Compatibilities, Fibre Channel Cables, and Adapters
11
Media Interface Adapter (MIA)
To connect fiber optic cable to one of the copper ports on the Fiber Channel Hub, use a
media interface adapter (MIA). This adapter converts from a fiber optic cable with an SC
connector to a copper DB-9 connector, providing a non-Open Fibre Control optical link.
Silicon Graphics supplies the MIA in pairs.
The MIA is a full-duplex module that converts photons to electrons in one direction and
converts electrons to photons in the other direction. An industry-standard duplex SC
connector supplies the external fiber-optic connection on the MIA. The Fibre Channel
Hub powers the MIA, which converts the differential electrical signal into light for
transmission through the fiber optic cable. The MIA has a DB-9 male plug on one end,
which connects to the hub, and an optical SC connector on the other end, which connects
to any fiber optic cable assembly or jumper cable. Figure 1-6 shows the MIA.
Figure 1-6
Media Interface Adapter (Optional)
At the other end of the fibre optic cable, another MIA converts the signal back to a
differential electrical signal for the system to which it is attached.
Note:
It is recommended that you use MIAs from Silicon Graphics for fibre optic cabling
with the Fibre Channel Hub.
MIA
