The Signamax 10/100/1000 to 1000 SX/LX Switching Media Converters provide an intelligent solution for long distance connections between legacy 10BaseT and 100BaseTX networks and 1000Base Gigabit Ethernet networks. The built-in switch enables the fiber cable connection to operate at 1000 Mbps connected to either a 10BaseT, 100BaseTX, or a 1000BaseT network, while remaining completely 1000BaseSX or 1000BaseLX standard-compliant for the fiber optic connection. The fiber connection can also operate in full duplex mode whether the RJ-45 port is connected to a full duplex switch or a half duplex legacy hub. Improvements in the this series of media converters include: extremely low latency, the ability to force the RJ-45 port to 100Base or 10Base full or half-duplex modes, provide auto-negotiation on the 1000Base fiber port or forced full-duplex mode where required, and the enabling or disabling of the Link Fault Signaling feature.