Fiber media converter, also known as fiber transceivers or ethernet media converters, are simple networking devices that make it possible to connect two dissimilar media types such as twisted pair such as Cat 5 or Cat 6 cable with fiber optic cabling. They are important in interconnecting fiber optic cabling-based systems with existing copper-based, structured cabling systems.

Fiber media converter support many different data communication protocols including Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, T1/E1/J1, DS3/E3, as well as multiple cabling types such as coax,twisted pair, multi-mode and single-mode fiber optics.

It is characterized by a photoelectric conversion, supported optical interfaces diversification, link layer device which is easy to maintain, with respect to the photoelectric conversion module interfaces with a better applicability, not all devices are supported optical port.

Fiber media converters can connect different Local area network (LAN) media, modifying duplex and speed settings. For example, existing Half-Duplex hubs can be connected to 100BASE-TX Fast Ethernet network segments over 100BASE-FX fiber. When expanding the reach of the LAN to span multiple locations, media converters are useful in connecting multiple LANs to form one large campus area network that spans over a limited geographic area.

As the same time, also fiber media converter pose as a cheap solution for those who want to buy switches for use with fiber but do not have the funds to afford them; they can buy ordinary switches and use fiber media converters to use with their fiber network.