Transition Networks SGPAT1013-105-NA Gigabit Fiber Media Converter
Overview
The Transition Networks SGPAT1013-105-NA is an external fiber media converter engineered to bridge multimode fiber and copper Ethernet infrastructure in mixed-protocol network deployments. This converter supports 10Base-T, 100Base-TX, and 1000Base-T protocols over multimode fiber at 850 nm wavelength, enabling backward compatibility with legacy 10 and 100 Mbps segments while providing full Gigabit throughput on modern fiber runs. The SGPAT1013-105-NA (often searched as SGPAT1013 105 NA) delivers a maximum transfer distance of 1800 feet over multimode fiber—a practical range for campus backbone routes and equipment-room-to-remote-closet connections without requiring repeaters or signal boosters. This reach matters on real deployments: a typical office building backbone can span 500–1200 feet; industrial campuses often run 1500+ feet between security system hubs and remote recording nodes.
Key Features
- Triple Protocol Support (10/100/1000 Mbps): The converter auto-negotiates 10Base-T, 100Base-TX, or 1000Base-T on the copper side. This flexibility lets you swap out aging Fast Ethernet camera runs or NVR uplinks without replacing the entire fiber backbone. In practice, you can integrate older 100 Mbps IP cameras alongside new 4K Gigabit feeds on the same fiber segment.
- 1000Base-SX Multimode Fiber Interface: The 1000Base-SX specification means the SGPAT1013-105-NA works with standard OM3 or OM4 multimode fiber—the most common fiber type in industrial and campus security installations. OM2 fiber will operate but at reduced range. This avoids costly single-mode fiber retrofits.
- 850 nm Wavelength Operation: This infrared wavelength is industry-standard for multimode deployments and is supported by virtually all fiber runs installed in the last 20 years. No wavelength matching issues; no compatibility surprises when integrating with existing infrastructure.
- 1800-Foot Maximum Distance: Removes the need for active repeaters or fiber optic signal regenerators in most campus and warehouse deployments. A typical 2-building security network can run the entire backbone on a single media converter pair without intermediate electronics.
- External Form Factor with Compact Footprint: Designed for equipment-room mounting. Does not require rack space, so you can deploy it on a shelf, wall bracket, or equipment rail without consuming valuable UPS or cabinet real estate.
- Copper-to-Fiber Conversion without Processing Overhead: This is a media converter, not a switch or router—it passes traffic at wire speed with no CPU bottleneck, no latency penalty, and no packet loss due to congestion. Ideal for latency-sensitive security feeds, where even millisecond delays matter for synchronized PTZ or multi-camera analytics.
Integration & Compatibility
Deploy the SGPAT1013-105-NA wherever you need to transition from copper Gigabit Ethernet (RJ-45) to multimode fiber for long-distance backbone links. Common scenarios include: bridging an NVR building to a remote camera site; connecting a central security operations center to distributed edge recorders; extending a network switch uplink across a parking lot or industrial yard. Since the converter passes all standard Ethernet frames unchanged, it integrates with any managed switch, IP camera, recorder, or network-attached storage system that supports standard 1000Base-T.
Install as a simple inline pair: plug the copper side into your Gigabit switch or camera network; connect multimode fiber to the fiber port. No configuration, no firmware updates, no management interface—plug and play is the entire feature set. For security integrators, this simplicity translates to faster commissioning and fewer support calls.
When to Choose a Different Model
If your distance requirement exceeds 1800 feet, or if you need single-mode fiber's greater range (10+ km), step up to a single-mode converter in the Transition Networks line. If you require managed switching, VLAN tagging, or redundancy features, a managed fiber switch is the better choice—though it will cost 2–3× more. For short runs under 300 feet, standard 1000Base-T copper Ethernet is simpler and less expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the SGPAT1013-105-NA handle full-duplex Gigabit traffic without frame loss?
A: Yes. This is a wire-speed media converter with no internal switching fabric or CPU. It passes all Ethernet frames at line rate in both directions simultaneously. No traffic shaping, no packet buffering, no latency—you get the same throughput as a direct copper connection.
Q: What fiber type does the SGPAT1013-105-NA require?
A: The 1000Base-SX interface is designed for multimode fiber (OM2, OM3, or OM4). OM3 and OM4 are recommended for the full 1800-foot range. OM2 (older installations) will operate but at reduced distance—typically 600–800 feet. Do not use single-mode fiber; the wavelength mismatch will cause link failure.
Q: Does the SGPAT1013-105-NA require external power?
A: The converter is powered over the copper Ethernet interface via standard 10/100/1000Base-T pairs. No separate power supply, battery backup, or wall outlet needed. Power consumption is minimal, typically under 2W.
Q: Can I mix the SGPAT1013-105-NA with other vendors' fiber converters on the same fiber run?
A: Yes, as long as both converters support the same protocol (1000Base-SX) and wavelength (850 nm). Media converters are passive link extenders; they don't perform any protocol conversion or vendor lock-in. Standard 1000Base-SX transceivers from any manufacturer will pair correctly.
Q: What is the temperature operating range?
A: Consult the product datasheet for thermal specifications. Equipment-room deployments (55–72°F typical) are ideal. For outdoor or extreme-temperature installations, confirm operating limits before commissioning.
Q: Does the SGPAT1013-105-NA support redundancy or failover?
A: No. This is a single-path converter. For mission-critical links requiring automatic failover, deploy two converter pairs on separate fiber runs with managed switch-level redundancy (spanning tree, link aggregation, or RSTP). The converter itself has no built-in recovery mechanism.
Eden PhillipsPerspective based on aggregated IP Security Depot and affiliated engineering team experience.
The Transition Networks SGPAT1013-105-NA is a straightforward, low-overhead solution for fiber backbone extensions in security and IP infrastructure networks. The 1800-foot multimode range covers most real-world campus and industrial deployments without requiring expensive single-mode fiber retrofits or active repeaters. Wire-speed operation means no introduced latency—critical when you're feeding video or synchronized camera control signals across the backbone.
Technical Highlights:
- 1000Base-SX Multimode at 850 nm: Standard fiber wavelength across the industry; works with OM3/OM4 for full 1800-foot range. No compatibility surprises when integrating with existing fiber runs.
- Triple Protocol Auto-Negotiation (10/100/1000): Backward compatible with older 100 Mbps camera or switch segments. Eases migration paths when you're upgrading an aging network one link at a time.
- Pass-Through Design with No CPU Bottleneck: Minimal latency and no per-packet processing overhead. Passes full-duplex Gigabit traffic at wire speed without congestion or frame loss.
Deployment Considerations:
- Verify fiber type before installation: OM2 multimode will work but at reduced range (~600–800 ft). Confirm with your fiber contractor or existing cable markings.
- No built-in redundancy: for mission-critical backbones, plan for a second converter pair on separate fiber with managed switch-level failover (RSTP or link aggregation) at the endpoints.
- Power consumption is under 2W, drawn from the copper Ethernet interface itself—no separate supply needed, but confirm your switch's port power budget if running many converters.
Best suited for campus security backbones, warehouse automation networks, and industrial sites where you need reliable fiber extension without complexity or configuration overhead. Install a pair, plug in copper on one end and fiber on the other, and let it pass traffic for years without maintenance.
