Black Box Media Converter LGC340A

Black Box Media Converter LGC340A is a carrier-class DIN rail switch that is versatile enough to handle a variety of applications at the edge of your network

The media converter is a networking device that converts Ethernet or other communication protocols from one type of cable to another, usually from copper CATx/UTP to fibre.

Media converters are commonly used in pairs to insert fibre optic segments into copper networks to extend cabling distances and improve immunity to electromagnetic interference.

As well as extending LANs, they can convert link speeds and fibre modes.

With two autosensing 10/100/1000 Mbps ports, plus two SFP slots in an intelligent switch, you can use the Media Converter Network Interface Device for fiber termination, fiber drop-in, fiber repeater, fiber mode conversion, and dual independent copper-to-fiber media conversion with automatic failover.

Intelligent Switch

SFP slots autodetect 100 or 1000 Mbps SFPs and comply with SFP Multi-Source Agreements (MSA) for complete compatibility with all standard SFPs.

It features a temperature range of -20 to +70° C, as well as AC, DC, and USB power options.

DC power options include -48 VDC for telco applications

You can combine power options for AC/DC redundancy with Black Box Media Converter LGC340A

Fully Manageable Switch

In addition to supporting IEEE 802.3ah OAM, DHCP and SNMP, the switch is fully manageable.

By using the command line interface (CLI) of the RS-232 console port, the switch can also be managed.

Environmental:

• Operating temperature: -20 to +70° C (-4 to +158° F);
• Storage temperature: -40 to +85° C (-40 to +185° F);
• Humidity: 5 to 95% non-condensing;
• Connectors — (2) 10/100/1000 RJ-45; (2) SFP; (1) RS-232 RJ-45;

Power:

• 120–24-VAC from external power supply (MDR-10-24, sold separately);
• 7-50 VDC (terminal block);
• USB with USB Power Adapter Cable (LHC021A);
• Size — 9H x 2.3W x 10D cm (3.5"H x 0.9"W x 3.9"D);
• Weight — 0.2 kg (0.4 lb.);

Benefits of Media Converters

• Extend LAN Distance with Fibre

  A copper-based Ethernet connection is limited to a data transmission distance of 100 metres when using UTP cable.
  With Ethernet to fibre conversion, you can extend the distance of the link to 80 kilometers or more.

• Maintain Investments in Existing Equipment

  A media converter allows you to migrate a local network to fibre while protecting your existing investment in copper-based hardware. The result is no time-consuming and costly overhaul of your infrastructure.

• Protect Data from Interference

  EMI, or electromagnetic interference, can cause data to be corrupted over copper-based Ethernet links. The data transmitted over fibre optic cable is immune to this type of noise, ensuring optimal data transmission and network performance.

• Speed Conversion

  You can convert link speeds between 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps or from 100 Mbps to 1000 Mbps using media converters.

• Power over Ethernet

  By eliminating the need for a local AC power circuit, Power over Ethernet simplifies the installation of Wi-Fi access points, IP cameras, and more.

Types of Media Converters

Copper-to-Fibre Media Converters

Copper-to-fibre media converters allow copper-based Ethernet equipment to be connected over fibre optics.

By extending links over longer distances with fibre optic cable, data is protected against noise and interference, and a network is future-proofed with more bandwidth capacity.

Fibre-to-Fibre Media Converters

The fibre-to-fibre media converter connects different fibre optic networks and converts one wavelength to another.

They provide connectivity between single-mode and multimode fibre, as well as between dual and single fibre.

PoE Media Converters

Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) media converters are used to extend the range of PoE-powered devices across long distances in a dependable and cost-effective manner.

Through the use of PoE media converters, devices such as IP phones, videoconferencing equipment, IP cameras, and Wi-Fi devices can be powered over copper UTP cabling.

Stand-Alone vs. Chassis-Based Media Converters

Stand-alone media converters are small and can be powered by either alternating current or direct current.

They are frequently used in point-to-point installations to convert a single copper link to a single fiber link.

These converters are simple to set up and provide a variety of important features for your network, including auto-MDI/MDIX, link fault pass through, and more features that are not included.

High-density environments, such as a data center or equipment room, need the employment of chassis-based media converters.

They are mounted in racks alongside network switches, allowing for the conversion of copper ports on traditional switches to fibre optic connections.

Managed vs. Unmanaged Media Converters

Network administrators have complete control over data, bandwidth, and traffic with managed media converters.

This allows network administrators to remotely manage and troubleshoot a network in order to achieve and maintain optimal performance and dependability.

As a result, these converters are best suited to settings that require a medium- to large-scale media converter deployment.

Unmanaged media converters are simple to install and debug "plug-and-play" converters.

These don't have the same amount of monitoring, fault detection, or configuration as managed converters.

Commercial vs. Industrial Media Converters

Commercial media converters are intended for use in controlled-temperature areas such as offices and data centers.

These converters are a low-cost option to increase your network's range and extend the life of copper-based equipment.

They're ideal for business applications that don't require a lot of environmental protection.

Industrial media converters translate data between twisted pair and multimode or single-mode fiber optic cabling, allowing a network to be extended across greater distances.

They can tolerate extreme temperatures (-40°C to 75°C) and harsh circumstances, have redundant power supplies, and are built for high shock and vibration environments.

As a result, they're ideal for industrial networks.

Building automation, oil and gas drilling, and mining are all common uses for industrial media converters.