Black Box LMC281A LMC280 Series Fast Ethernet Industrial Media Converter - Multimode SC to RJ45 - 2 km - Rail/Wall Mount
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Product Features
Technical Overview
This media converter employs 1310 nm wavelength optics over multimode fiber, supporting distances up to 2 km (1.24 miles) to overcome the 100-meter limit of standard Ethernet cabling. It handles 10/100Base-T and 100Base-FX network technologies, ensuring compatibility with legacy Fast Ethernet equipment and modern fiber backbones. The duplex SC connector maintains bidirectional data flow, while the RJ-45 port auto-negotiates speed and duplex settings for plug-and-play operation with switches, routers, and industrial devices.
Power is supplied via an external DC source, reducing heat buildup and enhancing reliability in temperature-sensitive applications. The converter’s small footprint—measuring 3.74" (95 mm) height, 1.03" (26.16 mm) width, and 2.76" (70.10 mm) depth—and lightweight design at 7.68 oz (217.72 g) allow for discreet deployment. Environmental certifications include RoHS and WEEE, ensuring minimal hazardous substances and proper end-of-life disposal. TAA compliance confirms eligibility for U.S. government procurement, broadening its use in public-sector projects.
Key Product Advantages
The LMC281A excels in extending network coverage without sacrificing performance, ideal for environments where distance or interference compromises copper-based connections. Its industrial design ensures durability against vibrations, dust, and temperature fluctuations, outperforming standard office-grade converters. The dual mounting options—rail and wall—provide installation flexibility in control panels, telecom closets, or remote sites, simplifying deployment in diverse settings.
Extended Reach
Supports up to 2 km over multimode fiber, far exceeding the 100-meter limit of Cat5e/Cat6 cables, enabling network expansion across large facilities or between buildings.
- Eliminates signal degradation over long runs
- Reduces need for repeaters or additional switches
Robust Connectivity
Converts between SC fiber and RJ-45 Ethernet seamlessly, maintaining Fast Ethernet speeds for consistent data transfer in mixed-media networks.
- Auto-negotiation on RJ-45 port for compatibility
- Duplex SC ensures full-duplex communication
Industrial Reliability
Built for harsh conditions with a rugged enclosure and DC power input, reducing failure risks in manufacturing, transportation, or outdoor applications.
- Withstands electrical noise and temperature extremes
- 3-year warranty for long-term peace of mind
Deployment / Use Cases
Deploy the LMC281A in scenarios where fiber optic cabling is necessary to bridge distance gaps or isolate electrical noise. In industrial automation, it connects PLCs and sensors in factory floors to control rooms over fiber, avoiding EMI from machinery. For campus networks, it links buildings across a site, providing high-bandwidth backbone connections without latency issues common with wireless extenders.
In security and surveillance, the converter extends camera feeds from remote locations to central recording servers, ensuring video integrity over long runs. Telecommunications installations use it to integrate fiber backhauls with copper-based access equipment, simplifying network upgrades. The rail-mount option fits neatly in DIN rail enclosures for organized industrial control panels, while wall mounting suits telecom closets or utility rooms where rack space is limited.
Factory Floor Networking
Connect industrial devices like robots or sensors to Ethernet networks over fiber, isolating them from electrical interference and extending reach across large plants.
Building-to-Building Links
Establish reliable connections between separate structures on a campus, using existing multimode fiber infrastructure to maintain Fast Ethernet performance.
Physical Profile
The LMC281A features a compact, industrial-grade metal or high-impact plastic housing that protects internal components from physical stress and environmental factors. Its dimensions—3.74" height, 1.03" width, and 2.76" depth—allow for high-density installations in crowded racks or enclosures. The lightweight design at 7.68 oz minimizes load on mounting surfaces, while integrated slots or brackets support both DIN rail and wall-mount configurations for versatile placement. The small bezel and low-profile shape ensure it blends into industrial settings without obstructing adjacent equipment.
