Tag Archives: GLC-SX-MM

GLC-SX-MM VS GLC-SX-MMD VS GLC-SX-MM-RGD VS SFP-GE-S

Cisco is a worldwide leader in the telecommunication industry whose routers, switches are very welcome among the users. To work well with those Cisco networking applications, Cisco SFP transceivers are the best choice. GLC-SX-MM, GLC-SX-MMD, GLC-SX-MM-RGD and SFP-GE-S are different types of Cisco 1000BASE SFP transceiver module. All these transceiver modules comply with IEEE 802.3z 1000BASE standard. And since there are similar specifications for these four transceiver modules, users may be confused when they need to choose one SFP module for their Cisco switches. Here we’ll make a comparison of GLC-SX-MM, GLC-SX-MMD, GLC-SX-MM-RGD and SFP-GE-S transceiver modules to help you choose the suitable one.

GLC-SX-MM VS GLC-SX-MMD VS GLC-SX-MM-RGD VS SFP-GE-S

Which transceiver module will you choose?

Cisco Transceiver Datasheet

Here are the datasheets of these four different Cisco SFP transceiver modules.

GLC-SX-MM Datasheet

The GLC-SX-MM is programmed to be fully compatible and functional with all intended Cisco 1GB switching devices. This transceiver module operates on ordinary multimode fibre optic link spans of up to 550 meters in length.

Transceiver Module
GLC-SX-MM
Interface
LC duplex
Wavelength
850nm
Tx Power
-9.5 ~ – 3dBm
Receiver Sensitivity
< -17dBm
DOM Support
No
Temperature Range
0 to 70°C (32 to 158°F)
Cable Type
MMF
Price(US dollars)
6.00
GLC-SX-MMD Datasheet

The GLC-SX-MMD 1000BASE transceiver module is made for multimode fibre only. It’s the replacement of GLC-SX-MM which features an enhanced DOM interface. And this SFP fibre transceiver module operates on legacy 50 µm multimode fibre links up to 550 meters.

Transceiver Module
GLC-SX-MMD
Interface
LC duplex
Wavelength
850nm
Tx Power
-9.5 ~ – 3dBm
Receiver Sensitivity
< -17dBm
DOM Support
Yes
Temperature Range
0 to 70°C (32 to 158°F)
Cable Type
MMF
Price(US dollars)
6.00
GLC-SX-MM-RGD Datasheet

The GLC-SX-MM-RGD transceiver module is designed for Industrial Ethernet applications, including factory automation, intelligent transportation system and other deployments in hash environment. Compared with the ordinary transceivers which can endure the temperature ranging from 0 to 70°C,CLC-SX-MM-RGD can survive in the temperature from -40 to 85°C. It can support up to 550 meters of cabling.

Transceiver Module
GLC-SX-MM-RGD
Interface
LC duplex
Wavelength
850nm
Tx Power
-9.5 ~ – 3dBm
Receiver Sensitivity
< -17dBm
DOM Support
Yes
Temperature Range
-40 to 85°C (-40 to 185°F)
Cable Type
MMF
Price(US dollars)
6.00
SFP-GE-S Datasheet

The Cisco SFP-GE-S transceiver provides a high performance and cost-effective small form factor pluggable module for 1000BASE-SX Gigabit Ethernet and 1G Fibre Channel application. It’s designed for short wavelength applications. The max distance for this transceiver module is 550 meters. Besides, it also supports DOM.

Transceiver Module
SFP-GE-S
Interface
LC duplex
Wavelength
850nm
Tx Power
-9.5 ~ – 3dBm
Receiver Sensitivity
< -17dBm
DOM Support
Yes
Temperature Range
0 to 70°C (32 to 158°F)
Cable Type
MMF
Price(US dollars)
6.00

Differences of GLC-SX-MM VS GLC-SX-MMD VS GLC-SX-MM-RGD VS SFP-GE-S

From the above Cisco transceiver datasheet, we have learned that these Cisco transceiver modules share many similarities. All of them can support up to 550 meters over multimode fibres. And they are designed with the same 850m wavelength, Tx power and LC duplex interface. The main difference is the DOM (Digital Optical Monitoring) function and operating temperature.

·DOM function

Except GLC-SX-MM, all the others support DOM. With this function, users can monitor the transceiver module’s parameters in real time like optical input and output power, temperature and so on.

·Operating Temperature

GLC-SX-MM, GLC-SX-MMD and SFP-GE-S can work at the same temperature ranging from 0 to 70°C. But GLC-SX-MM-RGD SFP transceiver can work in a wider operating temperature of -40 to 85°, which is especially suitable for industrial Ethernet switches.

