media converter

Media Converter

(networking)A component used in Ethernet, although it isnot part of the IEEE standard. The IEEE standard statesthat all segments must be linked with repeaters. Mediaconverters were developed as a simpler, cheaper alternative torepeaters. However, in the 1990s the cost difference betweenthe two is negligible.

media converter

(1) Software that converts one type of file format into another. See data conversion.

(2) Hardware that connects different cable types.

Ethernet Media Converters
These Omnitron converters connect different Ethernets. Left: coax and twisted pair. Middle: fiber and twisted pair. Right: fiber and coax. (Image courtesy of Omnitron Systems Technology, Inc., www.omnitron-systems.com) See 10Base-T, 10Base2 and 10Base-F.