Reddit reviews TP-Link Gigabit SFP to RJ45 Fiber Media Converter | Fiber to Ethernet Converter | 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 Port to 1000Base-SX/LX SFP Slot Supporting MiniGBIC Modules (MC220L)
We found 19 Reddit comments about TP-Link Gigabit SFP to RJ45 Fiber Media Converter | Fiber to Ethernet Converter | 10/100/1000Mbps RJ45 Port to 1000Base-SX/LX SFP Slot Supporting MiniGBIC Modules (MC220L). Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
Designed to convert 1000BASE-SX/LX fiber to 1000Base-T copper media or vice versa.Works at 1000Mbps in Full-Duplex mode for both TX port and FX portSupports auto MDI/MDIX for TX port and provides switch configuration of Force/Auto transfer mode for FX portFX Port Support Hot-SwappableExtends fiber distance up to 550m (1,800 feet) for Multi-Mode Fiber and 10km (6.2miles) for Single-Mode FiberEasy-to-view LED indicators provide status to monitor network activity easilyExternal power supply. Max Power Consumption: 1.7W
As others have stated, use fiber. cat5 is hard to ground, it's unsafe, and it's against building code in many places. At work we just connected up our new shop to the old one using fiber and it was way cheaper than I thought it was going to be.
We used these media converters with this SFP to convert Gb ethernet to multimode fiber. we ran conduit out to the new shop for the new cable and blew twine through the conduit to get a near exact length for the fiber run. we bought a 310 foot custom, pre-terminated cable with a pulling eye on it from Fiber Cables Direct. Pulling it was easy (use lube!) ans painless.
The cable is fiber optic.
The two things are transceivers. Take a signal and convert it to light (and vice versa).
In short, I'm adding fiber to my homelab for no reason whatsoever.
I'll take the patch cable from my ISP's modem/bridge, and attach it to a TP-Link Gigabit Ethernet Media Converter. One of those transceivers will go into that media converter.
The other transceiver will go into my switch.
The fiber then links the two transceivers and complete the electrical isolation between my gear and my ISP.
This will be the second such electrical isolation... because I have Verizon FiOS, which is fiber.
Definitely go fiber between structures to keep them electrically isolated. If your switches have SFP ports, you can eBay the modules for a couple bucks each. Otherwise a media converter for 1Gbe costs under $30, plus the SFP.
http://www.amazon.com/MC220L-Converter-1000Mbps-supporting-mountable/dp/B003CFATL0
Monoprice has 50m LC/LC cables for $50. On eBay you can find 100m cables for not much more. With pre-terminated cables you don't need any special tools or expertise, just be careful of extreme bends.
http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=102&cp_id=10237&cs_id=1023704&p_id=11809&seq=1&format=2
First off - no idea where you live, so you'll want to check out Ubiquiti's distributor list for where to buy all this. They do have an online store but it's US only - I'll hazard a guess you're in the US so I'll link to US stores.
I'll also explain each option in more detail for you...mostly because I've got nothing better to do right now. :D
So if your main objective is price, 900MHz or 2.4GHz WiFi will be cheaper than fiber. 900MHz is supposed to be great through trees, but depending on how thick they are, for such a short distance, 2.4GHz might work. Obviously we're talking branches and leaves here, if you have a line of 100 tree trunks to go through...pretty sure nothing will work!
Obviously you'll need one on each end (and of the same model!) - then you just run a single ethernet cable inside, into a PoE injector (which usually comes with them - it's a little box that you plug your local network into as well as power. It combines the two and sends it over the single ethernet cable to the NanoStation so you don't need to run power to it). You do need to set them up (ideally in the same room before you install them), but once set up and in place you should be all set.
The fact that they work over PoE is actually somewhat useful - Ethernet's max distance is around 100 meters. To be on the safe side, I'd generally stick to a max run of 75 meters. So, you can run Ethernet from each building to either bring the APs closer, or to find a better line of sight option through your trees (eg, if they thin out a little in certain spots). As long as you mount them above head height, and your terrain is flat, you can pretty much stuck the APs anywhere as they're weatherproof.
The main problem with WiFi is the speed. On 900MHz I believe the total capacity (tx/rx) in ideal situations is around 76Mbit, and on 2.4GHz I think that improves a little to around 105Mbit. Still not ideal. You'll max out your DSL, but file transfers and stuff like that will be slow. If you can find a way of having them see each other without trees in the way, the 5GHz AC gear is faster, but be warned it's a lot more susceptible to interference, so only do this if you can physically see the AP at each end with a bit of space around it.
Now, onto my prefered option - fibre. This will cost quite a bit more, but you'll have a much more reliable setup, with no maintenance and potentially speeds of up to 10 or even 100Gbit down the line if you upgrade the equipment on each end.