Conclusion

According to the above discussion, we can say GLC-SX-MM, GLC-SX-MMD, GLC-SX-MM-RGD and SFP-GE-S transceivers share many similarities. However, please note that the differences still exist, and ensure the transceiver module you choose will be compatible with the existing networking equipment. FS.COM is the one-stop shop to help you get these Cisco transceivers and other networking products that are compatible with the Cisco transceivers. If you have any questions in buying guide, please contact us via sales@fs.com.

What’s the Difference Between Cisco GLC-SX-MM and Cisco GLC-SX-MMD?

Cisco 1000BASE SFPs keep a huge market share in the optic area. Cisco SFPs offer users optical solutions for long distance and short distance transmission. For short distance, there are 1000BASE SX SFP, such as Cisco GLC-SX-MM and Cisco GLC-SX-MMD. Though these two modules have great similarity, they are actually different. Then what’s the difference? This article will introduce the details of Cisco GLC-SX-MM and Cisco GLC-SX-MMD SFP transceiver modules.

glc-sx-mm

Cisco GLC-SX-MM

Cisco GLC-SX-MM 1000BASE-SX SFP is a duplex transceiver for short distance transmission, operating at the wavelength of 850 nm at the data rate of 1Gbps. It connects with OM2 multimode LC patch cords supporting up to 550 meters. The hot-swappable 1000BASE-SX SFP is compatible with the IEEE 802.3z 1000BASE-SX standard. And it’s RoHS compliant.

Cisco GLC-SX-MMD

Cisco GLC-SX-MMD 1000BASE-SX SFP is another type of hot-swappable optical transceiver for short reach data transmission. This 1000Base-SX transceiver supports data rates up to 1.25Gbps. Same to Cisco GLC-SX-MM SFP, it also has duplex LC interference. Connecting with OM2 MMF, it can support the distance up to 550 meters. It’s compliant with SFP Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) standards. Cisco GLC-SX-MMD is composed of five parts: the LD driver, the limiting amplifier, the digital diagnostic monitor, the VCSEL laser and the PIN photo-detector. The Digital Diagnostic Monitoring (DDM) function is its special feature.

DDM of GLC-SX-MMD

From the above content, you can see the main difference between these two transceivers is the DDM. When you buy SFP transceivers in the market, you may come across this selection difficulty whether to choose an SFP with DDM or not. So what’s DDM?

DDM is short for digital diagnostic monitoring. It’s also known as diagnostic optical monitoring (DOM). Diagnostic monitoring interface outlined in the SFF-8472 MSA is an extension of the serial ID interface defined in the GBIC specification, as well as in the SFP MSA. Today, many SFP transceivers have the function of digital diagnostics monitoring according to the industry standard MSA SFF-8472. It provides the important information about the status of the transmitted and received signals. This approach allows for better fault isolation and error detection.

DDM mainly plays the role in two sides: monitoring and warning. It monitors detailed information about a transceiver. And it offers a system of alarm and warning flags which alert the host system when particular operating parameters are not in line with the normal operating parameters set by the factory. So users can find out the fault isolation according to outcomes of DDM, and predict failure possibilities and prevent such fault.

Real-time monitoring—With a 2-wire serial bus (also known as “I2C” or “I2C” protocol), digital diagnostics can monitor the SFP module’s temperature, receiver power, transmitter bias current, and transmitter power by a microcontroller inside the transceiver. Usually, the output of the physical value of each parameter is an analog voltage or current from the Trans impedance amplifier, the laser driver, or the post amplifier. Then the digitalised value can be processed as part of a control loop, trigger an alarm, or just record the data into a register.

Calibration and warning thresholds—In addition to generating digital readings of internal analog values, DDM can also produce various status bits. Calibration and warning thresholds value is made during the device manufacturing process. Comparing current values generated by DDM and factory preset limits, users will know whether or not the transceivers have met the desired operation requirements.

FS.COM Cisco Compatible GLC-SX-MM SFPs

FS.COM brings Cisco compatible 1000BASE-SX SFPs including GLC-SX-MM and GLC-SX-MMD SFPs.
The 1000BASE-SX standard optics are developed to support lower cost multi-mode fibre runs in horizontal and shorter-length backbone applications. The following figure shows two Cisco GLC-SX-MM SFP transceivers are connected by an LC MMF patch cable.

glc-sx-mm-connection

Item Part No. Description
a. 11774 Cisco GLC-SX-MM Compatible 1000BASE-SX SFP 850nm 550m Transceiver
b. 43132 2M LC UPC to LC UPC Duplex 2.0mm PVC(OFNR) OM2 Fibre Optic Patch Cable
b. 11774 Cisco GLC-SX-MM Compatible 1000BASE-SX SFP 850nm 550m Transceiver

Note: you can use GLC-SX-MMD SFPs to replace GLC-SX-MM SFPs for shorter-length backbone application, too.

