some models may have four RJ45 ports or one or two fiber ports.
• Duplex Mode: Many PoE media converters can be used as a full duplex or half duplex or some can be used only as full duplex. Packet loss is a common challenge in devices supporting full duplex modes when they are connected to a hub or switch that supports half duplex mode.
• Operating Temperature: If you are choosing industrial PoE media converters, ensure that you focus on their operating temperature limits. Most of these devices are designed to operate across a wide temperature range from -40 °C to 75 °C.

Frequently Asked Questions on PoE Media Converters

• How does a PoE fiber media converter work?
  A PoE media converter converts signals between Ethernet and fiber optic networks while delivering data and power to PoE-powered devices. Every PoE-powered media converter has fiber and Ethernet ports. The fiber port connects to a single-mode and multimode fiber optic network. The Ethernet port connects to copper-based Ethernet devices. The device converts data received from fiber networks into an electrical Ethernet signal for copper-based connections. It also converts Ethernet data back to optical signals for fiber optic transmission.
• What are the power output options for PoE converters?
  Based on IEEE standards, PoE converters' power output options fall into three categories: PoE offering 15.4W, PoE+ offering 30W, and PoE++ offering 60W or 100W, depending on the standard.
• Can I use a PoE media converter with any router or switch?
  You must ensure the router or switch you are working with features a PoE-enabled port to utilize the PoE media converter's power delivery feature. Not all routers and switches are PoE-enabled.
• What is the maximum transmission distance of a PoE Converter?
  The maximum transmission distance of the PoE converter is usually 100 meters or 328 feet using a typical Ethernet cable. PoE extenders must be used to extend this transmission distance.
• Are PoE fiber media converters compatible with all types of Ethernet cables?
  No, not all Ethernet cables are compatible with PoE fiber media converters. You have to choose cables with Cat5e, Cat6 or higher standards for PoE media converters. Generally, Cat6 cables are considered the best due to their increased bandwidth and better electromagnetic interference.
• How do I select the right SFP module for my PoE fiber converter?
  To choose the right SFP module for your PoE fiber converter, you must focus on the following:
  • Supported SFP Speeds: Check that the SFP module matches the speed of your converter. For instance, 1GB or 10GB.
  • Fiber Type: Determine if your converter uses single-mode or multimode optical cable. This choice will also depend on the transmission distance. For instance, single-mode fiber is suited for long-distance transmissions spanning several kilometers, whereas multimode fiber cable is suited for short-distance connections within a building or a campus.
  • Connector Type: Determine the connector type on the SFP port, such as LC, ST, and SC.
  • Wavelength Compatibility: Check if the SFP module’s wavelength aligns with your fiber type and transmission distance.
  • Power Requirements: Check the power requirements of the SFP module and ensure its compatibility with the power requirements of your PoE converter.
  • Manufacturer Compatibility: To help ensure a smooth installation, it is beneficial to purchase the SFP module from the same manufacturer as the PoE media converters.