Fiber media converters extend the range of an Ethernet network by converting the signal to fiber optic, which can transmit data over longer distances than copper cables.
They can convert between different Ethernet speeds, such as 10M, 100M, or 1000M.
Some models, known as PoE media converters, can also supply Power over Ethernet (PoE) to devices like IP cameras or VoIP phones.
This type of converter can be used to upgrade a network infrastructure to fiber optic technology while still maintaining connections to copper-based systems.