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    Fiber optic connections

    Hardware
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    • C
      clincha
      last edited by

      Hey Guys,

      New to the forums and really looking forward to making my first PFsense box. But alas a problem has arisen…

      I live in Indonesia and the people who provide me with my internet provide it through FTTH, the connector that comes in is an SC/APC fiber single mode connector. How do I connect this to the PFsense box, is there a nic that I can install or another device?

      Thanks for your help in advance,

      clincha

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      • F
        fragged
        last edited by

        Get a suitable media converter to convert the fiber connector into RJ45/Ethernet.

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        • ?
          Guest
          last edited by

          I suspect that a fiber interface adapter for your pfSense computer's hardware would be more affordable than a converter as converters are usually packed with additional functionality that you might not need but have to pay for. (Unless it's a simple one provided by your service provider. Btw, by FTTH you mean Fiber To The Home right? If so, I am surprised that your service provider didn't provide you with an FTTH to Gigabit Ethernet converter. That's what they do in my area.)

          Check out the exact specs of the fibre interface from your internet service supplier, then browse on amazon.com or newegg.com or provantage.com with keywords pertaining to those specs, for instance fiber interface card PCI FTTH or whatever, Once you found a board that seems suitable, pick the product ID and call or check an online vendor in your local geographic area. (Provantage might even export to Indonesia, although I am not 100% positive)

          Best of luck
          Halea

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          • DerelictD
            Derelict LAYER 8 Netgate
            last edited by

            I'm surprised they are putting it on you to convert from an SC/APC handoff.

            I just looked through CDW and I didn't see any consumer-grade cards that take an SFP.

            You might be able to use something like this…

            http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/StarTech.com-Gigabit-Ethernet-Fiber-Media-Converter-with-Open-SFP-Slot/3186532.aspx

            ...with a single-mode SFP GBIC - no idea if it also has to be APC.  Never dealt with it.  I do know that it will have to be the same as whatever that end of the cable is.  Both blue (UPC) or both green (APC).

            And you could of course use a managed switch with an SFP and make a blank, untagged VLAN with one port on a fiber port and another copper for your pfSense WAN.

            Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
            A comprehensive network diagram is worth 10,000 words and 15 conference calls.
            DO NOT set a source address/port in a port forward or firewall rule unless you KNOW you need it!
            Do Not Chat For Help! NO_WAN_EGRESS(TM)

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            • ?
              Guest
              last edited by

              Based on your earlier description, my understanding is that your incoming service line is basically single mode fiber with a green color SC/APC connector on it.
              (And I find it very odd because normally your ISP doesn't just "drop" a fibre on your premises, they install a terminal and the fibre gets connected inside it. Usually the terminal box has the fibre to ethernet converter inside, or in some cases a multimode fiber socket)

              Then you need an SC/APC to SC/APC coupler like here: (US $6)
              SC Singlemode Simplex Fiber Adapter - APC (Angle Polished Connector)
              http://www.amazon.com/Singlemode-Simplex-Fiber-Adapter-Connector/dp/B00FK33LQ2/ref=sr_1_19?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1413859585&sr=1-19&keywords=SC%2FAPC+to+SC+adapter

              Edit: My mistake, you need it in duplex version it's here: (US $8)
              SC Duplex APC Singlemode Fiber Optic Coupler
              http://www.amazon.com/Duplex-Singlemode-Fiber-Optic-Coupler/dp/B008KL7LL2/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1413893894&sr=1-5&keywords=SC+Singlemode+duplex+Fiber+Adapter+-+APC

              From there you can use a single mode fiber patch cable with an SC/APC (green) connector on one side and SC/UPC (blue) on the other: (US $21)
              5M Singlemode Duplex Fiber Optic Cable (9/125) - SC /APC to SC /UPC
              http://www.amazon.com/Singlemode-Duplex-Fiber-Optic-Cable/dp/B006U1NM62/ref=sr_1_6?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1413860786&sr=1-6&keywords=SC%2FAPC+to+SC+cable

              Finally you get your single mode fiber with blue SC/UPC connector into this converter: (US $67)
              TP-LINK MC210CS Gigabit Media Converter, 1000Mbps RJ45 to 1000M single-mode SC fiber
              http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003CFATKQ/ref=s9_simh_se_p147_d0_i2?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=search-desktop-advertising-no-results-center-1&pf_rd_r=0TZ774NADM9ZNPYR000H&pf_rd_t=301&pf_rd_p=1912906142&pf_rd_i=single%20mode%20fiber%20SC%2FAPC%20gigabit%20ethernet%20interface

              So US $94 $96 gives you your gigabit copper connection.

              I still believe that you should call your provider and ask them to install a fiber/copper ethernet terminal in your house, and you should not even see the fibre material.

              Btw, you should also check with your provider about what they have at the other end of the fiber. If this is a Passive Optical Network connection you definitely need their terminal point. PONs are common (optically split) fibres which get send to multiple dwellings or customer premises (in parallel).

              Halea

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              • F
                foxale08
                last edited by

                Why bother with the converter? Surely there are pfsense compatible cards that will accept an SFP. Find an SFP that will work with the ISP's service (SX/LX/LH) and get a single mode SC/APC to LC patch cable.

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                • DerelictD
                  Derelict LAYER 8 Netgate
                  last edited by

                  I just looked through CDW and I didn't see any consumer-grade cards that take an SFP.

                  Nothing without spending hundreds of dollars.  Better to get a nice managed switch and a Mini GBIC.

                  Chattanooga, Tennessee, USA
                  A comprehensive network diagram is worth 10,000 words and 15 conference calls.
                  DO NOT set a source address/port in a port forward or firewall rule unless you KNOW you need it!
                  Do Not Chat For Help! NO_WAN_EGRESS(TM)

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