Newbie requires assistance with converting RJ45 to fiber optics and then back to RJ45.
Newbie requires assistance with converting RJ45 to fiber optics and then back to RJ45.
When explaining what it means to connect the router to the far side, it refers to the process of linking it to the distant end of the network. This helps confirm functionality. Are there additional devices like a fiber converter involved? Do you need a second router for this setup?
I'll try to explain. I get fiber from my ISP. The fiber connects to the router. There is another fiber close to the router that goes through the wall into another room.
If I disconnect the router from where it is, use a female to female fiber adapter to connect the ISP fiber to the other fiber in the wall, and then connect the router in the other room, everything works fine - I can connect PCs to the router and get internet, wifi works etc. This is how I know that the fiber that runs through the wall is ok and not damaged.
Can the problem be with the green adapter - marked 2 in the image above?
Thank you.
The media converters accept fiber with either a blue or green end. The plastic connector remains the same, but the difference lies in how the fiber is prepared. It merely secures the fiber strand in place for the equipment ports. The main challenge comes when cutting and polishing the fiber ends.
I haven’t felt confident purchasing from aliexpress before.
These gadgets appear to function out of the box without any configuration. They act like a simple two-port switch.
Do you notice any lights? It’s unclear what they’re intended to do. Some devices illuminate when plugged in, while others need a fiber connection. I haven’t seen any lights, which suggests the fiber might be connecting properly.
Often, you can spot the light from the fiber port using a camera on a smartphone; the better the camera, the clearer the image. Avoid looking directly into the port—it could harm the equipment. It’s uncertain whether this really matters.
We previously managed similar setups and used software to verify if the port was active or inactive.
I’m unsure what steps to take next. These units seem fully functional without adjustments. The Ethernet and fiber ports are standard, so they should operate as expected.
Another thought, a lot of the information is not in english. Does it say anywhere what the minimum distance is. They state 20km maximum. What can happen on short cable the lasers are too bright for the receiver. You need to use a small jumper that has attenuator in it...basically something that partially blocks the light.
Most the time when I did this it would still function but the risk was over the long term it would burn out the receiver optics.
I had a similar setup before and it functioned properly. After further testing, it looks like the issue lies with the green adapter (#2 in the image). Although I understand it might be a simple adapter, using it to connect the ISP fiber to the router doesn't work. Switching to a female-to-female extender and an LC to SC fiber resolves the problem. It's puzzling.
It's possible I misjudged my situation... I claimed to be a beginner, but maybe it could assist someone later. The issue might lie in using a SC/APC To LC/APC adapter instead of a narrower SC/APC to LC/UPC adapter. Both adapters fit, so is this the cause? Thanks!
Everything discussed suggests these two concepts are not connected. SC and LC refer to the physical dimensions and structure of the plastic fiber holder. The fibers inside can vary widely—such as single mode or multimode—and there are numerous variations within each type. These connectors are designed to keep the fiber aligned and positioned correctly, coming very close together but with an extremely small air gap. Other types like FC and ST use round connectors as well.
The terms APC and UPC pertain to how the fiber ends are prepared. APC involves a slight angle cut, while UPC uses a straight-on cut. This distinction is important when transmitting multiple light colors or frequencies over the same fiber. Using APC on one side and UPC on the other can cause misalignment and increased signal loss. This issue becomes significant over long distances, such as kilometers, but is usually less critical for short patch cables. Touching the fiber tip also contributes to additional loss, which is why they are color-coded—APC as green and UPC as blue.
An adapter isn’t essential since all these factors contribute to minor losses due to blocking or reflection points. The outcome largely depends on the quality of manufacturing. Personally, I haven’t used adapters; instead, we relied on short cables with different end setups and simple splices.
Thank you for your feedback!
It seems the adapter is probably the main issue, since all other components function correctly.
The setup remains consistent with the same ISP fiber, female-to-female extender, and a separate LC to SC fiber.
Appreciate your understanding.
An APC male plug can damage the end of a UPC female connector.