Interface/converter

Interface converter is any device that converts one hardware interface to another. These devices are generally stand-alone, powered devices for midline use or rack-mounted devices for use in wiring closets. There are interface converters for serial and parallel interfaces, asynchronous and synchronous communication, half-duplex and full-duplex communication, single-node and host converters, copper and fiber-optic converters, AC-powered or interface-powered devices, and so on.