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Product Features
Technical Overview
This SFP transceiver operates at 1.25 Gigabit Ethernet speeds using 1310nm wavelength optics optimized for single-mode fiber infrastructure. The 1000BASE-EX protocol supports data networking and optical network applications where extended distance connectivity is required between network switches, routers, or other fiber-enabled equipment.
The module features a standard LC duplex connector interface and supports hot-plug installation in compatible SFP slots. Physical dimensions measure 0.50" (12.70 mm) in height, 0.50" (12.70 mm) in width, and 2.20" (55.88 mm) in depth, with a lightweight 0.70 oz (19.84 g) construction suitable for high-density deployments.
Relevant factors for this section include Application/Usage, Total Number of Ports, Connector Type, Interfaces/Ports Details. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Key Product Advantages
This SFP module provides enterprise-grade fiber connectivity with verified compatibility and robust support infrastructure. The combination of extended reach capability, comprehensive monitoring features, and manufacturer-backed warranty delivers exceptional value for network expansion projects.
Verified Cisco Compatibility
Tested for seamless operation with Cisco switches including Firepower, ASR920, IE2000, IE4000, and ASR1000 series. Maintains full functionality without triggering compatibility warnings or voiding existing support contracts.
- Direct GLC-EX-SMD replacement
- No coding required for MSA switches
- Works with Ubiquiti, D-Link, Netgear, Supermicro, TP-Link
Extended Network Monitoring
Digital Diagnostic Monitoring enables real-time performance tracking through SNMP management tools. Monitor temperature, voltage, bias current, transmitted power, and received power for proactive network maintenance.
- Real-time status reporting
- Proactive fault detection
- SNMP integration ready
Deployment / Use Cases
This 1000BASE-EX SFP module is ideal for connecting network equipment across extended distances where copper Ethernet limitations apply. The 40km reach capability makes it suitable for campus networks, metropolitan area connections, and data center inter-building links where single-mode fiber infrastructure is already deployed.
Common deployment scenarios include connecting Cisco switches in distributed enterprise environments, extending network segments between buildings, and establishing reliable backbone connections for service provider networks. The hot-swappable design allows for maintenance and upgrades without network downtime, while the MSA compliance ensures broad compatibility beyond Cisco-specific deployments.
Campus Network Expansion
Connect switches across multiple buildings within educational, corporate, or healthcare campuses using existing single-mode fiber runs. The 40km distance support accommodates most campus-scale deployments without requiring intermediate equipment.
Data Center Interconnects
Establish reliable 1GbE connections between data center facilities or within large data center complexes. The single-mode fiber compatibility and DDM support provide the monitoring capabilities needed for critical infrastructure links.
Physical Profile
The compact SFP form factor measures just 0.50" × 0.50" × 2.20" (12.70 mm × 12.70 mm × 55.88 mm), making it suitable for high-density switch installations where space optimization is critical. The lightweight 0.70 oz (19.84 g) construction minimizes mechanical stress on SFP cages during installation and removal cycles.
- Width
- 0.50" (12.70 mm)
- Depth
- 2.20" (55.88 mm)
- Height
- 0.50" (12.70 mm)
- Weight
- 0.70 oz (19.84 g)
Highlights
- 100% Cisco GLC-EX-SMD compatible for seamless integration
- 1000BASE-EX 1GbE single-mode fiber with LC connector
- Extended 40km (24.8mi) reach for campus and metro deployments
- Digital Diagnostic Monitoring (DDM) for real-time status reporting
- Hot-swappable design for maintenance without network downtime
- Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) compliant for broad switch compatibility
- Works with Cisco Firepower, ASR920, IE2000, IE4000, ASR1000 switches
- Also compatible with Ubiquiti, D-Link, Netgear, Supermicro, TP-Link
- Lifetime warranty backed by StarTech.com technical support
- Environmentally compliant with WEEE, RoHS, and REACH standards
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | StarTech.com |
| Manufacturer Part Number | GLCEXSMDST |
| Brand Name | StarTech.com |
| Product Name | Cisco GLC-EX-SMD Compatible SFP Transceiver Module - 1000BASE-EX |
| Product Type | SFP (mini-GBIC) |
| Packaged Quantity | 1 Each |
| Technical Information | |
| Application/Usage | Data Networking,Optical Network |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Total Number of Ports | 1 |
| Connector Type | LC |
| Interfaces/Ports Details | 1 x LC Duplex 1000Base-EX Network |
| Media & Performance | |
| Media Type Supported | Optical Fiber |
| Fiber Mode Supported | Single-mode |
| Ethernet Technology | 1.25 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Network Technology | 1000Base-EX |
| Physical Characteristics | |
| Form Factor | Hot-pluggable,Hot-swappable |
| Height | 0.50" (12.70 mm) |
| Width | 0.50" (12.70 mm) |
| Depth | 2.20" (55.88 mm) |
| Weight (Approximate) | 0.70 oz (19.84 g) |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Compatibility | Multi-Source Agreement Compliant Cisco Firepower Switches: ASR920 IE2000 IE4000 ASR1000 |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Environmentally Friendly | Yes |
| Environmental Compliance | Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE),Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS),Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) |
| Warranty | |
| Limited Warranty | Lifetime |
User Manual
FAQ
What switches is this SFP module compatible with?
This SFP module is 100% compatible with Cisco switches including Firepower, ASR920, IE2000, IE4000, and ASR1000 series. It also works with Multi-Source Agreement compliant switches from other manufacturers such as Ubiquiti, D-Link, Netgear, Supermicro, and TP-Link that accept uncoded SFP modules. The module has been tested for OEM host compatibility and will not void existing Cisco support agreements.
What is the maximum distance this SFP module supports?
This 1000BASE-EX SFP module supports distances up to 40 kilometers (approximately 24.8 miles) over single-mode fiber. This extended reach makes it suitable for campus networks, metropolitan area connections, and data center inter-building links where longer distance connectivity is required beyond standard copper Ethernet limitations.
Does this SFP module support network monitoring features?
Yes, this SFP module includes Digital Diagnostic Monitoring (DDM) support that reports the transceiver's operational status to most SNMP network management tools. You can monitor temperature, voltage, bias current, transmitted optical power, and received optical power in real-time, enabling proactive network maintenance and fault detection for critical fiber links.
What type of fiber and connector does this module use?
This module is designed for single-mode fiber (SMF) networks and uses a standard LC duplex connector. The 1310nm wavelength optics are optimized for single-mode fiber deployments, providing reliable 1GbE connectivity with the LC connector interface that is widely adopted in enterprise and data center environments for its compact size and reliable performance.
Is this SFP module hot-swappable?
Yes, this SFP module features a hot-pluggable, hot-swappable design that allows you to install or remove the module without powering down your network equipment. This enables maintenance, upgrades, and replacements without causing network downtime, which is essential for mission-critical network environments that require continuous operation.
What warranty coverage does this SFP module include?
This SFP module comes with a lifetime warranty from StarTech.com that covers the module itself for its entire operational life. The warranty is backed by StarTech.com's technical support team available 5 days a week, 24 hours a day. Importantly, using this compatible module will not void your existing OEM equipment support agreements with Cisco or other switch manufacturers.