- Width
- 1.03" (26.16 mm)
- Depth
- 2.76" (70.10 mm)
- Height
- 3.74" (95 mm)
- Weight
- 7.68 oz (217.72 g)
- Length
- 1310 nm
Highlights
- Converts multimode SC fiber to RJ45 Ethernet for extended network reach
- Supports distances up to 2 km (1.24 miles) over 1310 nm multimode fiber
- Fast Ethernet technology delivers up to 100 Mbps data transfer rates
- Dual mounting options: rail-mountable for DIN rails and wall-mountable for flexible installation
- Industrial-grade design ensures reliability in harsh environments
- DC power source reduces heat and enhances operational stability
- Auto-negotiating RJ-45 port for seamless compatibility with existing network devices
- Compliant with RoHS and WEEE environmental standards
- TAA compliant for U.S. government procurement eligibility
- Backed by a 3-year limited warranty for long-term assurance
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Black Box Corporation |
| Manufacturer Part Number | LMC281A |
| Brand Name | Black Box |
| Product Series | LMC280 |
| Product Name | LMC280 Series Fast Ethernet Industrial Media Converter - Multimode SC |
| Product Type | Transceiver/Media Converter |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Total Number of Ports | 2 |
| Network (RJ-45) | Yes |
| Number of Network (RJ-45) Ports | 1 |
| Number of SC Ports | 1 |
| SC Port Type | Duplex |
| Media & Performance | |
| Media Type Supported | Twisted Pair,Optical Fiber |
| Fiber Mode Supported | Multi-mode |
| Fiber Optic Cable Wavelength | 1310 nm |
| Maximum Distance Supported | 2 km (1.24 Mile) |
| Network & Communication | |
| Ethernet Technology | Fast Ethernet |
| Network Technology | 10/100Base-T,100Base-FX |
| Power Description | |
| Power Source | DC |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Form Factor | Rail-mountable,Wall Mountable |
| Height | 3.74" (95 mm) |
| Width | 1.03" (26.16 mm) |
| Depth | 2.76" (70.10 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 7.68 oz (217.72 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| Country of Origin | Taiwan |
| TAA Compliant | Yes |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 3 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What types of media does this converter support?
The LMC281A supports twisted pair copper (via RJ-45) and optical fiber (via SC duplex port). It converts between these media types, allowing integration of fiber optic backbones with standard Ethernet equipment. The fiber side uses multimode fiber with a 1310 nm wavelength, suitable for most indoor and short-to-medium distance applications.
What is the maximum distance this media converter can achieve?
This converter supports a maximum distance of 2 kilometers (approximately 1.24 miles) over multimode fiber optic cable. This extends far beyond the 100-meter limit of typical Ethernet cabling, making it ideal for connecting devices across large facilities, between buildings, or in expansive industrial sites without signal degradation.
What network speeds and technologies are compatible?
The LMC281A is compatible with Fast Ethernet technologies, specifically 10/100Base-T for copper connections and 100Base-FX for fiber. It supports data transfer rates up to 100 Mbps, ensuring reliable performance for most industrial and commercial networking needs without the overhead of Gigabit speeds.
How is this converter powered and mounted?
Power is supplied through an external DC power source, which enhances reliability by reducing internal heat generation. For mounting, it offers dual options: rail-mountable for DIN rail installations in industrial control panels, and wall-mountable for secure placement in telecom closets or utility rooms, providing flexibility for various deployment scenarios.
What environmental and compliance certifications does it have?
This converter is environmentally friendly, complying with Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) standards. It is also TAA compliant, making it eligible for U.S. government procurement. These certifications ensure safe materials use and proper disposal, while broadening its applicability in regulated sectors.
What warranty and support are included with this product?
The Black Box LMC281A comes with a 3-year limited warranty, covering defects in materials and workmanship under normal use. This warranty provides long-term assurance for industrial deployments, backed by Black Box's support for reliable performance in critical networking environments.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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