Optical Connection

[thisistim]

Hello,

We will have a fiber optic connection that has only

been described to me as 'single mode fiber using a

LC connector' and I am having trouble choosing a

Catalyst configuration that will be compatible.

I typically use the Cisco Configuration Tool when I

choose a router configuration, but when I use this

tool to configure a Catalyst it does not give much

options with respect to the SFP modules etc...

So, my question is: what is the minimum switch

configuration I will need to terminate single mode

fiber with a LC connector?

My initial thoughts were that I could use a 3560

with the GLC-LH-SM SFP, however the Cisco Configuration Tool does not allow this combination.

Thanks in advance.

[thisistim]

Let me try to answer my own question...

If the switch has a GBIC module slot, then I can use

WS-G5486 (1000Base-LX/LH) for a single mode fiber and

if the switch has a SFP slot, then I can use GLC-LH-SM

(1000Base-LX/LH) ...

As to why the configuration tool does not agree with this, I have no idea.

[konigl]

You are correct, switches can be had with either GBIC or SFP optical transceivers. Some switches can even have both. (For example, Cat6500 series.)

But having LC connectors on the fiber patch panel doesn't necessarily force you to use a switch that takes SFPs. If the switch you want happens to take GBICs with SC connectors, all you need is a fiber patch cable with the appropriate connectors: SC at one end, and LC at the other end.

Are you just looking for the least expensive Cisco switch that can take a single-mode fiber hand-off on a modular optical transceiver? Because GBICs and SFPs are basically priced the same. That's generally true for fiber patch cables, too, regardless of connector type (ST, SC, MT-RJ, LC).

[thisistim]

Thanks for the response.

I understand about the different patch cables that could convert from LC to other type of connectors,

however (as you guessed) I was looking for the least

expensive Cisco Switch to make the single-mode

connection. I was thinking that the capability to

terminate single-mode fiber as being the deciding

factor in Catalyst selection in this case.

[konigl]

The least expensive switch in Cisco's product line that will take a Gigabit Ethernet optical transceiver is the 12-port Catalyst 2950G. (Cisco product number WS-C2950G-12-EI, list price US$2,295.)

It takes a 1000BASE-LX/LH GBIC. (Cisco product number WS-G5486=, list price US$995.)

I use the 24-port version, for pretty much the same reasons: low price and ability to terminate SMF connections. (The 24-port costs only US$200 more than the 12-port, and I can use the extra ports.)

The least expensive non-Cisco way I would recommend in order to terminate a Gigabit LX fiber feed is to use a 10/100/1000TX (copper) to 1000LX (fiber) media converter. Models from Transition Networks can be had for under US$1,000.