Media Converter

The Moxa ME50 media converter is a standalone physical layer device that converts between 10/100Base-Tx and 100Base-Fx segments of the same network. It is designed with a switch controller and memory buffer providing smooth operation and data transfer between the two media.

Features of the device include: the 10/100Base-Tx connector is via RJ45 and the 10/100Base-Fx fibre port is available with SC or ST connectors; the converter supports 10/100Base-Tx auto-negotiation for easy installation; a DIP switch allows easy selection of TP port's cable connection; and a DIP switch allows selection of fibre connections half or full duplex mode; there are LED indicators for power, LINK/ACT, 100, FDX/COL; the ME50 is housed in a rugged metal industrial case.

The converter can be used to run fibre cable through areas that would cause interference problems if copper cabling were used.

A major application of the converter is as a LAN extender, in the sense that two converters can be used in tandem to connect remote 10/100Base-Tx segments belonging to the same LAN. In this case, the fibre optic medium has the ability to connect LAN segments located a distance of up to 15 km apart.