Conclusion

This article introduces Cisco GLC-SX-MM and Cisco GLC-SX-MMD SFP transceivers. Both kinds can realise short distance connection. The difference is that GLC-SX-MMD has DDM function while the other has no. So it’s up to you to decide whether you need DDM function to monitor parameters of the SFP. Fiberstore supplies optical transceivers with DDM and without DDM to satisfy customers’ different needs. If you need more information, please contact us via sales@fs.com or visit our site www.fs.com/uk.

Related Article: A Quick Overview of Cisco 1000BASE-T GLC-T SFP Copper Module

How to Choose Satisfying Cisco SFP Transceiver Modules?

Today, various types of 1000BASE SFP transceiver modules can be found in the market. But should you choose one for long distance and short distance application? Or buy copper optics? Which brand is the most reliable and cost-effective, Cisco, HP, Avago, etc.? Do the third-party optics operate as well? So how to find satisfying SFP transceiver modules which suit your switch most? Now keep reading this article and you will get the method. Take three most common types of Cisco SFP modules as example.

Three Types of Cisco SFP Modules
GLC-SX-MM SFP

This GLC-SX-MM 1000BASE-SX SFP transceiver module is a duplex SFP transceiver for optical communications. It can support the data rate of 1Gbps reaching the distance up to 550 meters over OM2 multimode cable. The GLC-SX-MM transceiver operates at 850nm wavelength. It’s compatible with the IEEE 802.3z 1000BASE-SX standard, which is usually applied in Gigabit Ethernet. There are also GLC-SX-MMD and GLC-SX-MM-RGD SFP modules. “D” of GLC-SX-MMD means Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM) support which supports transceiver monitoring and troubleshooting operations. “RGD” of GLC-SX-MM-RGD refers to rugged (RGD) transceiver module, which features enhanced ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection, and extended operating temperature range.

cisco_glc-sx-mm

GLC-LX-SM SFP

The Cisco GLC-LH-SM 1000BASE-LX/LH transceiver is an LC duplex SFP transceiver applied for Gigabit Ethernet network. This module is designed for both short distance and long distance data transmission. If connecting with single-mode fibre patch cable, it can reach up to 10 km. If connecting with multimode fibre patch cable, it can go up to 550 meters. The GLC-LH-SM transceiver operates at 1310nm wavelength. This transceiver is compliant with Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) standards. LX means long wavelengths and LH is short for long haul. 1000BASE-LX is the Gigabit Ethernet standard specified to work over a distance of 5 km over single-mode fibre cable. 1000BASE-LH and 1000BASE-LH/LX are often used by the manufacturers. Thus, we often see 1000BASE-LX/LH instead of 1000BASE-LX.cisco-glc-lx-sm

GLC-T SFP

The GLC-T 1000BASE-T SFP is a hot-swappable input/output device that plugs into a Gigabit Ethernet port or slot, linking the port with the network. It supports the max data rate of 1000Mbps reaching 100 meters links over copper cables such as Cat5, Cat5e or Cat6a. This transceiver is fully compliant with the MSA and 1000BASE-T standards as specified in IEEE 802.3-2002 and IEEE 802.3ab.

glc-t

Original Cisco or Third-party?

“Third-party” means a supplier (or service provider) who is not directly controlled by either the seller (first party) or the customer/buyer (second party) in a business transaction. For fibre optics industry, all fibre optic transceivers are defined by Multi-Source Agreement (MSA). MSAs strictly define the operating characteristics of fibre optic networking equipment. Therefore, as long as a manufacturer complies to MSA guidelines, their transceiver modules will function and operate identically to other manufacturer’s MSA-compliant transceivers. For example, the above fibre optics like GLC-SX-MM, GLC-LH-SM and GLC-T made by FS.COM are completely compatible with Cisco networking equipment.

Whether to buy original or compatible SFPs may depend on the the cost. Original SFPs are much more expensive than the third-party modules. Using the third-party optics can absolutely help you save the cost. Considering the third-party SFPs from the third vendor, you may worry about the quality and compatibility. As to Cisco compatible GLC-SX-MM, GLC-T, GLC-LH-SM SFP modules, lots of vendors can produce these optics. So it’s necessary to ask information about OEMs and compatibility test from your third-party optics supplier.

