SG500 5Gb SFP module

[gerradferrier]

Hello,

I was wondering what fibre SFP module I use to stack SG500 switches at 5Gb.

In the datasheet it says SFP-10G-SR can be used for 10Gb stacks with SG500X switches but doesnt say if it can or can't be used on the SG500.

I am using mulitmode fibre and the distance is less than 200m.

Thanks.

[Tom Watts]

The SFP-10G-SR is unsupported on the SG500. The following should work for 5g on the SG500 (nonx) using the s3/s4 port.

Cisco SFPH10GB-CU1M –Copper Cable

Cisco SFPH10GB-CU3M –Copper Cable

Cisco SFPH10GB-CU5M –Copper Cable

-Tom

[gerradferrier]

Thanks for that Tom.

I know those cables will allow me to stack when the switches are all located next to each other but the layout I have means some of the switches are not in the same area and need to be connected by multimode fibre.

Ideally I would like them to stack, but as a minimum they will need to connect with 5Gb to provide adequate bandwidth.

Does the SFP-10G-SR module allow me to do this?

If not is there an alternative 5Gb module?

thanks.

Gerrad.

[Tom Watts]

Hi Gerrard, the following are 5G for the stack ports on SX500 for the s3/s4 NOT the s1/s2

Cisco SFPH10GB-CU1M –Copper Cable

Cisco SFPH10GB-CU3M –Copper Cable

Cisco SFPH10GB-CU5M –Copper Cable

-Tom

[gerradferrier]

Thanks Tom, I already know about the copper cables.

What I need to know is can I use a fibre module to interconnect the switches with 5Gb?

Stacking would be a bonus but not vital.

If I can use fibre you please let me know what module I will need.

If not are they going to allow this in future on SG500 or will I have to specify SG500X and use 10Gb?

Thanks.

[Tom Watts]

Hi Gerrard,

Reference the data sheet section "ports". On a SX500, when operating in standalone, the s3/s4 should be 1g/5g 'normal port'.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/switches/ps10903/ps12128/c78-695646_data_sheet.html

-Tom

[gerradferrier]

Sorry Tom it still isn't clear, because the documents don't tell me the answer to my questions.

1. Can I connect SG500 switches with 5Gb over fibre?
2. If so what module do I use?
3. Will it stack over this connection? this isnt that important.

Thanks,

Gerrad .

[Tom Watts]

1.) Yes

2.) 

Cisco SFPH10GB-CU1M –Copper Cable,

Cisco SFPH10GB-CU3M –Copper Cable

Cisco SFPH10GB-CU5M –Copper Cable

3.) If the switch is in stack mode, it can stack at 5g using the forementioned SFP

-Tom

[quadium_01 · Accepted solution]

Tom, this had to be the most infuriating conversation to read. The poster kept asking for which SFP to use to operate at 5G over FIBRE, and you kept giving him COPPER options at a limited cable length. He said repeatedly that the Copper Fixed-Length SFP's won't work due to the switches being some distance apart.

Gerrad, according to the Administration Guide, 10GbE Fibre only functions at that speed and can't "drop" to 5GbE. There are no Fibre Modules that run at 5GbE, only at 1GbE and 10GbE. If you require Fibre, your uplink is limited to 1GbE as the SG500 doesn't support 10GbE Fibre.

Check the guide for more info (Page 66/67):

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/switches/lan/csbms/Sx500/administration_guide/500_Series_Admin_Guide.pdf

[gerradferrier]

Thanks David,

I had since found that out myself as it was a little frustrating!!

Since then I have only been specifying 500x where I need to stack over fibre.

thanks for you help,

Gerrad.

[Tom Watts]

Sirs, you are incorrect. I am running 10 gig fiber on SF500 non X at 5 gig. You may reference the admin guide yourself for that clarification as well.

Additionally there was never any distance requirement but less than 200 meter.

Frustrated as you may the answer provides your information. If you need an exact answer provide an exact requirement.

Less than 200 meters really means nothing but the fact Gerrard may use 1 meter or 200 meter.

To be exactly on point to satisfy the gentlement YES, 10 gig fiber WILL negotiate the 5 gig link using the fiber I have listed.

-Tom
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[quadium_01]

Tom, you're are still confusing Fibre with Copper. They aren't the same. Copper will negotiate at 5GbE, but Fibre won't. The admin guide clearly says all the 10GbE fibre modules are unsupported. Copper SFP is a metal wire that transmits via electrical impulse. Fibre is a glass cable that transmits at a specific light frequency, and the speed is pre-configured and doesn't negotiate. They are very, very different. TwinAx Copper comes in lengths of about 27M, Fibre up to 10KM. If you are using the cables you suggested above, then you aren't using Fibre.

[Tom Watts]

Hi David, yes you are right I have neglected the fact it is twinax. It is also correct about fiber. The problem will remain an actual distance.

The copper modules will work perfectly fine for the 5 gig slots up to the available wire length. A 1 gig fiber module such as MGBSX1 would be a suitable 550 meter or less multi mode solution if the distance does exceed the length of the copper or ethernet.

However, what is not clear is a factual distance. Less than 200 meters is ambiguous and there are 3 correct answers. If this is within 30 feet let's say then the 5 gig is by far an exceptional choice. If it will be outside of the 30 feet then another solution such as a multimode fiber using MGBSX1 will do the trick for a 1 gig link for 550 meters. Also running regular Cat6 can also do this trick for less than 100 meter. Or for a different approach, MGBT1 using Cat6 which is an ethernet module.

It is just a matter of having all information since the ONLY distance mentioned is less than 200 meter. Perhaps I could do better and first ask "How far are you truthfully going"? or "Here's 3 options..."

-Tom
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