StarTech.com Gigabit Ethernet Fiber Media Converter - Compact 850nm MM LC 550m with MM SFP Transceiver

Enhance your network’s reach with the StarTech.com Gigabit Ethernet Fiber Media Converter. This compact, high-performance device is engineered to bridge Ethernet copper networks and multimode fiber, delivering reliable 1 Gbps connectivity over distances up to 550 meters. Equipped with an 850 nm MM LC transceiver, it is an ideal solution for expanding LANs between floors, buildings, or data-center edge environments while preserving throughput and minimizing latency. Its compact form factor makes it perfect for desktop deployments, small network cabinets, or any space-constrained setup where fiber connectivity is needed but space is at a premium.

As networks begin to demand greater scalability, this media converter provides a simple and cost-effective path to fiber adoption without a full-scale infrastructure overhaul. The device’s plug-and-play design means IT teams can deploy quickly with minimal downtime, reducing complexity and maintenance costs. By converting copper Ethernet to fiber, you gain the advantage of longer link distances and immunity to electromagnetic interference, which is especially beneficial in manufacturing floors, campuses, and office corridors where EMI can impact copper cabling. The 550-meter reach with MM fiber enables you to connect switches, storage devices, servers, and edge devices across longer spans, enabling centralized services while keeping head-end equipment centralized and easy to manage.

Beyond raw speed and range, the StarTech converter emphasizes reliability and compatibility. The included MM SFP transceiver simplifies installation by providing a ready-made solution for 850 nm multimode fiber, a common choice for shorter-range, high-density fiber networks. The LC duplex optical connectors offer a secure and low-loss connection, ensuring signal integrity across the link. The RJ-45 copper port supports auto-negotiation and autonegotiate with most network devices, ensuring seamless interoperability with existing switches, routers, and NICs. The compact, rugged metal enclosure is designed to withstand daily operation in busy network environments, while offering quiet, unobtrusive performance in office spaces or data centers. Whether you’re upgrading a single link or building a fiber backbone to support cloud services, backups, or high-bandwidth applications, this media converter delivers the versatility and reliability your network demands.

In practice, this StarTech solution is ideal for a variety of scenarios. Use it to extend a campus network between buildings, connect a fiber-ready server room to core switches, or link network storage to client workstations with reduced latency and improved throughput. The 850 nm wavelength and multimode fiber are well-suited for short- to mid-range connections, providing robust performance in environments where fiber optics can reduce cable clutter and interference. This makes it an excellent choice for enterprises, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and creative studios that require consistent Gigabit performance while managing a lean, cost-efficient IT footprint. By adding fiber with this compact converter, you can future-proof your network as you roll out new applications, virtualization projects, or high-definition video workflows that demand stable, scalable bandwidth across your organization.

From a support perspective, StarTech is known for dependable hardware and strong product documentation, making troubleshooting and deployment straightforward. The combination of a compact enclosure, reliable MMF SFP integration, and a user-friendly copper Ethernet interface means deployment can be done with minimal training. Administrators can plan fiber extensions incrementally, using this converter as a modular piece of a larger network design. The device’s efficiency contributes to lower power consumption compared with larger transceiver solutions, helping to manage energy costs in busy data centers or network closets. Overall, this media converter embodies a pragmatic, scalable approach to modern network architecture—delivering fiber-backed performance without sacrificing simplicity or budget.

For customers seeking an all-in-one, ready-to-deploy solution, the StarTech Gigabit Ethernet Fiber Media Converter stands out due to its balance of performance, size, and ease of use. The combination of copper-to-fiber bridging, 850 nm MMF compatibility, and an included SFP transceiver reduces the number of separate parts you need to source and ensures a smoother initial setup. Its compatibility with typical enterprise topologies and edge deployments makes it a dependable choice for organizations aiming to extend LAN reach, protect existing investments, and maintain high service levels for critical applications, such as virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI), high-speed backups, video conferencing, and real-time data replication. In short, this compact converter is a practical, scalable solution for any network engineer looking to modernize their fiber backbone while preserving existing copper investments.

• Flexible copper-to-fiber bridge: converts 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet to multimode fiber with an 850 nm LC transceiver, enabling reliable gigabit links from copper devices to fiber networks up to 550 meters away.
• Included MM SFP transceiver: ships with an 850 nm multimode SFP module, simplifying installation and reducing footprint when extending your LAN over fiber.
• Compact, space-saving design: a small, sturdy enclosure fits on a desktop or inside a small network cabinet, ideal for edge and branch deployments where space is at a premium.
• Plug-and-play reliability: no complex configuration required—auto-negotiation on the copper port and standard SFP compatibility streamline deployment and minimize downtime.
• Versatile deployment advantages: supports typical enterprise use cases such as server-to-switch uplinks, storage-area network links, campus fiber backbones, and remote office connectivity with minimal disruption and maximum uptime.

Technical Details of StarTech.com Gigabit Ethernet Fiber Media Converter - Compact - 850nm MM LC - 550m - With MM SFP Transceiver

• Copper port: 1 x RJ-45 10/100/1000 Mbps Ethernet
• Fiber port: 1 x LC duplex MMF SFP transceiver (850 nm)
• Distance: Up to 550 meters over multimode fiber
• Data rate: Up to 1 Gbps full-duplex
• Power: External power adapter (included)
• Form factor: Compact unit designed for desktop or wall-mount deployment
• Installation: Plug-and-play with auto-negotiation on copper port
• Warranty: See product documentation for warranty details

how to install StarTech.com Gigabit Ethernet Fiber Media Converter

• Step 1: Connect the device to power using the included external adapter.
• Step 2: Attach your copper Ethernet device to the RJ-45 port.
• Step 3: Insert the MM SFP transceiver into the SFP slot and connect your multimode fiber cable to the LC duplex connectors.
• Step 4: Power on the converter and verify link status LEDs indicate a healthy copper link and fiber connection.
• Step 5: Place the unit on a stable surface or mount it in a suitable location within a cabinet or workspace, ensuring adequate airflow for cooling.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What networks does this StarTech media converter support? A: It bridges copper Ethernet to multimode fiber with an 850 nm MMF SFP transceiver, supporting up to 1 Gbps.
• Q: How far can the fiber link extend? A: Up to 550 meters on multimode fiber with the 850 nm transceiver.
• Q: Is a fiber transceiver included? A: Yes, the MM SFP transceiver is included.
• Q: Do I need to configure the device? A: No configuration is required; it operates in a plug-and-play manner with auto-negotiation on the copper port.
• Q: Is this suitable for campus or data center deployments? A: Yes, due to its compact form factor and fiber extension capabilities, it’s suitable for edge, campus, and small data center links.