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Product Features
Technical Overview
This media converter operates on the 100Base-X Fast Ethernet standard, delivering a consistent 100Mbps data rate over fiber optic cabling. The open SFP slot accepts a wide range of 100Mbps SFP transceivers, giving you flexibility to match existing fiber infrastructure—whether for short-range multimode or long-distance singlemode runs.
The converter is fully bus-powered via its USB 2.0 Type-A interface, requiring no separate power supply. Certified drivers ensure plug-and-play compatibility with Windows and Linux operating systems, while Wake-on-LAN support allows remote wake-up of connected devices over the fiber network.
This section brings together practical product details such as USB, Media Type Supported, so buyers can judge configuration, deployment fit, and day-to-day suitability with less guesswork.
Key Product Advantages
The US100A20SFP stands out by merging fiber connectivity with extreme portability, making it an ideal tool for secure, temporary, or mobile network setups.
Enhanced Security
Fiber-to-the-desk connectivity eliminates copper Ethernet's vulnerability to electromagnetic interference and tapping, reducing data leak risks in sensitive environments.
- Electrical isolation
- No EMI/RFI susceptibility
- Harder to intercept
Maximum Portability
Bus-powered operation and a lightweight, external form factor let you carry this converter anywhere—no wall outlet or power adapter required.
- 3.7 oz weight
- No external power brick
- Fits in a laptop bag
Deployment / Use Cases
This converter is designed for scenarios where fiber connectivity must extend to devices with only USB ports, or where electrical isolation and security are paramount.
Common deployments include securing workstations in financial or government offices with FTTD architectures, providing temporary fiber access for field engineers with laptops, or connecting legacy equipment to modern fiber backbones without internal card upgrades.
Field Service & Temporary Setups
Technicians can quickly connect a laptop to a fiber network on-site for diagnostics or configuration, without needing a dedicated fiber NIC or external power.
Secure Office Workstations
Deploy at desks in high-security areas to extend fiber from the wiring closet directly to the end‑point, eliminating copper segments that could be compromised.
Physical Profile
The converter measures 5.50" wide by 6.60" deep by 0.80" high (139.70 x 167.64 x 20.32 mm), with a slim profile that sits discreetly on a desk or can be mounted alongside other equipment. Its lightweight 3.70‑ounce (104.89 g) construction and durable external housing ensure reliable operation in office or field environments.
- Width
- 5.50" (139.70 mm)
- Depth
- 6.60" (167.64 mm)
- Height
- 0.80" (20.32 mm)
- Weight
- 3.70 oz (104.89 g)
What's in the Box
The package includes the converter and documentation for immediate deployment.
Highlights
- Converts USB 2.0 to 100Mbps Fast Ethernet over fiber optic cable
- Open SFP slot supports 100Mbps MSA-compliant SFP modules for flexibility
- Bus-powered via USB—no external power adapter required
- Enables secure fiber-to-the-desk (FTTD) connectivity
- Plug-and-play installation with certified Windows/Linux drivers
- Wake-on-LAN support for remote management
- Compact, lightweight external design for portability
- 2-year limited warranty for peace of mind
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | US100A20SFP |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | USB 2.0 to Fiber Optic Converter - Open SFP |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Product Type | Transceiver/Media Converter |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| USB | Yes |
| Media & Performance | |
| Media Type Supported | Optical Fiber |
| I/O Expansions | |
| Total Number of Expansion Slots | 1 |
| Expansion Slot Type | SFP |
| Number of SFP Slots | 1 |
| Network & Communication | |
| Ethernet Technology | Fast Ethernet |
| Network Technology | 100Base-X |
| Power Description | |
| Power Source | USB |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Form Factor | External |
| Height | 0.80" (20.32 mm) |
| Width | 5.50" (139.70 mm) |
| Depth | 6.60" (167.64 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 3.70 oz (104.89 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Package Contents | USB 2.0 to Fiber Optic Converter - Open SFP 1 x Quick-Start Guide |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Compliance | Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS),Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH),Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | 2 Year |
User Manual
FAQ
What does this USB to fiber converter actually do?
It converts a USB 2.0 signal from a computer or device into a 100Mbps Fast Ethernet signal that runs over fiber optic cable. This lets you connect a USB-equipped device to a fiber network without needing a built-in fiber network card.
What type of SFP modules are compatible?
The open SFP slot accepts industry-standard 100Mbps MSA-compliant SFP transceivers. You can choose multimode or singlemode SFPs to match your existing fiber infrastructure and required transmission distance.
Does this converter require external power?
No, it is bus-powered directly from the USB host port. This eliminates the need for a separate power adapter, making the converter highly portable and simplifying installation in temporary or mobile setups.
How does fiber-to-the-desk improve security?
Fiber optic cabling is immune to electromagnetic interference and does not radiate signals, making it extremely difficult to tap or intercept compared to copper Ethernet. This electrical isolation reduces data leak risks in secure environments.
What is the warranty period?
The StarTech.com US100A20SFP comes with a 2-year limited warranty, backed by the manufacturer's support for reliable performance in your networking applications.