If you have a plastic optical fiber installation based on DATALIGHT converters from the German manufacturer Fränkische and need a replacement, you have probably encountered a problem: the range was discontinued at the end of 2021 due to component shortages, and since then, obtaining replacement units has become very difficult. In this article, we explain why this happened, what options you have today to keep your network running with compatible equipment, and how to migrate without building work if necessary.
What DATALIGHT was and why it was discontinued
DATALIGHT was a range of single-port Gigabit plastic optical fiber (POF) converters manufactured by Fränkische. It was installed in many homes and small businesses because it made it possible to deliver a stable network connection from one room to another using the existing electrical conduit, without the need for building work.
At the end of 2021, the global semiconductor supply crisis led to the discontinuation of the range. The result: thousands of installations that work correctly, but whose owners are left without replacement units when a device fails or they want to expand the network.
What plastic optical fiber (POF) is and why your installation is still valid
Plastic optical fiber is the physical medium that carries data as light through a flexible, thin cable capable of passing through the same conduit as the electrical wiring. It is a robust technology, immune to interference, and designed to last. The fact that a particular manufacturer stopped producing its converters does not mean that your installation is obsolete: POF cable is still perfectly usable. All you need is a compatible converter to keep the system running.
Option 1: keep your existing DATALIGHT installation
Actelser plastic optical fiber equipment is compatible with DATALIGHT installations, so you can replace or add a unit without redoing anything and reuse the POF cable you already have installed. This is the quickest and most affordable option if you want to keep your system as it is and only need to replace a failed device.
Option 2: migrate to Snap Data plastic optical fiber, without building work
If your installation needs to grow or you prefer to switch to a system with guaranteed support and replacement parts in the future, you can migrate to Snap Data plastic optical fiber equipment while reusing the POF cable you already have installed. The migration involves replacing the converters with current equipment, without chasing into walls or installing new wiring. You get a stable Gigabit connection in any room, with a one-time purchase and no monthly fees.
How to know which option is right for you
- Your installation works and only one unit has failed: the simplest option is to replace it with compatible equipment while reusing your existing cable.
- You want to extend the network to more rooms: consider migrating to Snap Data to ensure equipment availability in the future.
- You do not know which converter you have: check the equipment label or contact us with a photo, and we will tell you whether it is compatible.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fränkische still manufacturing DATALIGHT?
No. The range was discontinued at the end of 2021 due to component shortages and has not been produced again.
Can I continue using my existing plastic optical fiber cable?
Yes. POF cable does not become obsolete because the converters have been discontinued. You can reuse it either with a compatible replacement or by migrating to Snap Data equipment.
Does migrating to Snap Data require building work?
No. The existing conduit and cable are reused; only the converters are replaced.
Are there monthly fees?
No. It is a one-time purchase, unlike operators' subscription-based fiber-to-the-room services.
Keep your plastic optical fiber installation running
Whether you need a replacement for your DATALIGHT installation or want to migrate to a plastic optical fiber system with guaranteed support, Actelser can help you keep your network stable in any room, without building work and without monthly fees. Contact us for advice on the option best suited to your situation.
