Linking two sites with fiber on cisco switch

[twarsal01]

Hi Geeks,

Im a newbie with cisco here but Im of the intention to setup my new network with cisco equipment and I require some expert advice here.

First of all, we have two sites in two different locations, and we are planning to implement fiber between them. I suggested that we link up the two sites with a layer 2 cisco switch(switch that do support fiber connection). Our two sites would be independent , I dont know what type of fiber to use (single or multimode ) and I dont really know how to connect and terminate the fiber on the switches and I also dont know which layer 2 switch would be best for this connection.

Appreciate any feedback or advice here that might help.

Thank you

[Leo Laohoo]

I dont know what type of fiber to use (single or multimode ) and I dont really know how to connect and terminate the fiber on the switches and I also dont know which layer 2 switch would be best for this connection.

Depends on the distance of the link.  I am suspecting it's going to be single-mode.  If it is single mode, I'd recommend you specify that the link use OS2 standard.  

As to the fibre termination, it all depends on you.  You can choose between SC or LC termination.

[twarsal01]

Hi Leo, Thanks. B/W when you say OS2 you mean Layer 2 standard? Also, what if in the future I would need to add a layer 3 device would it be possible on the OS2 link??

Finally for the switch selection, I have a pick on Cisco 2960-S 24 port for both ends and should be able to have ports like SFP for fiber....

Thanks

[Leo Laohoo]

when you say OS2 you mean Layer 2 standard?

No.  OS2 is a physical standard for the single-mode fibre.  There are two types:  OS1 (old/legacy) and OS2.  Current standard is OS2.   One of the benefits of OS2 is the speed it can support.   10 Gbps and 40 Gbps on OS2 fibre optic cable is supported.

Also, what if in the future I would need to add a layer 3 device would it be possible on the OS2 link??

Of course.

[twarsal01]

Thanks Leo, One final question. once the switch are linked up successfully, does the fiber actually act like a trunk link that will allow any configured VLANS to pass through it between the two switches??

Thanks again.

[Kane Alvarez]

Hi twarsal01,

1) I would recommend that you go with 2960-X series of switches instead of 2960-S's. The 2960-X provides better architecture, features, and performance than the 2960-S, doubling the feature set. Take this also as an investment protection since the 2960-S will no longer be available for sale from Cisco as of Nov. 6, 2015.

End-of-Sale and End-of-Life Announcement for the Cisco Catalyst 2960-S Series and 2960-SF Series Switches
(see Tables 1 & 2)
http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/switches/catalyst-2960-series-switches/eos-eol-notice-c51-733348.html

Based on your requirement, the part number to use is WS-C2960X-24TS-L (Catalyst 2960-X 24 GigE, 4 x 1G SFP, LAN Base) with a list price of USD 2, 395.00.
 

Cisco Catalyst 2960-X Series Switches Compare Models

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/switches/catalyst-2960-x-series-switches/models-comparison.html

2) For SFP module, you can go for either of the two below which supports distance of up to 10 km.

GLC-BX-D= (1000BASE-BX SFP, 1490NM) = USD 1,300.00

GLC-BX-U= (1000BASE-BX SFP, 1310NM)= USD 1,300.00

Cisco SFP and SFP+ Transceiver Module Installation Notes
(see table 4)
http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/interfaces_modules/transceiver_modules/installation/note/78_15160.html

Cisco Gigabit Ethernet Transceiver Modules Compatibility Matrix
(see WS-C2960X-24TS-L under Catalyst 2960X Series)
http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/interfaces_modules/transceiver_modules/compatibility/matrix/GE_Tx_Matrix.html

3) Lastly, yes, 802.1Q protocol (trunking) is what you need in order to have both switches communicate with multiple VLAN's configured over a single link.

Catalyst 2960-X Switch VLAN Configuration Guide, Cisco IOS Release
15.0(2)EX
(see Configuring VLANs and Configuring VLAN Trunks)
http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/switches/lan/catalyst2960x/software/15-0_2_EX/vlan/configuration_guide/b_vlan_152ex_2960-x_cg.pdf

Please mark as answered if this is the information you seek :)

Have a great one!

.:|:.:|:.
Kane Q. Alvarez
Technical Pre-sales Specialist
Cisco Global Virtual Engineering
kaalvare@cisco.com

[Leo Laohoo]

2) For SFP module, you can go for either of the two below which supports distance of up to 10 km.

GLC-BX-D= (1000BASE-BX SFP, 1490NM) = USD 1,300.00
GLC-BX-U= (1000BASE-BX SFP, 1310NM) = USD 1,300.00

Are you friggin nuts, mate???  Without knowing what the OP wants, can do and want to do, you're giving him recommendations based on the HIGHEST PRICE????  

Do me/all of us a favour?  If you want to post sales-related garbage, LOOSE YOUR AVATAR/SIGNATURE.  You give Cisco a really bad name.  :P

[Kane Alvarez]

Hi Leo,

BTW, the pricing information are based on list price. The suggestion is also not based on any pricing (or post-sales-related garbage that you mentioned) but only based on the requirements he mentioned such as an SFP transceiver, distance to cover which he mentioned on this previous post (6 km), and compatibility of the recommended switch.

Here's the other post.

https://supportforums.cisco.com/discussion/12475991/connecting-two-layer-2-switches-fiber

Not to coerce the thread starter. All the information provided are recommendations. I posted all the supporting documents.

I respected your own opinion. I was hoping that you could do the same. We have the same goal of helping him. :)

[twarsal01]

Thank you Leo and Kane. I would have to rate both of yours answers as correct since they both enlightened and gave me a much better understanding on the problem solution. 

Thank you Guys!

[Kane Alvarez]

Hi twarsal01,

Thank YOU! My goal is to be of help. I apologize since I feel that I disrespected your post for having a not-so-good kind of conversation with a fellow member of the community.

You have a great day! :)

.:|:.:|:.
Kane Q. Alvarez
Technical Pre-sales Specialist
Cisco Global Virtual Engineering
kaalvare@cisco.com

[Leo Laohoo]

BTW, the pricing information are based on list price. The suggestion is also not based on any pricing (or post-sales-related garbage that you mentioned) but only based on the requirements he mentioned such as an SFP transceiver, distance to cover which he mentioned on this previous post (6 km), and compatibility of the recommended switch.

Thank you for removing your Signature.  Now please do the same with the Avatar are remove it.  Put your Signature and Avatar back in when you're really, really sure your sales recommendation can't be disreputed by anyone else in this forum.    

Please don't respond this way.  You're from Sales.  You should know your products more than I do.  

How much is one piece of GLC-BX-D or GLC-BX-U?  From CCW, I can see the price of AU$2,175.03.  

How much is one piece of GLC-LH-SMD?  From CCW, I can see the price of AU$1,664.73.  

Next, practicality:  If the OP doesn't know anything about fibre optics, why would anyone recommend to use "BX"?  

Next, compatibility:  2960X and BX interface.  Then one's got to be nuts combining these two components together.  2960X IOS is having difficult time working with SFP/SFP+ other than the standard GLC-SX-MMD and/or GLC-LH-SMD (or the SFP+ variety).  Anything else and you'll be guaranteed to run into trouble. 

Finally, you recommend 2960X ... I wouldn't recommend 2960X because the IOS is not mature.  I know for a fact because I've got both 2960S & 2960X in my network and I'm really tempted to rip out our 2960X and replace them all with 2960S.  

[Leo Laohoo]

once the switch are linked up successfully, does the fiber actually act like a trunk link that will allow any configured VLANS to pass through it between the two switches??

The fibre optic doesn't care what passes through.  All the Trunk configuration is done on the switch.