StarTech.com Fiber Media Converter Gigabit 1000Mbps MM Fibre LC 550m

Upgrade and extend your network with confidence using the StarTech Fiber Media Converter. This Gigabit Ethernet to multimode fiber bridge is purpose-built for enterprise, campus, and edge deployments where copper limitations threaten performance or distance. By converting electrical RJ-45 traffic to high-bandwidth optical signals, it unlocks long-distance connections without sacrificing throughput or reliability. The device handles full-duplex 1000 Mbps operation over multimode fiber, enabling seamless connectivity to remote switches, servers, or storage arrays while preserving the integrity of your LAN. Whether you’re linking building-to-building, extending a data center rack to a remote uplink, or simply upgrading a legacy copper link, this StarTech converter delivers dependable, low-latency performance in a compact, robust form factor that fits modern network environments.

• Gigabit Ethernet to fiber bridge — Seamlessly connect a 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ-45 network device to a multimode fiber link, preserving full 1 Gbps performance across the transition. Ideal for backbone interconnects, uplinks, and remote segments where copper reaches its limit.
• Multimode fiber with LC duplex connectors — Built for multimode fiber runs, the device uses LC duplex connectors to support reliable, high-speed links up to 550 meters, enabling flexible deployment across floors, campuses, and data centers.
• Auto-negotiation and simple management — The included design emphasizes ease of use with auto-negotiation on the RJ-45 side and plug-and-play operation, letting you deploy quickly without complex configuration or management software.
• Durable, compact form factor for dense environments — Engineered for continuous operation in busy networks, this converter features a durable enclosure suitable for desktop or rack-adjacent deployments, preserving space in crowded equipment rooms.
• Clear status indicators for fast troubleshooting — LED indicators provide at-a-glance status information for link activity and power, helping IT teams diagnose link health and performance without additional tools.

Technical Details of StarTech.com Fiber Media Converter Gigabit 1000Mbps MM Fibre LC 550m

• Data rate — 1000 Mbps (Gigabit Ethernet) over the RJ-45 side with 1000BASE-T and corresponding fiber mode support on the opposite end.
• RJ-45 interface — 1 x 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet port for standard LAN connections.
• Fiber interface — 1 x LC duplex fiber port configured for 1000BASE-SX MMF links.
• Fiber type — Multimode fiber (MMF) capable link, optimized for 50/125 µm or 62.5/125 µm fiber as commonly deployed in campus environments.
• Distance capability — Up to 550 meters over multimode fiber, enabling extended reach beyond copper limitations while maintaining gigabit performance.
• Wavelength — 850 nm typically used for 1000BASE-SX multimode applications, delivering reliable optical transmission over MMF links.
• Standards — Compliant with IEEE 802.3 (Ethernet) and 1000BASE-T/1000BASE-SX standards for interoperability with standard network equipment.
• Power — External power supply required for operation.
• LED indicators — Status LEDs for power, link, and activity to facilitate quick diagnostics.
• enclosure and build — Built to endure typical data-center and network-edge environments with a compact footprint designed to minimize space usage.

How to install StarTech.com Fiber Media Converter Gigabit 1000Mbps MM Fibre LC 550m

Follow these straightforward steps to deploy the StarTech fiber media converter quickly and with minimal downtime:

Step 1: Power down the device you plan to connect, if appropriate, and locate a suitable power outlet for the converter’s external power supply. Having a dedicated power source helps ensure stable operation and allows the unit to boot cleanly.

Step 2: Connect your Gigabit Ethernet device to the RJ-45 port using a Category 5e/6/7 Ethernet cable. Ensure the device on the other end of this link is configured for auto-negotiation or set to 1000 Mbps to maximize performance.

Step 3: Prepare the fiber link by selecting a multimode LC duplex patch cord of appropriate length. Insert one end into the converter’s LC fiber port and the other end into your fiber network equipment (switch, media chassis, or router) at the remote site.

Step 4: Apply power to the converter using the supplied power adapter. Wait a moment for the device to initialize and for the link LEDs to indicate a healthy connection on both sides.

Step 5: Verify connectivity by monitoring port activity LEDs and testing data transfer between devices on opposite ends of the link. If you encounter issues, confirm fiber polarity, connector cleanliness, and confirm that the correct fiber mode (MMF) and wavelength are used for the link.

Step 6: Document the deployment for network maps and asset inventories, noting the link’s distance, fiber type, and port configurations to simplify future troubleshooting or upgrades.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is the StarTech fiber media converter used for?

A: It serves as a bridge between a Gigabit Ethernet copper network (RJ-45) and a multimode fiber backbone, enabling long-distance connectivity beyond copper reach while maintaining gigabit throughput. It is ideal for campus inter-building links, data center uplinks, and edge connections where fiber is preferred for distance and performance.

Q: Which fiber type and connectors does this converter support?

A: The converter is designed for multimode fiber with LC duplex connectors. It enables 1000BASE-SX style communication over MMF, suitable for distances up to 550 meters depending on fiber type and cable quality.

Q: What kind of performance can I expect?

A: You can expect true gigabit performance (1000 Mbps) on the copper side while the optical link operates over multimode fiber. The device is optimized for low latency and reliable operation in typical enterprise and campus networks.

Q: Is any special configuration required?

A: In most cases, no configuration is needed. The unit is designed for plug-and-play operation with auto-negotiation on the RJ-45 port. Ensure the remote fiber link is properly connected and that power is supplied to the converter.

Q: Do I need a particular power adapter?

A: Yes. The converter requires its external power supply to operate. Use the power adapter supplied by StarTech to ensure compatibility and performance.

Q: Can I use this converter to connect multiple devices over the same fiber link?

A: The converter provides a single RJ-45 Ethernet port and a single multimode fiber port. For more complex topologies, additional networking hardware (switches, routers, or other media converters) would be needed to expand connections or create networks with multiple endpoints.