Conclusion

From the above introduction, you must have a well understanding about three common Cisco 1000BASE SFPs. When choosing SFP modules, you should consider whether it matches the switch port and the cable you have prepared. If you have multimode cable, then you can choose GLC-SX-MM 1000BASE SFP. If you use single-mode fibre cable, you should select GLC-LH-SM 1000BASE SFP. While if your cable is copper category, you have to use GLC-T 1000BASE-T SFP. On condition that your budget doesn’t allow you to buy original brand module, you can buy the third-party optics from FS.COM with Cisco, Avago, HP and other compatible brands. All the optics have gone through test for 100% compatibility. Any question, please contact us via sales@fs.com.

Cisco Switch Controllers Accepted these SFP Modules

A distribution system port connects the controller to a neighbor switch and is used as the data path between these two devices. This paper talk about a few common methods on the models that have these options. Cisco 4402 controllers have two Gigabit Ethernet distribution system ports, each of which is capable of managing up to 48 access points (AP). Cisco 4404 controllers have four Gigabit Ethernet distribution system ports, each of which is capable of managing up to 48 APs per port. The 4404-25, 4404-50, and 4404-100 models allow a total of 25, 50, or 100 APs to join the controller. The Gigabit Ethernet ports on the 4402 and 4404 controllers accept these SX/LC/T SFP modules:

  • 1000BASE-SX SFP modules, which provide a 1000-Mbps wired connection to a network through an 850nm (SX) fibre-optic link using an LC physical connector
  • 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP modules, which provide a 1000-Mbps wired connection to a network through a 1300nm (LX/LH) fibre-optic link using an LC physical connector
  • 1000BASE-T SFP modules, which provide a 1000-Mbps wired connection to a network through a copper link using an RJ-45 physical connector

1000BASE-T SFP modules

The Cisco 5508 controllers have eight Gigabit Ethernet distribution system ports through which the controller can manage multiple APs. The 5508-12, 5508-25, 5508-50, 5508-100, and 5508-250 models allow for 12, 25, 50, 100, or 250 APs to join the controller. Cisco 5508 controllers have no restrictions on the number of APs per port. However, Cisco recommends using link aggregation (LAG) or configuring dynamic AP-Manager interfaces on each Gigabit Ethernet port to automatically balance the load. If more than 100 APs are connected to the 5500 series controller, make sure that more than one Gigabit Ethernet interface is connected to the upstream switch. The Gigabit Ethernet ports on the 5508 series controller, make sure that more than one Gigabit Ethernet interface is connected to the upstream switch. The Gigabit Ethernet ports on the 5508 controllers accept these SX/LC/T small-factor plug-in (SFP) modules:

  • 1000BASE-SX SFP modules, which provide a 1000-Mbps wired connection to a network through an 850nm (SX) fibre-optic link using an LC physical connector
  • 1000BASE-LX SFP modules, which provide a 1000-Mbps wired connection to a network through a 1300nm (LX/LH) fibre-optic link using an LC physical connector
  • 1000BASE-T SFP modules, which provide a 1000-Mbps wired connection to a network through a copper link using an RJ-45 physical connector

The Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Gigabit Ethernet interface module is a premier modular multilayer switch and delivers secure converged services from the wiring closet to the core, to the data centre, to the WAN edge. Designed to complement the many roles that the Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series plays in a network, Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series mixed media Gigabit Ethernet modules offer the broadest selection of media, densities, performance, interoperability, and chassis deployments for enterprises and service providers. The Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Gigabit Ethernet Interface Module accept these SX, LX/LH, ZX and CWDM/DWDM SFP modules:

  • GLC-SX-MM, 1000BASE-SX SFP (multimode only) Dual LC connector
  • GLC-ZX-SM, 1000BASE-ZX SFP (single mode only) Dual LC connector
  • GLC-LH-SM SFP, 1000BASE-LX SFP (single mode only) Dual LC connector
  • GLC-T SFP, 1000BASE-T SFP (copper twisted pair) RJ-45 connector
  • CWDM-SFP-1470=*, Cisco CWDM SFP 1470 nm; Gigabit Ethernet and 1G/2G FC
  • DWDM-GBIC-60.61***, 1000BASE-DWDM 1560.61 Nm GBIC (100 GHz ITU grid)

Related Article:

Netgear AGM731F Compatible SFP for Gigabit Ethernet and Fibre Channel Applications
SFP Transceiver Module for Cisco 3560 Series Switches