SFP Modules for Fast Ethernet

[Amit Mahajan]

Hi,

We are looking for fiber-to-ethernet converter.

Is there any SFP module that plugs directly into the Fast Ethernet port of any switch.

Please go through the following link:-

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/modules/ps5455/ps6578/product_data_sheet0900aecd801f931c.html

It says" The Cisco 100BASE-X Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) device (Figure 1) is a  hot-swappable input/output device that plugs into Fast Ethernet ports,  dual-rate Fast/Gigabit Ethernet ports, or Gigabit Ethernet ports of a  Cisco switch or router, linking the port with the fiber cabling network.".

If this module can be plugged in any FE port , is it compatible with only Cisco switches?..

Please reply,

Thanks,

amit

[Tom Randstrom]

You did not provide the model of switch you are using.  Does the switch you are using have an SFP port or does it have fixed electrical RJ45-based ports? 

The link you included is for an SFP optical transceiver module.  This module is designed to be installed in any switch that has an SFP compliant port. The specific switch may have limitations that prevent it from operating with certain SFPs (maybe due to power draw or compliance to regulations), which you will have to confirm with the switch manufacturer.  

If you have fixed Fast Ethernet RJ45 ports on your switch and would like to extend the link length via fiber, then you will need to use a 100Base-T to 100Base-Fx type media converter, similar to the below link.  There are many manufacturers of this type of device (just Google it).

http://www.transition.com/TransitionNetworks/Products2/Static/FastEthernet.aspx

I hope this helps!

[Amit Mahajan]

Hi Tom,

Thanks for your reply,

The unmanaged-switch we are using at far end has fixed 5nos. of RJ45-based ports.The part code is SF100D-05.

Can you brief us more on "this module can be installed in an SFP compliant port". Do you mean to say that SFP compliant port is an Ethernet port with more voltage supply compared to normal Ethernet port?.

The reason we are avoiding 100Base-T to 100Base-Fx type media converter is because we cannot arrange external power socket for the media converter at far end.

Can you also mail us weblink where we get to see the rear-view of the "Cisco 100BASE-X Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) device[GLC-FE-100LX GLC-FE-100LX-RGD GLC-FE-100BX-U GLC-FE-100BX-D]".

Thanks in advance,

Amit

[Tom Randstrom · Accepted solution]

The SFP port is just a place whereby the SFP optical module is seated into the switch (connects internally to power, data buses, etc). The SFP provides the flexibility to install a module to fit the network requirement; whether short-reach fiber, long-reach fiber or even RJ45, without changing an entire line card or switch.  SFP ports are engineered into the switch by a manufacturer, not bolted on after.  The specification for the SFP module and interface slot is detailed in an SFP MSA (Multi-Source Agreement); designed to provide an industry-wide platform to build to.

If your switch has fixed electrical ports and you don't have access to power (for a media converter or other), then the terminating switch will need to be changed to a device that has a fiber interface option. That, or you find a power-over-fiber system with sufficient energy to drive a media converter (which I don't think exists yet). 

Hope this helps!