Fibre is pretty simple (sortof) - you've got two options:
So, for the "cheap" option, you'll want:
For the "expensive" option, you can replace the ethernet to SFP converter boxes with an actual ethernet switch. This is my preferred way of doing it but it's a lot more expensive. You'll want:
So, for the fibre cable - this is a little trickier. You can get patch cables (pre-terminated) just like with ethernet, but - also like with ethernet - they're usually short lengths. Ubiquiti's longest pre-terminated offering is 300 feet. So, you can either terminate it yourself if you have the skill and the ^^^^very ^^^^expensive equipment, or order some pre-terminated cable from a local company - there are plenty of places that'll do this, so have a Google or alternatively, ask on /r/Ubiquiti as I'm sure the folks over there will have some recommendations. The key thing is, you want one strand of single mode fibre with LC connectors on each end. If you send them a link to the SFP module you're using, they'll be able to give you the right cable.
Finally, you'll need to choose what type of cable you want - armoured or unarmoured. Armoured cable is more expensive, but a lot more durable. If you're burying it without a conduit to run it though, you absolutely must go for armoured cable. If you can run a conduit, ideally, I'd still stick an armoured cable in it for peace of mind, but you should be able to get away with unarmoured cable if not. Also, be careful with it - unlike with ethernet, bends must be gentle - so no sharp right angles.
The unarmoured cable is around $1/m-ish - armoured will be more than that.
PS: Sorry, that got way too long and detailed, but...everything you'd ever want to know is there so good luck. :P
Where are you going to be running this? It this going to be buried outdoors? If so, you definitely do not want ethernet. When it gets hit by lightning you will have big problems, as the electricity will go through the cable into your devices. You should do fiber if this is the case. If you're worried about the cable being too fragile, or if it won't be running through conduit, get direct burial fiber.
2x https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Ethernet-Converter-Supporting-MC220L/dp/B003CFATL0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492989996&sr=8-1&keywords=MC220L
2x https://www.amazon.com/TL-SM311LM-Multi-mode-MiniGBIC-interface-distance/dp/B003CFATYM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1492989996&sr=8-2&keywords=MC220L
1x https://www.amazon.com/Multimode-Duplex-Gigabit-Fiber-Optic/dp/B006KSXHC4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1492990156&sr=8-3&keywords=100m+multimode+fiber
Total: $219.85
LTP: Bell Fibe uses a Standard (but whitelisted) SFP module in the Modem. VLAN 35 is your internet with PPPoE login, VLAN 36 is your IPTV with DHCP.
I took mine out of the modem, shoved it in this thing:
https://www.amazon.ca/TP-Link-MC220L-Converter-supporting-mountable/dp/B003CFATL0/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1518306025&sr=1-2&keywords=sfp+to+ethernet&dpID=41QXjapF-WL&preST=_SX300_QL70_&dpSrc=srch
And then I configured my EdgeRouter using the following guide
https://community.ubnt.com/t5/EdgeMAX/Edgerouter-Lite-Getting-rid-of-Bell-Canada-s-Homehub2000/td-p/1462027
A few notes. It took about an hour or so to troubleshoot why I wasn't getting TV. My area uses a different Static Route than the posters area did. Basically just use the gateway of whatever VLAN 36 gets as a IP Address as the static route. Haven't had an issue since.
You should be able to set it up in most routers that support VLANS and static routes.
Just bought supplies last night to implement this.
TP Link MC220L + SFP + fiber cable + Intel 1000 MF card.
I think everything together was around $80. Fiber NIC is compatible with pfSense. I found a Dell OEM card for $20 on eBay. Card shouldn't be a fake Intel.
I bought the multimode fiber SFP so both that and NIC have LC connections.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003CFATL0/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1465823649&sr=8-1&pi=SX200_QL40&keywords=mc220l&dpPl=1&dpID=41QXjapF-WL&ref=plSrch
http://m.ebay.com/itm/201577163022
Don't know much about the VPN part, but if it is at all helpful - I got rid of the Bell Home Hub 3000 completely. It continues to broadcast a hidden Wifi SSID for TV services (which I don't have) and I had problems with DMZ/PPPoE passthrough reliability. Replaced with this SFP>RJ45 Media Converter for $39. I'm in Ontario, and it works brilliantly. I receive full speeds and don't have to worry about the Bell junk hardware. All that is required is to set VLAN 35 tagging on Orbi and enter PPPoE credentials into Internet setup.
Here is the Media converter you need
In some reviews on this page , people mention "VLAN 37" on the fibre side. The other side ends up being ethernet to your router.
Again, you need your PPPoe credentisls from Bell.
When you're calling them for it...don't tell them what you're doing. Tell them you're putting a secondary router downstream from the home hub 3000.'
Also; Don't be a dumbass. If your internet goes down and you need to troubleshoot...or a bell tech is visiting your home and they need to troubleshoot ...recconect your home hub 3000. They're obviously not going to support you if you're doing your own thing.
Back in the day in my Cisco networking classes, they made a big deal about not using copper wiring underground for signal cables because of the risk of lightning strikes increases since you're tying into multiple buildings now. I don't know how frequent that really is, but fiber optic lines were the go-to solution. This may also be covered by your local building code. Celerity makes a fiber optic HDMI cable for around $250. For networking, you can get a pair of these adapters which I guess you need SFP adapters for to match the type of fiber line you get.
This is the one we got.
