Help me convert from SMF to MMF.

October 16, 2006 7:47 PM

I need help converting a single mode fiber connection to a multi mode connection.

So, we are upgrading our connection at work to gigabit fiber, but there is one issue. Our outward facing router has 10/100Mbs copper ports as well as 1000Mbs MMF ports. The fiber being run in is single mode, so I am going to need a converter. I know they exist, thanks to google, but are there any other options than a 600 dollar SMF to MMF converter? I know the SMF to copper converters are much cheaper, so maybe combining that with a gigabit copper hub that has MMF ports? I'm not all too familiar with fiber, so any information would be a great help.

posted by Loto to Computers & Internet (2 answers total)

I will have to check at work tomorrow, but the router in question (well, a switch, actually) is an Alteon 180 which doesn't have GBIC or SFP modules as far as I know, just hardwired multi-mode ports.
posted by Loto at 8:55 PM on October 16, 2006

assuming the uplink port you're talking about is port 9. according to the 180 manual:

Port 9: One dedicated uplink port
Although a number of uplink options may be available, the SC-style Gigabit Ethernet fiber connection (shown in Figure 1) is standard.

so you may be able to swap another module in. it may require opening the cover.
posted by StrasbourgSecaucus at 10:31 PM on October 16, 2006