Black Box LGC5310A Gigabit PoE+ Media Converter

Overview

The Black Box LGC5310A is a Gigabit Ethernet PoE+ media converter that bridges a 10/100/1000BASE-T copper RJ-45 link to a 100/1000 SFP fiber port — letting you extend network connectivity beyond copper's 100-meter limit without stranding your existing PoE-powered endpoints. If you're running a PoE+ device (an IP camera, wireless access point, or VoIP phone) at a location where copper distance or electromagnetic interference makes a direct cable run impractical, this converter handles the translation between media types while maintaining the PoE+ power delivery your device depends on.

For network infrastructure deployments where a PoE+ source switch sits at one end and a powered endpoint at the other, the LGC5310A inserts cleanly into that path. The SFP slot accepts interchangeable fiber modules, giving you flexibility to match the fiber type and distance already in your plant — single-mode for longer runs, multimode for shorter in-building hops — without swapping the converter itself. Browse the full Black Box networking catalog for compatible SFP modules and complementary infrastructure.

Key Features

• PoE+ Pass-Through: Delivers PoE+ (802.3at) power to the connected endpoint across the copper port — no separate power injector needed at the remote device, which matters when you're mounting powered equipment in locations without a nearby AC outlet.
• Dual-Speed SFP Port (100/1000): The fiber side operates at both Fast Ethernet and Gigabit speeds, so the converter adapts to your fiber infrastructure rather than forcing a speed upgrade on existing runs.
• 10/100/1000 Auto-Sensing Copper Port: The RJ-45 side auto-negotiates to the link speed of the connected device — no manual configuration required when mixing Gigabit and Fast Ethernet endpoints on the same infrastructure.
• SFP Flexibility: The open SFP slot accepts standard pluggable modules, keeping your fiber type and reach decisions separate from the converter hardware. Pair with the appropriate SFP for your specific distance and fiber plant.

Integration & Compatibility

The LGC5310A fits into any network segment where copper-to-fiber conversion is needed on a PoE+ circuit. It is compatible with standard 802.3at PoE+ switches and PoE+ injectors on the source side. SFP module selection determines fiber compatibility — confirm your fiber type (single-mode vs. multimode) and link distance before selecting a module. For IP camera deployments specifically, this converter is a practical solution for extending camera drops beyond copper limits while keeping the PoE+ budget intact. See also PoE switches for upstream infrastructure pairing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the LGC5310A actually do — is it a switch or a converter?

A: It is a media converter, not a switch. It converts a single 10/100/1000BASE-T copper (RJ-45) port to a 100/1000 SFP fiber port, extending one network link beyond copper distance limits. It does not switch between multiple ports.

Q: Does the LGC5310A pass PoE+ power through to the fiber side or only to the copper side?

A: The PoE+ functionality applies to the copper RJ-45 port — a PoE+-powered endpoint connects on the copper side and receives power there. The fiber SFP side carries data only; PoE is not transmitted over fiber.

Q: Does the SFP module come included with the LGC5310A?

A: Package contents are not confirmed in available product data. Contact the seller prior to ordering to confirm whether an SFP module is included or must be sourced separately.

Q: Can I use the LGC5310A to extend an IP camera beyond 100 meters?

A: Yes — this is a common use case. The converter bridges the copper PoE+ drop (up to 100m) to a fiber run, which can extend the link significantly depending on the SFP module selected. The camera receives PoE+ power on the copper side as normal.

Q: Is the LGC5310A compatible with any brand's PoE+ switch?

A: The copper side follows standard 802.3at (PoE+), which is interoperable with compliant switches from any manufacturer. Verify your switch's per-port wattage output meets your endpoint's power draw before deploying.

James Everett

The Black Box LGC5310A solves a very specific wiring problem I run into regularly on camera deployments: a PoE+ endpoint that needs to live further than copper allows. The converter's dual-speed SFP port — accepting both 100Mbps and Gigabit fiber modules — is worth noting because it means you're not forced to upgrade your fiber infrastructure just to use this device on an older Fast Ethernet plant.

Technical Highlights:

• PoE+ (802.3at) on Copper Port: Powers endpoints drawing up to 30W on the RJ-45 side — sufficient for most PTZ cameras, 802.11ac APs, and dual-radio wireless devices without a separate injector.
• 100/1000 SFP Slot: Dual-speed fiber port means the same converter works on both legacy Fast Ethernet fiber runs and Gigabit infrastructure, protecting the hardware investment across infrastructure upgrades.
• Auto-Sensing 10/100/1000 Copper: No manual speed configuration at the copper port — the converter negotiates automatically, reducing commissioning time when mixing device generations on the same network segment.

Deployment Considerations:

• SFP module selection is a separate decision from the converter itself — confirm fiber type (single-mode vs. multimode) and required link distance before procurement to avoid a second order.
• PoE+ budget planning still applies at the upstream switch: the LGC5310A draws from the switch's PoE pool to power the downstream endpoint, so account for the endpoint's wattage in your per-switch power budget, not just per-port.

This converter is the right call for IP camera extension runs in warehouse facilities or campus perimeter deployments where copper distance limits force a fiber segment mid-run and the camera still needs 802.3at power at the endpoint.