There are several significant 1000BASE-LX SFP transceiver options available, including GLC-LH-SMD, GLC-LH-SM, SFP-GE-L, and GLC-LX-SM-RGD. Given their comparable specifications, selecting the right 1000BASE-LX fiber SFP module for Cisco switches can be confusing for many users. Therefore, the question arises: How should one make the appropriate choice?
What is GLC-LH-SM?
The GLC-LH-SM is a widely used Cisco 1000Base LX/LH SFP transceiver module. It serves as a 1000BASE-LX / LH transceiver module for both MMF (Multi-Mode Fiber) and SMF (Single-Mode Fiber). The “LH” stands for Long Haul, indicating longer distances, whereas “LX” (Long Wavelength) signifies shorter energy and shorter distances. Operating at a wavelength of 1300 nm, the GLC-LH-SM supports link lengths of up to 10 km over LC duplex SMF fiber.
What is GLC-LH-SMD?
The Cisco GLC-LH-SMD Transceiver with DOM is a Gigabit interface converter designed to connect your switches and routers to the network. It conforms to the IEEE 802.3z 1000BaseLX standard. The “D” in GLC-LH-SMD indicates that this transceiver features added support for Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM) capability. It can achieve a distance of 10 km over single-mode fiber (SMF), surpassing the standard’s specified distance of 5 km.
What is SFP-GE-L?
The SFP-GE-L is a Cisco 1000Base SFP Optical Transceiver. The “GE” stands for Gigabit Ethernet, providing speeds of up to 1 Gbps. The “L” signifies long reach. This transceiver is intended for use with multimode fiber, supporting link distances of up to 550 meters, or with single-mode fiber for spans of up to 10 km.
What is GLC-LX-SM-RGD?
The Cisco GLC-LX-SM-RGD compatible SFP transceiver is designed to support link lengths of up to 10km over LC duplex single-mode fiber (SMF). The term “Rugged” is abbreviated as “RGD.” GLC-LX-SM-RGD transceiver operates at the 1000BASE-LX/LH long wavelength and is specifically engineered for industrial Ethernet applications that require robust performance and reliability.
GLC-LH-SMD vs GLC-LH-SM vs SFP-GE-L vs GLC-LX-SM-RGD, What is the difference?
Now let us make a comparison of GLC-LH-SMD, GLC-LH-SM, SFP-GE-L, and GLC-LX-SM-RGD.
The specifications comparison above reveals several similarities among the four models. All four models share the same data rate, and utilize identical wavelengths, fiber connectors, and fiber cables for the same transmission distances. The primary differentiating factors lie in the presence of the DOM function (Digital Optical Monitoring) and the operating temperature range.
GLC-LH-SMD vs GLC-LH-SM
- GLC-LH-SM is an older model without the DOM function and is now EOL (End of Life). It is available at a lower price compared to the other options.
- GLC-LH-SMD is the upgraded version of GLC-LH-SM and includes an enhanced DOM interface, but it comes at a higher price.
SFP-GE-L vs GLC-LX-SM-RGD
- SFP-GE-L supports DOM function and offers an extended temperature range of -5°C to 85°C, making it suitable for fiber connections in challenging environments. However, this extended temperature range comes with a higher cost compared to GLC-LH-SMD.
- GLC-LX-SM-RGD includes all the features that SFP-GE-L supports, but provides an even wider operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C. It is specifically designed for industrial Ethernet switches and applications that require extreme temperature resilience.
