Media converters are used to convert data transmissions from an optical signal to an electrical signal and vice versa. They are a necessity for networks that use a combination of fiber optic and copper cabling solutions. Ethernet switches allow you to connect dozens of devices together and to control who has access to different parts of the network. They also keep devices from getting in the way of each other by controlling the traffic on the network. Active components like these are the drivers of a passive optical network (PON).
