Teardown Report: OPTCORE SFP to Ethernet Media Converter

OPTCORE is a brand focused on fiber optic transmission, mainly dealing with optical transceivers, Ethernet media converters, high-density fiber optic cabling systems, and related accessories. Currently, OPTCORE has cooperation with 1000+ customers worldwide, and its products are sold in more than 100 countries.

This time we are disassembling the OPTCORE Fiber SFP to Ethernet Media Converter (P/N: MC-GSA11-L), this media converter supports converter 10/100/1000Base-TX Cat5e Ethernet cables to 1000BASE SFP fiber optic for max 160km reach. It provides a cost-efficient way to connect your Ethernet network to remote devices over a fiber backbone. It features an open SFP slot that lets you choose the that best suitable SFP transceiver for different fiber mode and distance.

Unboxing

The media converter is packed in an anti-static bag, and with 1 power adapter and operating instructions. There is pearl cotton in the package, which can better protect the media converter and power adapter y from receiving extrusion and impact.

Included power adapter for standalone use.

The SFP Fiber Converter measures 1 x 1 x 1 inches, which is a fairly compact design, somewhat like a smaller router. The converter itself is built inside a rugged metal enclosure that has been carefully designed to provide years of long-lasting performance.

The top side has the OPTCORE logo and the side has a legacy set of ventilation holes to ensure heat dissipation. Other than that, the front of the device consists of one open SFP port, RJ45 Ethernet port, and six LED indicators. These LEDs provide you with information about the status of the network, from the network connection to power. On the opposite side of the ports, there is a simple DC power plug.

Remove the screws and separate the top cover and enclosure. Let’s first look at the internal PCB layout.

Use QUALCOMM QCA8334-AL3C as the main IC, which is a solution adopted by many Chinese manufacturers.

1x SFP slot supports 1000 Mbps SFP modules, 1 x 10/100/1000 Mbps RJ-45 copper port

Overall, this SFP media converter is a very cost-effective Fiber to Ethernet media converter with a unique appearance, solid internal design and workmanship, and a very affordable price, which shows OPTCORE’s focus and dedication in this field.