StarTech.com USB to Fiber Optic Converter - 100Mbps

Harness the power of fiber with a compact USB-to-fiber bridge that turns any USB-equipped computer into a secure, high-performance 100 Mbps network node. The StarTech.com USB to Fiber Optic Converter delivers reliable Ethernet over fiber using 100Base-FX with SC duplex multimode fiber, extending your reach up to 2 kilometers. Designed for quick deployment, it blends a small footprint with rugged performance, making it ideal for remote offices, security installations, industrial environments, and anywhere EMI-sensitive or long-distance connectivity is required. This converter provides a seamless, plug-and-play experience, supporting standard USB 2.0 ports and a robust fiber link to help you maintain a stable, secure network connection without sacrificing speed or reliability.

• High-performance USB-to-fiber bridge: Converts a USB port into a dedicated 100Base-FX fiber network link, delivering up to 100 Mbps data rate over SC duplex multimode fiber. Perfect for extending a LAN segment beyond copper limits while preserving network performance for file transfers, printing, and shared resources.
• Compact, portable design with USB 2.0 interface: A slim, travel-friendly device that simply plugs into a USB 2.0 port on your computer or workstation. Its compact form factor makes it easy to carry between sites, data centers, or remote offices, enabling quick setup without bulky hardware or power supplies.
• Distance you can rely on: Connect MMF using a SC duplex connector and achieve reliable communication up to 2 kilometers. This makes it an excellent option for campus networks, industrial facilities, or distributed installations where copper cabling isn’t feasible or cost-effective.
• EMI immunity and secure networking: Fiber optics resist electromagnetic interference and provide an inherently more secure link compared to copper Ethernet. This makes the USB-to-fiber converter suitable for environments with heavy electrical noise, critical security applications, and situations where data integrity is paramount.
• Versatile deployment for a range of use cases: Ideal for bridging USB devices to a fiber network, creating isolated segments, or linking devices across a secure fiber backbone. Use cases include remote monitoring stations, POS systems, and field deployments where simple, reliable connectivity is essential.

Technical Details of StarTech.com USB to Fiber Optic Converter

• Data rate: 100 Mbps
• Network standard: 100Base-FX
• Fiber type: Multimode fiber (MMF), SC duplex
• Distance: Up to 2 km
• USB interface: USB 2.0
• Form factor: Compact adapter

how to install StarTech.com USB to Fiber Optic Converter

Step 1 — Prepare the fiber network: Ensure you have a suitable multimode fiber cable with SC duplex connectors. Inspect connectors for cleanliness and integrity before insertion to prevent any link issues.

Step 2 — Connect the fiber cable: Plug the SC duplex fiber ends into the converter’s fiber ports. Make sure you align the transmitter and receiver correctly to establish a proper bidirectional link.

Step 3 — Connect the USB interface: Plug the USB A end of the converter into a free USB 2.0 port on your computer or network device that supports USB network adapters. If a USB hub is used, ensure the hub can supply adequate power for the device.

Step 4 — Power and driver considerations: Most operating systems detect the device automatically and install the necessary drivers. If prompted, allow the system to search for drivers online or install from StarTech’s official driver package. In some environments, a restart may be required to complete installation.

Step 5 — Configure networking settings: Once the device is recognized, you should see a new network interface. Configure it as a standard Ethernet connection with the appropriate IP addressing, subnet, and gateway as required by your network design. In most cases, you can rely on DHCP or set a static IP for the interface depending on your network policy.

Step 6 — Verify connectivity: Test the link by pinging a known device on the fiber network or transferring a small file to confirm stable 100 Mbps performance. If you encounter link issues, recheck fiber connections, confirm TX/RX alignment, and inspect fiber quality and length for compatibility with MMF specifications.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is the StarTech USB to Fiber Optic Converter used for?
A: It enables a USB-equipped computer to connect to a fiber-based Ethernet network using 100Base-FX over multimode fiber, extending reach beyond copper limits and reducing EMI exposure.

Q: What kind of fiber cable is required?
A: Multimode fiber (MMF) with SC duplex connectors is required for this converter, compatible with a 2 km maximum distance specification.

Q: Is additional power required for operation?
A: The device is designed to be powered via the USB port (bus-powered) in typical deployments. No separate power adapter is generally needed.

Q: Which operating systems support this USB to fiber converter?
A: The converter is designed to work with standard USB networking on common operating systems. In most cases, the OS will automatically install the necessary drivers, or you can install drivers from StarTech’s official site if prompted.

Q: Can I use this converter to connect to a VPN or secure network?
A: Yes, provided the fiber link is correctly configured in your network and the device receives appropriate IP settings. The fiber interface offers EMI resistance and improved security relative to copper connections.

Q: How do I know if the link distance is sufficient for my site?
A: The product supports up to 2 km over multimode fiber. Measure the distance between devices and account for any patch cables or connectors in the path to determine feasibility for your installation.

Q: Are there any special maintenance requirements?
A: Fiber connections should be kept clean and protected from physical damage. Routine inspection of connectors and cables helps ensure a reliable link, and replacing damaged fiber components as needed will preserve network performance.