Cisco catalyst 2960-S series SI switches

[amanzoorfern]

Hi there,

I have two Cisco 48 port Catalyst 2960-S series SI. Instead of buying the pricy stack modules can I only use the SFP+cable to connect them as stack? which type of SFP+cable should I buy? do I need any license to use those SFP ports?

Need help

Regards

[Reza Sharifi]

Hi,

No, you can't use the SFP ports to stack the switches together, however you can use SFP ports to connect the switches together. 

If you want to use the SFP ports you need the right SFP optic and fibe patch cord to connect them together.

In general, SFP ports are used to uplink one switch to another.  For example connecting a access switch to a distro switch would be one case.  This is if you distance is more then 100 meters.

BTW, there is no need for license when using the SFP ports.

HTH

[amanzoorfern]

Thanks Reza,

Would this SFP+ Active cable be good to buy? (the middle one)

http://www.diablocable.com/sfp-and-sfp-cables.html

[Reza Sharifi]

Hi,

The link you provided is for Twinax cable.  Before you purchase this, you need to check and to make sure you can use Twinax with 2900s series switches, because not every switch model support it.  If your switch does not support it, then you just need to get a couple of Multimode SFPs and also a Multimode LC/LC fiber patch cord and connect them together.

Here is the part numbers:

MM SFP

SFP-10G-SR

for fiber patch cord refer to this link:

http://fibertronics-store.com/LC-LC-Duplex-Patch-Cable-Multimode-50-2-Meters-Long-PC-KK5D30V02M.htm

Make sure you pick the correct length of the cable you need

HTH

[amanzoorfern]

I can see the fiber optic cable from the link but having a hard time finding the MM SFP from the site.  Is there a complete cable + the SFP + connectors available which are compatible to Cisco 2960?  Appreciate.

Regards

[Reza Sharifi · Accepted solution]

The part number I provided you is from the data sheet.  Be careful with SFPs from 3rd part vendors, as some of them work with Cisco equipment and some don't.  The best way is to contact your Cisco sales guy about the SFP with that part number.  If you want to risk and try a 3rd part company, the best one that I have seen work with Cisco is from Transition Networks.

look under Cisco compatable SFP+ in this link:

http://www.transition.com/TransitionNetworks/Resources/en/PDF/SFPLineCard.pdf

HTH

[amanzoorfern]

Thanks Reza,

The guidance was perfect.  I contacted transition and they will send me via re-seller the DAC cable which will solve my purpose.  Regards

[Reza Sharifi]

Hi,

Looking at the data sheet, I don't see Twinax being supported.

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/switches/ps5718/ps6406/product_data_sheet0900aecd80322c0c.html

HTH

[Leo Laohoo]

As far as I'm aware, SFP+ modules are more expensive than the 2960S stacking modules. 

[amanzoorfern]

leolahohoo:

Thanks for the reply but I am not interested in buying the module.  I need only the SFP type cable and SFP connectors.