Aruba R8F89A Fiber Media Converter

Overview
In the hospitality industry and in multi-dwelling buildings, connecting access points to existing fiber optical cabling represents a challenge, requiring an additional device. To simplify wireless deployments, Aruba offers a Fiber Media Converter that fits snuggly alongside Aruba 300H and 500H Series Hospitality APs. It can transparently convert fiber to copper Ethernet, convert DC power to POE, and extend the reach of the AP.

WHAT IS A MEDIA CONVERTER?

A media converter is a device equipped with a copper interface on one side and a fiber interface on the other side. From the network point of view, the extended connection is just another Ethernet link, but it has a very long reach so there is no need to add new switches or power extensions to extend the network scope.

The Aruba Fiber Media Converters simplifies deployments in several ways. Older buildings may not be able to support the conduit for Ethernet cables and the Aruba Fiber Media Converter can be used in this scenario to convert existing fiber-optic cable to Ethernet. In spaces with noisy electromagnetic fields or radio frequencies such as factory environments, the media converter can be used alongside existing fiber-optic cables to provide interference-free connections. Lastly, the Aruba Fiber Media Converter extends the reach of Ethernet cabling, which is limited to 100m, to minimize the need for new cabling.

THE ARUBA ADVANTAGE

The Aruba Fiber Media Converter supports a wide range of fiber small form-factor pluggable (SFP) modules and connects to the AP over standard copper Gigabit Ethernet. POE power is provided to the AP over the same interface. To power the converter and attached AP, the unit can use direct DC power or POE.