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 RJ45 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 RJ45 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.