SFP for Cisco 3560v2

[mstraetemans]

Hello,

Im pretty new to Cisco switches and optical networking.

In one of our subsidiary we have a HP procurve switch with an SFP module like this one

http://www.imldirect.nl/pgProduct.cfm?CATALOGID=156&PARTID=262341&Appvar=17960&gclid=CMydi9_Z9rMCFSnJtAodFRoA_Q

We decided to replace the switch with a Cisco Catalyst 3560V2 24port 10/100 PoE. Before I went there I bought an GLC-SX-MM SFP thinking it would work but apparently it's a single mode optical because if it was multimode my SFP would work right?

Anyways I have to buy a new one for it to work but I'm doubting between 2 SFP's

At first I wanted to buy this one:

GLC-LH-SM=

1000BASE-LX/LH SFP transceiver module for MMF and SMF, 1300-nm wavelength

But when I look at the specs of the HP SFP it has a 1310nm wavelength. So then I saw these SFP's which all have 1310nm wavelength.

GLC-BX-D=

1000BASE-BX10 SFP transceiver module for single strand SMF, 1490-nm TX/1310-nm RX wavelength

GLC-BX-U=

1000BASE-BX10 SFP transceiver module for single strand SMF, 1310-nm TX/1490-nm RX wavelength

GLC-GE-100FX=

• 100BASE-FX SFP transceiver module for Gigabit Ethernet ports, 1310 nm wavelength, 2 km over MMF • Not supported on the Cisco Catalyst 3560-8PC compact switch

I'm really at a loss here, can someone help me which one is the one I need?

Thanks in advance!

Kind regards,

Michael

[Tom Randstrom]

Michael:

The key you are looking for on the HP optical transceiver module data sheet is it is a 1000Base-LX (Gigabit Ethernet, Long reach type, 1310nm); the standard the module is designed to. You were correct that the Cisco part that meets this specification is SFP-GE-L (or the GLC-LH-SM, which is reaching end-of-life).

When selecting any Cisco SFP (or any optical transceiver module), make sure you confirm compatibility between the module and the blade it will be installed in (not all module types are tested/compatible in every hardware blade) ; using the information found on the link below:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/modules/ps5455/products_device_support_tables_list.html

Let us know if you have additional questions.  I have a optical transceivers cheat sheet in my documents folder.

Hope this helps! 

Tom

[mstraetemans]

Hello Tom,

Thank you for your answer.

I was already looking on this datasheet of the switch for the compatibility between the module and blade:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/switches/ps5718/ps5528/data_sheet_c78-530976.html

But I see it doesn't mention anything about the SFP-GE-L on datasheet while on your link it does, so I guess I better use your link. Now I found info on the SFP-GE-L

SFP-GE-L=

1000BASE-LX/LH SFP transceiver module for MMF and SMF, 1300-nm  wavelength, extended operating temperature range and DOM support, dual  LC/PC connector

But it is 1300-nm wavelength while the HP was 1310-nm. Will this be a problem? Can I neglect the 10-nm?

Best regards,

Michael

[Tom Randstrom · Accepted solution]

The compatibility document is maintained by the Transceiver Group and is updated more frequently than the Platform data sheets (which tend to get released and only changed for major feature changes). 

If you look at the SFP data sheet, it lists the 1000BASE-LX/LH as 1310nm.  This module can work over MMF or SMF, and traditional laser nomenclature for MMF is 1300nm and SMF being 1310nm.  I can't remember the technical reason why. 

You should be good to go. 

[mstraetemans]

Thank you Tom you're a life saver!

I guess I'll buy the SFP-GE-L since the GLC-LH-SM is reaching end-of-life

Kind regards,

Michael

[mstraetemans]

Hello,

I have another question regarding the SFP-GE-L. I contacted my suppliers for the price for a SFP-GE-L SFP and most of them are around 600 dollars.

Then I found one on amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000FKP55A/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=

How come they are so cheap there?

Kind regards,

Michael

[Marvin Rhoads]

Because the 3rd party vendor is likely not an authorized reseller and you won't get Cisco support if that hardware fails.

The origin of those transceivers may be Cisco as far as manufacture but they might have come out of some company that shut down and sold off their network, could have been sitting in a technician's kit when he left, etc.

Personally if I was going to put my production network across a link I'd want to not cut corners too closely by going with unknown 3rd party suppliers just to save $500. If I was build a home lab, perhaps.

[Tom Randstrom]

Adding to Marvin's concerns:  I noticed the feedback for this Amazon seller indicates they have shipped non-Cisco hardware to other buyers, even though it sounds like they were advertising original Cisco product. 

Good luck!