Which device is used to connect copper networks to fiber as part of a network upgrade?

Which device is used to connect copper networks to fiber as part of a network upgrade?

• A. Patch panels
• B. Switches
• C. Media converters
• D. Routers

Answer: (C)

Connecting copper networks to fiber during a upgrade hinges on bridging two different media types. A media converter does exactly that: it translates electrical signals from copper Ethernet (RJ-45) into optical signals for fiber, and then back again on the other end. This lets existing copper devices communicate over a fiber backbone or over longer distances without replacing all equipment. Patch panels simply organize cables; switches forward frames but don’t convert media; routers route between networks and aren’t about converting copper to fiber.

Connecting copper networks to fiber during a upgrade hinges on bridging two different media types. A media converter does exactly that: it translates electrical signals from copper Ethernet (RJ-45) into optical signals for fiber, and then back again on the other end. This lets existing copper devices communicate over a fiber backbone or over longer distances without replacing all equipment. Patch panels simply organize cables; switches forward frames but don’t convert media; routers route between networks and aren’t about converting copper to fiber.