Black Box Compact Media Converter: Gigabit Ethernet to Single-Mode Fiber (1310nm, 10km) SC

The Black Box Compact Media Converter Gigabit Ethernet Single Mode 1310nm 10km SC delivers industry-grade performance in a compact form factor, designed to extend your network reach with seamless copper-to-fiber connectivity. Built for reliability in demanding environments, this media converter bridges copper Ethernet networks with long-haul single-mode fiber, enabling connections across campuses, data centers, and remote office locations without reconfiguring your entire network. With 1 Gbps Ethernet performance, 1310 nm wavelength, and a sturdy SC fiber optic interface, it’s the ideal solution for future-proofing your network while preserving existing investments.

• High-speed Gigabit Ethernet performance: Supports up to 1 Gbps data transfer, delivering fast, reliable connectivity between copper-based Ethernet devices and fiber networks. Perfect for bandwidth-intensive applications, video streaming, and real-time data transfers where latency matters.
• Long-distance single-mode fiber support: Uses 1310 nm wavelength and single-mode fiber to achieve distances up to 10 kilometers, enabling efficient campus-wide or city-scale network extensions without repeaters or switches along the route.
• Robust SC fiber connector: Features a secure SC fiber optic interface for simple, reliable connections and durable mounting in racks, cabinets, or desktop setups. The SC connector choice ensures compatibility with a wide range of fiber cables and established fiber infrastructure.
• Plug-and-play, low maintenance design: Designed for straightforward deployment with auto-negotiation and auto-MDI/MDI-X capabilities, minimizing setup time and technician intervention. The compact form factor fits in tight spaces, preserving valuable rack and workspace real estate while delivering enterprise-grade performance.
• Versatile integration for mixed networks: Seamlessly interconnects copper Ethernet devices with fiber networks, enabling network segmentation, disaster recovery paths, and scalable growth without replacing existing hardware. Ideal for remote offices, data centers, and backbone links that demand dependable fiber connectivity.

Technical Details of Black Box Compact Media Converter

• Product type: Compact media converter bridging Ethernet (copper) to single-mode fiber (SC connector)
• Fiber interface: 1 x SC connector, 1310 nm, single-mode fiber
• Copper interface: 1 x Gigabit Ethernet RJ-45 port (10/100/1000 Mbps)
• Distance support: Up to 10 km on single-mode fiber
• Data rate: Up to 1 Gbps
• Wavelength: 1310 nm
• Power requirements: External DC power supply (power adapter not assumed to be built-in)
• Enclosure: Compact, desktop-friendly design suitable for tight spaces and simple deployment
• Typical applications: Ethernet-to-fiber extension for campus networks, data-center interconnects, disaster recovery links, and remote site connectivity

How to install Black Box Compact Media Converter

• Place the converter on a stable surface or mount it in a suitable enclosure. Ensure there is adequate ventilation to prevent overheating in dense equipment racks or crowded workspaces.
• Connect the RJ-45 Ethernet device to the copper side using a standard Cat5e/Cat6 Ethernet cable. Verify that the network device supports auto-negotiation for optimal speed and duplex settings.
• Attach a single-mode fiber optic cable to the SC connector. Make sure you align the transmitter and receiver ends correctly and that the fiber is clean to prevent signal loss.
• Connect the external power supply to the converter and plug it into a reliable power source. If your environment requires redundant power, use an appropriate power management strategy to minimize downtime.
• Power on the device and verify link status on both the Ethernet port and the fiber port. In most cases, the device will auto-negotiate and initialize without additional configuration, providing a plug-and-play experience. If your network requires specific VLANs or routing configurations, adjust those settings in the connected equipment rather than the media converter itself.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is the primary use case for this Black Box Compact Media Converter?

A: It is designed to extend Ethernet networks over long distances by converting copper Ethernet signals to fiber, using single-mode fiber at 1310 nm for reach up to 10 kilometers. This makes it ideal for campus interconnects, data-center links, and remote office connectivity where fiber is preferred for performance and reliability.

Q: Does this converter require configuration, or is it plug-and-play?

A: In most deployments, it is plug-and-play with auto-negotiation on the Ethernet side and automatic wavelength-based conversion on the fiber side. This minimizes setup time and reduces the need for complex configuration. Advanced network setups should be implemented on the switch or router that connects to the converter.

Q: Can I use more than one converter to build a larger network across multiple sites?

A: Yes. Media converters are modular building blocks. You can deploy multiple units to extend networks across campuses or between data centers, creating scalable, fault-tolerant fiber links while preserving existing copper Ethernet investments.

Q: What are the environmental considerations for deployment?

A: Ensure proper ventilation, protection from dust and moisture, and compliance with your facility’s electrical standards. For outdoor or challenging environments, consider enclosure options that provide protection against temperature variations and physical impact while maintaining fiber integrity.

Q: Is this device compatible with PoE (Power over Ethernet) devices?

A: The product description focuses on copper-to-fiber conversion and Ethernet data paths; it does not specify PoE support. If PoE is required, verify with your network equipment and power sourcing equipment to determine compatibility or consider PoE-capable media converters that explicitly support PoE features.

Q: What maintenance or calibration is required after installation?

A: Regular inspection of fiber connectors for cleanliness, periodic verification of link status, and ensuring cables remain securely connected are usually sufficient. No specialized calibration is typically required for standard operation.