Most organizations operate a hybrid network. They use on-premise and cloud-based applications to allow remote and in-office workers to operate seamlessly. Their IT departments work to merge data from legacy solutions with 21st-century demands for artificial and business intelligence. Network administrators try to integrate newer technology into older infrastructures. How well they succeed depends on the supporting hardware. For example, a manufacturing facility has recently upgraded to fiber optic cables to connect to warehouses and headquarters; however, the internal network still uses copper wires. Industrial media converters can bridge the fiber/copper divide, allowing manufacturers to leverage their existing infrastructure while implementing the latest technology.
What is an Industrial Media Converter?
Media converters translate data signals from one transmission method to another. The most common use is converting electrical signals from copper Ethernet cables into light signals for fiber optic cables or the reverse. This conversion allows different network infrastructures to communicate seamlessly and can extend the reach of Ethernet cables.Â
Industrial media converters like PlanetUSA’s IGT-2205AT are designed to withstand harsh environments. The IGT-2205AT uses a slim IP30 metal case that protects against electromagnetic interference and heavy electrical surges. It can operate in a temperature range from -40 to 75°C. These features improve reliability regardless of deployment.
Where to Use Industrial Media ConvertersÂ
Industrial media converters offer better protection than standard converters, which are designed for indoor use. They have a wider temperature range and redundant power options. They are resistant to shock, vibration, dust, and humidity. They can be used in industrial settings, outdoor deployments, and remote locations.
Manufacturing
Take that newly upgraded manufacturing facility as an example. The factory was upgraded to fiber to improve data reliability and transmission speed within the plant and between warehouses and headquarters. Transmissions were often lost because of power, temperature, and humidity fluctuations.Â
While fiber can reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and signal degradation, it cannot compensate for equipment failure. High temperatures and humidity can disrupt signals sent through a poorly protected converter. Such intermittent disruptions can be difficult to isolate, consuming valuable resources until the problem is identified.
Companies using standard converters after upgrading to fiber may still experience disruptions, as they are designed to work in more controlled environments. Deploying an IGT-2205AT media converter as part of a fiber upgrade ensures a reliable connection and a better return on investment (ROI).
Transportation
Because traffic patterns dictate a city’s transportation infrastructure, most local governments face 50-year-old infrastructures that were never designed for 21st-century traffic. Adjusting existing roadways means integrating new transportation technology into existing systems. It requires data collection and analysis to maximize investments.
Industrial media converters facilitate data exchange among various transportation systems. They allow airports, train stations, and traffic systems to communicate in real time. Because of its resistance to vibration and power surges, the IGT-2205AT can be placed where needed and still deliver crucial data for improved traffic control.
Suppose a city has traffic sensors in its downtown that are incompatible with the devices installed in newer developments. Industrial media converters can collect and convert data from both systems to send to a control center. That information can be used to reduce congestion and toxic emissions by rerouting traffic or opening additional lanes.Â
Energy
Whether traditional or renewable sources, the energy sector operates under some of the most demanding conditions. Wind farms, offshore oil platforms, and remote gas pipelines must operate in hazardous environments. In high-wind areas where wind farms are placed, dust particles pose a risk to equipment. Offshore platforms not only experience increased moisture but are also subject to vibrations from the sea floor. Industrial media converters can send operational data even under these extreme conditions.Â
PlanetUSA’s industrial media converter improves reliability with its configurable operating modes. As an Ethernet switch, it can operate as a store-and-forward (SAF) mechanism, holding data until a link is reestablished. Activating the two-port fiber redundant feature enables auto-recovery operations, allowing the converter to switch ports if the primary port is down.
The IGT-2205AT’s compact size and flexible mounting features simplify installation in tight spaces on offshore platforms or monitoring stations. With its small footprint and redundancy capabilities, the IGT converter increases reliability in environments that demand 100% uptime.
Why Use Industrial Media Converters
Standard media converters use a plastic or metal enclosure that lacks the ingress protection (IP) of industrial models. Industrial converters use hardened enclosures to resist shock and vibration, often offering redundant power options for enhanced reliability. While the initial investment may be higher, the long-term protection ensures a more reliable network.
Enhanced Reliability
Industrial media converters with backup capabilities deliver enhanced reliability beyond their hardened cases. With SAF features for Ethernet transmissions, media converters can retain incoming data if the outgoing link is down, ensuring that no data is lost during a disruption. Once the link is re-established, the converter automatically forwards the stored data. Failover redundancy for fiber connections facilitates continuous operations by automatically moving to a backup connection if the primary link is down.Â
Extended Network Range
Media converters can extend networks cost-effectively. They can support legacy connectivity while integrating with advanced technologies such as fiber, without a full infrastructure overhaul.Â
EMI Resistance
Electrical noise can interfere with signal transmission over copper wires, degrading performance. Because fiber uses light pulses, it is immune to EMI. Media converters can be deployed in industrial settings to enable fiber to coexist on networks where EMI is a concern. For example, placing media converters at the ends of a fiber cable protects against interference without requiring a complete network upgrade.Â
Improved Flexibility
Industrial media converters improve network flexibility and scalability. They simplify connectivity through diverse protocol support and can provide real-time diagnostics for enhanced performance when connected to network management systems. As corporate networks grow, a flexible infrastructure that scales will be a necessity.Â
Addressing Real-World Challenges
Perhaps the biggest real-world challenge is balancing network improvements with budget constraints. Industrial media converters are designed to help by providing long-term reliability through redundancy capabilities and hardened cases. Unlike standard converters, they can withstand harsh environments, minimizing the need for frequent replacements. As networks expand, IT departments can deploy industrial media converters to ensure infrastructure resiliency. Contact PlanetUSA to learn how the IGT-225AT media converter and our other networking solutions can help you perform better.