SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING A HIGH QUALITY OF SERVICE NETWORK CONNECTION VIA PLASTIC OPTICAL FIBER

摘要

A media converter for converting between electrical and optical signals is provided. The media converter includes an electro-optical transceiver configured to convert an optical signal into an electrical signal and vice-versa. The electro- optical transceiver includes an optical signal port connectable to a plastic optical fiber, the optical signal port for sending and receiving the optical signal along the plastic optical fiber; and an electrical signal port for sending and receiving the electrical signal. The media converter also includes a plurality of means for electrically conveying the electrical signal. A switch is in electrical communication with the electrical signal port of the electro-optical transceiver and with the plurality of means for electrically conveying the electrical signal, and is configured to direct the electrical signal from the electro-optical transceiver to any one of the means for electrically conveying the electrical signal and vice-versa, thereby facilitating bi-directional communication. The media converter can also have a telephonic network access port connectable to a telephone cable, which includes a pair of power carrying wires for carrying electrical power. A power supply is in electrical communication with the switch and the electro-optical transceiver, and power supply wiring electrically couples the telephonic network access port to the power supply for powering the media converter by transmitting power from the power carrying wires to the power supply when the telephone cable is coupled to the network access port. Beneficially, by obtaining power from the telephonic network, a low voltage telecommunications technician is able to install the media converter within a building, thereby allowing for relatively inexpensive installation.