StarTech.com Gigabit Ethernet Fiber Media Converter Card Module with Open SFP Slot

The StarTech.com Gigabit Ethernet Fiber Media Converter Card Module with Open SFP Slot (ET91000SFP2C) is the perfect upgrade for any network that demands flexible, reliable, and scalable fiber connectivity. Engineered to seamlessly extend your Gigabit Ethernet links over fiber, this module-slot solution fits neatly into servers and workstations, turning ordinary copper networks into high-performance fiber networks. Whether you’re expanding a data center, linking distant campuses, or refreshing a branch office backbone, this media converter card delivers the speed, versatility, and reliability modern networks demand.

• Seamless copper-to-fiber bridging with an open SFP slot: The ET91000SFP2C provides a dedicated open SFP slot that lets you deploy a broad range of SFP modules. Pair it with single-mode or multi-mode transceivers to tailor your link distance, bandwidth, and fiber type to your exact needs. This flexibility is ideal for campus backbones, data-center interconnects, or edge deployments where fiber distance and link quality are mission-critical.
• Flexible Gigabit Ethernet performance: At its core, this card supports Gigabit Ethernet speeds up to 1 Gbps, delivering reliable, full-duplex throughput for high-performance applications. The combination of a copper Ethernet interface and a fiber SFP uplink creates a versatile hybrid path that can adapt to evolving network architectures without replacing existing infrastructure.
• Compact PCIe card form factor for easy integration: Designed as a PCIe-based module, the card slides into standard server or workstation chassis, enabling simple expansion without a costly overhaul. Its compact footprint makes it suitable for compact data centers, edge servers, or space-constrained rack environments while maintaining robust performance and compatibility with a wide range of hosts.
• Future-proof transceiver flexibility: Because the fiber connection is managed by the SFP slot, you’re not locked into a single transceiver type or supplier. Choose from a spectrum of compatible SFP modules to adapt to different fiber standards, link budgets, and long-haul requirements. This modular approach helps extend the life of your network investment as fiber technology evolves and distance needs change.
• Proven reliability and enterprise-ready design: StarTech builds for rigorous use in data centers and enterprise networks. Expect solid build quality, stable operation, and dependable performance across demanding workloads. The ET91000SFP2C is backed by StarTech’s support network and warranty, providing peace of mind for ongoing network uptime and service continuity.

Technical Details of StarTech.com Gigabit Ethernet Fiber Media Converter Card Module with Open SFP Slot

• Model: ET91000SFP2C
• Interface: PCIe expansion card with one open SFP slot for fiber transceivers
• Copper port: 1 x Gigabit Ethernet interface (auto-negotiation with auto MDI/MDIX)
• Fiber option: 1 x open SFP slot (transceiver module not included)
• Data rate: Up to 1 Gbps for Gigabit Ethernet traffic
• Form factor: PCIe card suitable for standard servers, workstations, and embedded systems
• LED indicators: Link and activity indicators for both copper and fiber interfaces to simplify diagnostics
• Compatibility: Supports standard SFP transceivers (MMF/SMF) as appropriate to the installed module
• Power: Provides power through the PCIe interface
• Environment: Designed for reliable operation in data-center and enterprise environments (conforms to typical rack-mount and quiet-operation requirements)
• Warranty and support: Backed by StarTech’s warranty and technical support

How to install StarTech.com Gigabit Ethernet Fiber Media Converter Card Module with Open SFP Slot

• Power down the host system and disconnect all power sources to ensure safe installation.
• Open the chassis and locate an available PCIe expansion slot that matches the card’s form factor. Remove any blanking plate if required.
• Insert the ET91000SFP2C card firmly into the PCIe slot, ensuring a snug connection. Secure the card to the chassis with the mounting screw.
• Insert a compatible SFP transceiver into the open SFP slot. Make sure the transceiver is supported by the StarTech device and is appropriate for your fiber type (MMF or SMF) and distance.
• Connect the copper network to the Gigabit Ethernet port on the card using a standard Ethernet cable (auto-negotiation and auto MDI/MDIX are supported for ease of use).
• Affix the fiber optic cable to the SFP transceiver according to the transceiver’s specifications, ensuring proper polarity and minimal strain on the fiber.
• Power up the system and verify that the copper and fiber links are established. Use the LED indicators on the card to confirm link status and data activity.
• If required, install any vendor-provided drivers or management utilities to monitor link health, performance, and status. Configure the copper-to-fiber path in your operating environment as needed for your network topology.
• Test end-to-end connectivity by transmitting traffic across the copper and fiber paths to ensure the link is reliable and meets your performance expectations.

Frequently asked questions

• What does the ET91000SFP2C card do? It provides a PCIe-based interface with a copper Gigabit Ethernet port and an open SFP slot to connect fiber transceivers, enabling copper-to-fiber network extension at Gigabit speeds.
• Do I need to buy an SFP transceiver separately? Yes. The SFP slot is open, and transceivers are not included. Choose an SFP for the fiber type, distance, and link budget required for your deployment.
• Can I use this card in a standard desktop PC? While designed for servers and embedded systems, it can be installed in compatible PCIe-enabled systems that meet the card’s power and slot requirements. Check your host’s compatibility and size constraints before installation.
• What fiber types can I use with the open SFP slot? The open SFP slot accepts standard SFP modules, so you can use single-mode or multi-mode fibers depending on the transceiver installed. Always match the transceiver to your fiber type and distance needs.
• What kind of networks is this card best suited for? It’s ideal for data centers, campus networks, and enterprise edge deployments where you need to extend Gigabit Ethernet links over fiber without replacing copper wiring, delivering flexible, scalable connectivity.