Description
Unlock the full potential of legacy Ethernet while embracing modern fiber-backed distance with the Tripp Lite by Eaton Hardened Copper to Fiber Media Converter. This rugged, unmanaged device converts a copper Ethernet signal (10/100 Mbps) to a multimode ST fiber optic signal, enabling you to extend your network up to 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) beyond the practical reach of copper cabling. Designed for harsh environments and variable conditions, it supports a broad operating temperature range and is built to endure the demands of industrial facilities, outdoor installations, and campus backbones. By leveraging ST multimode fiber, you gain improved immunity to electromagnetic interference, reduced latency, and greater security compared with copper-only links, all while preserving compatibility with your existing Cat5e/6 hardware. This media converter is a cost-efficient, plug-and-play solution that minimizes downtime and avoids the expense of completely rewiring a network. It’s also TAA-compliant, making it suitable for government procurement and enterprise projects seeking trusted, standards-aligned components.
- Long-distance copper-to-fiber extension Extends a standard 10/100 Mbps Ethernet link up to 2 km (1.2 miles) over ST multimode fiber. This capability lets you connect distant devices, remote equipment rooms, or field stations without sacrificing throughput or reliability, preserving your existing copper investments while leveraging fiber for the stretch between buildings or across campuses.
- Simple, reliable copper and fiber interfaces The converter provides one RJ-45 Ethernet port for copper and one ST fiber port for multimode fiber, delivering a straightforward, two-port solution. This design supports legacy 10/100 devices and seamlessly integrates with current network gear, reducing compatibility concerns and eliminating complex configurations.
- Rugged, temperature-tolerant design Built to perform in demanding environments, it operates from -10°C to 60°C, helping ensure steady connectivity in industrial spaces, production floors, outdoor enclosures, or any site with temperature swings. The hardened construction minimizes downtime due to environmental stress, giving IT teams a dependable path to fiber migration without frequent hardware swaps.
- Unmanaged, plug-and-play operation No management interface or software is required. The device auto-negotiates with connected Ethernet devices and supports auto-MDI/MDI-X, enabling effortless deployment with minimal setup. This makes it ideal for quick fiber upgrades, equipment refreshes, or temporary extensions where time and simplicity matter most.
- Flexible, compliant, and field-friendly Designed to work with Cat5e/6 copper cabling and ST multimode fiber, the converter aligns with common industry standards and field-installation practices. Its TAA-compliant design supports a wide range of procurement scenarios, ensuring compatibility with government, education, and enterprise buyers while maintaining dependable performance across diverse network topologies.
Technical Details of Tripp Lite by Eaton Hardened Copper to Fiber Media Converter
- Product type: Copper to fiber media converter
- Ports: 1 x RJ-45 10/100 Mbps Ethernet; 1 x ST multimode fiber optic port
- Fiber type: ST multimode fiber
- Distance support: Up to 2 km (1.2 miles) over multimode fiber
- Operating temperature: -10°C to 60°C
- Compliance: TAA-compliant
- Key benefit: Unmanaged, plug-and-play operation with auto-negotiation and auto-MDI/MDI-X support
How to install Tripp Lite by Eaton Hardened Copper to Fiber Media Converter
Follow these straightforward steps to deploy the copper-to-fiber media converter and extend your network with minimal disruption: start by verifying that the connected copper device operates at 10/100 Mbps and that you will use ST multimode fiber that matches your network design. Prepare a clean, compliant multimode fiber patch cord with ST connectors for the fiber side and a Cat5e/6 patch cable for the copper side.
1) Power down or power off the devices you’ll connect, then place the media converter in an appropriate, ventilated location or enclosure. Mounting hardware or DIN rail adapters may be used if you have a fixed installation plan. Ensure the ambient temperature and enclosure conditions meet the device’s -10°C to 60°C operating range.
2) Connect the copper side: plug one end of a Cat5e/6 patch cable into the network device’s RJ-45 port and the other end into the converter’s RJ-45 port. The device supports auto-negotiation and auto-MDI/MDI-X, so you don’t need to manually configure speed or duplex settings.
3) Connect the fiber side: attach the ST multimode fiber patch cord to the converter’s fiber port, ensuring a secure, clean connection. Make sure the fiber run remains within the 2 km limit and avoid any sharp bends or kinks that could degrade signal integrity.
4) Power on: connect the power supply to the converter and apply power. The unmanaged converter will initialize automatically, requiring no software or configuration changes. When link status indicators illuminate, you should see an active Ethernet link on the copper side and a corresponding fiber link on the ST side.
5) Verify operation and monitor: test data transmission between the connected devices to confirm throughput and latency meet your expectations. If the link fails to come up, recheck the fiber orientation, connector cleanliness, and cable quality. In most cases, performance issues stem from dirty connectors, improper fiber termination, or mismatched fiber grade.
6) Documentation and maintenance: keep a simple diagram of the link, including fiber length, patch cord type, and device locations. This helps with future upgrades, troubleshooting, and coordinating with technicians during field servicing. Because the converter is unmanaged, ongoing maintenance mainly involves physical inspection, connector cleanliness, and power reliability.
Frequently asked questions
- What does this media converter do? It converts a copper Ethernet signal (10/100 Mbps) to a multimode fiber signal via an ST connector, enabling a link extension of up to 2 km. This is ideal for bridging legacy copper networks to fiber infrastructure without upgrading the entire network.
- Do I need to configure anything? No. The unit is unmanaged and plug-and-play. It automatically negotiates with connected devices and supports auto-MDI/MDI-X, so you can deploy it quickly with minimal setup.
- What kinds of devices can it connect? It connects 10/100 Mbps Ethernet devices through the RJ-45 port to a corresponding device on the fiber side via the ST connector. It’s compatible with Cat5e/6 copper cabling and standard multimode fiber installations.
- Is it suitable for harsh environments? Yes. The device is designed for rugged use and operates within a wide temperature range (-10°C to 60°C), making it well-suited for industrial settings, production floors, outdoor enclosures, and mixed-use facilities where environmental conditions vary.
- Is it required to be compliant with procurement standards? Yes. It is TAA-compliant, which aligns with procurement requirements for government agencies and enterprise buyers seeking verifiable, trusted hardware.
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