ipolex Gigabit Single-Mode LC Fiber to Ethernet Media Converter (SFP LX Modules Included)
Quick take
This 2-pack media converter turns single-mode 1000BASE-LX LC fiber (1310nm) into Gigabit copper Ethernet on RJ-45, and it can also work in the opposite direction with the same kit. Installation is designed to be plug-and-play, with hot-swappable SFP modules for easier troubleshooting. The biggest buying caveat is compatibility, it’s intended specifically for single-mode LC fiber at LX/1310nm and up to 20 km over SMF.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Converts between 1000BASE-LX duplex LC fiber and Gigabit RJ-45 copper (10/100/1000 auto-negotiation).
- Supports link lengths up to 20 km on OS1/OS2 single-mode fiber.
- No software installation needed, designed for straightforward setup.
- Hot-swappable SFP modules make field replacement simpler.
Cons
- Only fits use cases that match 1000BASE-LX (1310nm) single-mode fiber, not multimode or different wavelengths.
- Buyer-review evidence is positive but limited in detail, so edge-case performance and long-term behavior are less documented.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence is overwhelmingly positive, with repeated themes that the converters are easy to set up and work as expected after installation. Review notes also suggest the kit is straightforward to deploy in real network scenarios, and that links remain stable over extended use in some cases. There is limited evidence detail beyond general “works” feedback, so expectations for nuanced performance topics (such as specific troubleshooting scenarios or interoperability with particular switches) should be set based on your own gear compatibility and fiber matching.
Who this is for
This kit is a practical choice when you need to bridge a Gigabit network between fiber and copper. It’s especially relevant if you have (or plan) a single-mode run using LC duplex connectors at 1310nm (1000BASE-LX), and you want the copper side to operate over standard RJ-45 Ethernet.
It can make sense for:
- Extending a Gigabit Ethernet link between two sites using SMF (OS1/OS2) up to 20 km.
- Adding fiber connectivity to a copper-based switch, router, NVR, or access device that expects RJ-45.
- Projects where plug-and-play setup and hot-swappable SFP modules reduce downtime during maintenance.
Key features that matter in real installs
Fiber type and distance (single-mode LX, up to 20 km)
The converter is designed around 1000BASE-LX on single-mode fiber with LC duplex connections, operating at 1310 nm. That pairing is what enables the stated maximum transmission distance of up to 20 km using OS1/OS2 SMF.
Gigabit copper with auto-negotiation
On the RJ-45 side, it supports 10/100/1000 Mbps auto-negotiation. It also supports Auto-MDI/MDIX and operates in half- or full-duplex modes, which helps reduce the chances of basic incompatibility when connecting to typical Ethernet equipment.
Plug-and-play setup
It’s built to avoid software installation or configuration steps. For many deployments, this means you can focus on matching the right fiber, labeling endpoints, and confirming the copper connections.
Hot-swappable SFP modules
The kit includes SFP LX modules, and the design is intended to make module swapping simpler if you ever need to service the fiber side in the field.
Pros and cons breakdown
Pros
- Strong fit for Gigabit fiber-to-copper bridging using LC duplex single-mode (1000BASE-LX, 1310nm).
- Up to 20 km SMF support fits common campus and building-to-building runs.
- Auto-negotiation and Auto-MDI/MDIX reduce setup friction on the RJ-45 side.
- Hot-swappable SFP modules can help during troubleshooting.
Cons
- Not universal across fiber standards, you must match the wavelength and fiber type (single-mode LX/1310nm).
- Because the available buyer comments are mostly brief, detailed performance characteristics outside of “it works” are harder to validate from review text alone.
Price and availability
The list price can vary, and availability may be limited at times. If you’re comparing options, focus less on headline pricing and more on whether the converter matches your fiber standard (1000BASE-LX, 1310nm, SMF, LC duplex) and whether you need a 2-pack for both ends.
How to confirm compatibility before buying
- Check your fiber type: single-mode (OS1/OS2), not multimode.
- Check your connector: LC duplex on the fiber run.
- Check the wavelength standard: 1000BASE-LX at 1310 nm.
- Confirm you need a two-end solution: media converters are typically used as a pair to convert fiber at one endpoint and copper at the other.
- Match speed expectations: this is for Gigabit Ethernet (10/100/1000), not multi-gig speeds.
Simple verdict
Choose this ipolex kit if you have a single-mode LC duplex 1310 nm (1000BASE-LX) fiber run and you want straightforward Gigabit conversion to RJ-45, with up to 20 km reach. Skip it if your project uses a different fiber type, connector style, or wavelength, because mismatches are the most likely reason these converters will not work in practice. If your specs line up, the overall buyer sentiment points to easy setup and dependable operation for everyday network bridging.
FAQ
Is this media converter compatible with 1000BASE-LX single-mode fiber?
Yes, it’s designed for 1000BASE-LX on single-mode fiber using LC duplex connectors and 1310 nm operation.
What copper port speed does it support?
It supports 10/100/1000 Mbps on the RJ-45 side with auto-negotiation.
How far can it transmit on single-mode fiber?
The kit is specified for up to 20 km over OS1/OS2 single-mode fiber (SMF).
Do I need software to configure it?
No software installation or configuration is described, and the converter is intended to be plug-and-play.
Does it come with the SFP modules?
Yes, the kit includes 1000BASE-LX SFP modules.
Will it work with multimode fiber?
It’s intended for single-mode 1000BASE-LX (1310 nm), so it won’t be the right choice for typical multimode setups or different wavelength requirements.
How do I buy if I need converters at both ends?
This product is sold as a 2-pack, which is commonly what you need to deploy conversion on both endpoints of the fiber link.
Specifications
| Product Title | ipolex Gigabit Single-Mode LC Fiber to Ethernet Media Converter (SFP LX Modules Included),1.25G Fiber Media Converter, 1000Base-LX to 10/100/1000Base-TX, 1310nm, SMF, Transmission up to 20KM, 2 Pack |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Computers & Accessories > Networking Products > Network Transceivers |
| Brand | ipolex |
| Manufacturer | ipolex |
| Mounting Type | Rack Mount |
| Number of Pins | 24 |
| Interface | LC, RJ45 |
| Number of Channels | 1 |
| Smart Home Compatibility | Not Smart Home Compatible |
| Brand Name | ipolex |
| Compatible Devices | Devices with LC fiber or RJ45 copper Ethernet ports |
| Part Number | Kit#2,SFP Converter&20KM -2pcs |
| Model | Kit#2,SFP Converter&20KM -2pcs |
| Interface Type | LC, RJ45 |
Available variants
Size
- Standard
- Mini
Style
- Kit #1: SFP 550m
- Kit #2: SFP 20km
- Kit #4: SFP 80km
- Kit #3: SFP 40km
- Kit #5: BiDi 20 km
- SFP to RJ45
Color
- x1
- x2
- 1-Pair
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