TP-Link Gigabit Ethernet Media Converter, Up to 1000Mbps RJ45 to 1000Mbps SFP Slot Supporting MiniGBIC Modules (MC220L) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003CFATL0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_rqEyCbBVG9VGR
I did a quick search on amazon and found this: https://www.amazon.com/TRENDnet-4-Port-Gigabit-Switch-TEG-S51SFP/dp/B019IHWSF0/
Or this (converts SFP to ethernet - basically a 1 port switch): https://www.amazon.com/TP-Link-Ethernet-Converter-Supporting-MC220L/dp/B003CFATL0
There is no effective way of doing that with the HH3k. It's just a basic residential gateway.
You can get the same card off of Ebay like I did for $60-$90. I bought the DA2.
Previous to that I used a media converter to bypass the HH3000.
But you are still stuck 1gbps.
TP-Link MC220L Gigabit Media Converter, 1000Mbps RJ45 to 1000Mbps SFP Slot Supporting MiniGBIC modules, Chassis mountable https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B003CFATL0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_zEmsDb74KKVGJ
If you are looking at making a custom driver for an SFP+ NIC you need to get specific cards. Read here for more info. https://www.dslreports.com/forum/r32230041-Internet-Bypassing-the-HH3K-up-to-2-5Gbps-using-a-BCM57810S-NIC~start=360#end
I'm tempted to get the Ubiquiti US16XG($800) or wait until Bell rolls out 5gbps service and upgrade their ONT to SFP+.
If you are looking to protect your network from a strike from the cable line, take a look at this instead.
https://www.amazon.com/MC220L-Converter-1000Mbps-supporting-mountable/dp/B003CFATL0
It's much, much cheaper and I have been using mine for over a year now. I have mine set as ISP modem --> TP-Link converter --> HP Switch --> Astaro UTM.
My HP switch converts it from SFP back to RJ45 on it's on VLAN and only needed a 1m fiber line.
There's a thread on DSL Reports discussing all this: https://www.dslreports.com/forum/r31118482-Yes-you-CAN-bypass-the-HomeHub-3000
Most people there are using these: https://www.amazon.ca/TP-Link-MC220L-Converter-supporting-mountable/dp/B003CFATL0
One guy put it in his 10Gbit switch: https://www.dslreports.com/forum/r31908145- and it synced at 2.5Gbit
With a 1Gbps switch there's no issue as it won't send more than 1.25Gbit (1Gbit after 8b/10b encoding is 1.25Gbit). What I would like to know is what happens in the 10Gbps switch case. Will it try sending at 2.5Gbps? Does the SFP ONT do some kind of flow control? I need to do more research.
You need a media converter like this one: https://www.amazon.ca/TP-Link-MC220L-Converter-supporting-mountable/dp/B003CFATL0/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=TP-Link+MC220L&qid=1556187347&s=gateway&sr=8-1
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My setup is: Bell fiber -> Media Converter -> PFsense . By removing the HH3K, I did loose on download speed a bit (about 80 Mbps of my gigagit) but retained my upload speed at 750 MBps.
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Hope this will help.
It would be major news if your ISP gave you what you describe. Which ISP is this? What is their router's manufacturer name and model number? What is the SFP module's manufacturer name and model number? Are you sure it is GPON and not EPON? If this is really GPON, how did you get your ISP to give you a router with a SFP module?
If you really have what you claim to have, then all you should need is a gigabit SFP to RJ-45 media converter, plus information on whether the ISP router uses DHCP or PPPoE. If it uses PPPoE, you would need the PPPoE credentials so that you can configure your router with them. As for the media converter, something like this could work:
https://www.amazon.com/MC220L-Converter-1000Mbps-supporting-mountable/dp/B003CFATL0
It will work, but you will be using double nat, which is never ideal.
Without knowing what your bandwidth is, and not having tested this for speed, consider using a media converter something like this https://www.amazon.ca/TP-Link-MC220L-Converter-supporting-mountable/dp/B003CFATL0/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=media+converter&qid=1556988645&s=gateway&sr=8-3 (I am NOT endorsing this particular product just putting it out there as an example) and then using the RBK50 and losing the HH3000 all together.
For me, in Ontario, I need to set up a VLAN on the WAN side (35). If you use Bell provided TV or Voice phone from the HH3000 then it becomes very non trivial.
There is some interesting information over at DSL Reports http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r31118482-Yes-you-CAN-bypass-the-HomeHub-3000 it's a long ass thread but there is lots of good information. I think that Atlantic Canada does not use the same authentication, but they will know more over there.
If you want to do that you have to take the SFP out of the HH3000 which seems scary at first but if you have good fingernails or a jewelers screwdriver there's a little tab that you have to shift a bit to get the SFP transceiver out of the connector.
There has been limited success with this on speeds > 1Gb, so once again it vary's depending on your speed and expectations.
So continuing on with our conversation...
TP-Link Gigabit Ethernet Media Converter, Up to 1000Mbps RJ45 to 1000Mbps SFP Slot Supporting MiniGBIC Modules (MC220L) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003CFATL0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PP7pDbM5HVMHK
That was the device they placed between the fiber line coming in and the "modem". If I have sfp available on my er-4 why do need this "modem"?
Thanks for the help!