Media Converter Terminology

In today’s modern world and growing bandwidth, it is very important to stay ahead of the game when it comes to communication. That is where media converters come in. Here is a list of common media converter “jargon,” making it easier for novices to learn about the importance of media converters in modern communication.

What is a Media Converter?
A media converter is a device that receives data signals from one media, and converts and transmits them to another media. For example, many older systems transmitted signals through copper cables. Instead, of replacing your entire network with modern fiber, many people use media converters to convert signals transmitted on a copper cable to signals that run on fiber.

EHERNET

What is Ethernet?
Ethernet is a frame-based computer networking technology for local area networks, otherwise known as LAN. It is the most widespread LAN technology in use today. It has replaced other LAN standards, such as FDDI , ACCNET, and Token Ring.

What is an Ethernet Hub?
An Ethernet Hub, otherwise known as a concentrator, is a device that connects twisted pair or fiber optic Ethernet device together. This makes them act as a single segment allowing transmission.

What is a Network Switch?
A network switch is often referred to as an “intelligent hub.” With this in mind, you can understand why most modern Ethernet installations use a network switch instead of an Ethernet hub.

What is an Optical Fiber?
An optical fiber is a clear, very thin fiber, typically made from glass or plastic that is used to transmit light or sound.

CABLES

What is a Twisted Pair
A twisted pair is a very common form of wiring cable in which two conductors are twisted around each other. The purpose of this is to cancel out electromagnetic interference, which can pick up crosstalk in the Ethernet. The greater number of twists a twisted pair has, the less crosstalk in the Ethernet.

What is a Shielded Twisted Pair?
A shielded twisted pair, or STP, is a cable that has a conductive braided or foil casing around each pair. This offers excellent protection from crosstalk and interference in the Ethernet. A shielded twisted pair is much more expensive than a twisted pair. This makes them less desirable in certain situations.

What is a Screened Shielded Twisted Pair?
A screened shielded twisted pair, or S/STP, is just like a shielded twisted pair, but with an extra outer braided or foil shield to coaxial cable. This offers even more protection form crosstalk and other external interference.

What is an Unshielded Twisted Pair?
An unshielded twisted pair, or UTP, are cables that are not surrounded by any shielding at all. It is very common for computer networking because it is highly flexible. It is also the primary wiring for telephone networks.

What is a Foiled Twisted Pair?
A foiled twisted pair, or FTP, is cable that is unshielded. It is surrounded by an outer foil shield that increases protection from crosstalk and external interference.

What is a Screened Unshielded Twisted Pair?
A screened unshielded twisted pair, or FTP, is a unshielded twist pair (UTP) surrounded by an outer foil shield used for extra protection against external interference.

What is Screened Foiled Twisted Pair?
Screened Foiled Twisted Pair, or S/FTP, is a combination cable with a combined braided and foil shielding. This, yet again, adds extra protection from external interference.

IEEE

What is the IEEE?
Pronounced as “eye triple-e,” IEEE stands for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. This is an international nonprofit, professional organization for the advancement of electricity-related technology. With 360,000 members in 175 countries, the IEEE is has the largest technical professional organization worldwide.

What is IEEE 802.3?
Seen in mostly cables, IEEE 802.3 refers to the IEEE standards that define the physical layer or wired Ethernet.

Hopefully this list was helpful in giving you a head’s up when researching media converters and how they relate to you or your business.

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