Can I mix a FIBER GBIC and a COPPER GBIC on a single switch?

[jhotles]

I am trying to run 4 different wiring closets back to a main core switch room (HUB AND SPOKE) -

I'm running at the spokes or wiring closets the 8 port GIG 3560's w/ 2 SFP Ports.

I'm running in the main core a single 2960 W/ 4 SFP Ports.

My question, 2 of the 4 closets are less than 300 Ft or 100 Metres and 2 of the 4 are about 2000 Ft or roughly 700 Metres which means I can get away with running COPPER to the closer 2 but require Fibre at the further 2 -

Can I mix 2 Copper GBICS and 2 Fiber GBICS on a single 2960 Core switch in the main wiring closet? I have never done it, nor do I know anything about doing it - Is this supported and or recommended?

Thanks ya'll.

[Reza Sharifi · Accepted solution]

Can I mix 2 Copper GBICS and 2 Fiber GBICS on a single 2960 Core switch in the main wiring closet?

Sure, use copper for the 2 closets that are closer and fiber for the closets that are not.  For the fiber closets, if the distance is 700 Meters or more, you may need to use single mode fiber as multimode fiber distance limitation is less then 500 meters.  What type of fiber do you have between the far closets and main computer room?

HTH

[jhotles]

We have not installed anything yet thus far - This is a design question solely.

I was going to do multi-mode for the 2 far ones and then Copper on the closer ones, but now that you have told me that I will research this. I thought I was going to be ok...

Thanks for the heads up!

[Reza Sharifi · Accepted solution]

Good to hear you have not installed the fiber yet, as the distance makes a big difference.  You would defiantly be safe with Single Mode as 700 Meters is pretty long.  The cable and optics for single is more expensive than multimode, but for this distance you need it.

Good Luck