A local area network (LAN) connects devices in a physical location like a building using different types of cables, switches, routers, and access points. These components use either copper or fiber optic cables to transmit data, but require media converters to synchronize the different cable types. Media converters allow conversion between copper-to-fiber, fiber-to-fiber, coaxial-to-fiber, serial-to-fiber, and wireless-to-wire cables, extending transmission distances and improving signal quality for local area networks. Proper media conversion ensures efficient connectivity between all devices on a LAN.

1. Types of Media
Conversion in Local
Area Networks
(LANs)

2. 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.
Introduction to MediaConversion

3. Copper Cables: These cables feature copper
conductors, which use electrical signals to transmit
data between the networks. Copper cables aren’t 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.
What Types of Cables Used in LAN?

4. Shielded Twisted Pair(STP)
Unshielded Twisted Pair(UTP)
Coaxial Copper Cables
Single-Mode Fiber(SMF)
Multi-Mode Fiber(MMF)
On the basis of design, Cables are further
distinguished in the following types:

5. Types 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 mediaconverters

6. These converters allow the conversion of Copper-based Ethernet signals
to fiber optic signals. Copper 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.
Copper to FiberMedia
Converters

7. 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.
Fiber to FiberMedia
Converters

8. 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.
Coaxial to FiberMedia
Converters

9. 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.
Serial to FiberMedia
Converters

10. 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.
Conclusion &Importance ofMedia
Conversion in LANs.

11. VERSITRON
The First and Trusted Source of Fiber Optic Connectivity
Phone: 302-894-0699
Email - sales@versitron.com
Website: www.versitron.com