MGBSX1 vs MGBLH1: What’s the Difference?

Cisco SFP is fiber optic transceiver modules that provide fast and reliable connectivity between switches that are located in separate buildings, or on a large campus network. Its long-standing charm and good reputation have intrigued many people for a long time, inducing us to lift the veil on it. Today’s article will generally introduce the Cisco 1000BASE SFP transceivers: MGBSX1 vs MGBLH1.

MGBSX1 :1000BASE-SX SFP transceiver

MGBSX1 is a hot pluggable 1000BASE transceiver invented by Cisco. The 1000BASE-SX standard optics are developed to support lower cost multi-mode fiber runs in horizontal and shorter-length backbone applications. The MGBSX1 transceiver offers the ability to tap into faster networking speeds using fiber optic cabling. It supports dual data-rate of around 1 Gbps, with its operating temperature ranging from 32º to 158ºF (namely, 0º to 70ºC). The industry-standard Cisco Small Form-factor Pluggable Gigabit Interface Converter is a hot-swappable input/output device that plugs into a Gigabit Ethernet port or slot, linking the port with the network. The NGBSX1 SFP is compatible with the IEEE 802.3z 1000BASE-SX standard and operates on 50 micrometer multimode fiber links up to 550m and on 62.5 micrometer FDDI-grade multimode fibers up to 220m. More importantly, installing this module is as easy as sliding it into an accompanying port on a compatible Cisco switch.

MGBSX1

MGBLH1 :1000BASE-LH SFP transceiver

MGBLH1 is also a 1000BASE SFP transceiver. However, it differs from MGBSX1 in that LH stands for long haul. Many vendors use LH for certain SFP modules, this SFP type is similar with the other SFPs in basic working principle and size. However, LH isn’t a Gigabit Ethernet standard, yet is compatible with 1000BASE-LX standard. The MGBLH1 transceiver module provides a low cost high-performance connection. Compliant with specifications of SFP transceiver MSA specification, 1000BASE-LH SFP operates a distance up to 70km over single-mode fiber. Cisco MGBLH1 1000BASE-LH SFP covers a link length of 40km that make itself perfect for long-reach application. Morever, The MGBLH1 transceiver provided by FS.COM is individually tested on a full range of Cisco Linksys equipment and passes the monitoring of FS.COM intelligent quality control system.

MGBLH1

MGBSX1 vs MGBLH1

Model MGBSX1 MGBLH1
Media Type Multimode Fiber Single Mode Fiber
Max Range 500 m 40 km
Wavelength 850 nm 1310 nm
Connector LC LC

The large diameter core of multimode fiber increases the light reflection created as light travelling. Because of the high dispersion and attenuation rate with the multimode fiber, the quality of the signal is reduced over long distances. Therefore, the MGBSX1 is typically used for short distance, data and audio/video applications in LANs. Oppositely, MGBLH1 can be applied to long distance transmission. However, the actual distance will vary based on fiber plant and operating environment.

Conclusion

MGBSX1 vs MGBLH1: have you known the differences? Although they share something in common, they are totally different 1000BASE SFP transceivers. If the working distance is clear, you can choose from the two SFP transceivers according to my advice. When considering other elements, you can turn to the experts on FS.COM. There is a team of experienced networking specialists that is ready to assist you. Choose FS and save money!

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Introduction to 48 Port Gigabit SFP Switch

As we all know, data center cabling system consists of multiple devices, such as fiber optic transceiver, fiber optic patch cable, fiber patch panel, cable manager, and so on. As the central nerve of the whole cabling system, gigabit switch has been a topic of discussion. To satisfy different sizes of networking deployment, there are various types of Ethernet switches. This article will introduce a kind of 48 port gigabit SFP switch.

Overview of 48 Port Gigabit SFP Switch

FS.COM S5800-48F4S switch is a 48 port switch with 10gb uplink. It has 48×1GbE SFP ports and 4×10GbE SFP+ ports in a compact 1RU form factor. The switching capacity of this 48 port switch is 176 Gbps and its non-blocking bandwidth is 88 Gbps. And this gigabit switch can provide 130.95 Mpps. Meanwhile, FS.COM S5800-48F4S switch has 2 (1+1 redundancy) hot-swap power supplies and 4 (N+1 redundancy) hot-swappable fans. It is also a low latency L2/L3 Ethernet switch with 2.3us latency. The price of this 48 port gigabit switch with 10gb uplink is US$ 1,699.00. Here is a figure for you which shows front and back panel overview of FS.COM S5800-48F4S 48 port gigabit SFP switch.

front and back panel overview of 48 port gigabit SFP switch

Highlights of 48 Port Gigabit SFP Switch

The S5800-48F4S 48 port gigabit SFP switch with 10GE SFP+ uplinks comes with the complete system software with comprehensive protocols and applications to facilitate the rapid service deployment and management for both traditional L2/L3/MPLS networks. With support for advanced features, including MLAG, SFLOW, SNMP etc, this switch is ideal for traditional or fully virtualized data center. The S5800-48F4S hardware also provides high-availability features, including pluggable redundant fans and using high quality electronic components, which ensures low power consumption.

Applications of 48 Port Gigabit SFP Switch

Designed with 48×1GbE SFP ports and 4×10GbE SFP+ ports, FS.COM S5800-48F4S 48 port gigabit SFP switch can accomplish N×1G to N×1G (N≤48) connection or N×10G to N×10G (N≤4) connection. For example, in 5G to 5G connection, on one side, five 1G SFP transceivers are plugged into SFP ports on S5800-48F4S switch; on the other side, another five 1G SFP transceiver modules are plugged into SFP ports on switch, too. Then, these five SFP optical transceivers are connected by five fiber optic cables. It should be noted that the transceivers and fiber patch cables used in the link are of the same type.

Supported Accessories for 48 Port Gigabit SFP Switch

In the above part, we mention that the S5800-48F4S 48 port gigabit SFP switch can be used with SFP transceiver, SFP+ module and fiber optic cable. This part will go on introducing some support accessories for this 48 port gigabit SFP switch.

Fiber Optic Transceiver
ID
Type
Wavelength
Transmission Distance
Interface
DOM Support
29838
1000BASE-SX SFP
850 nm
550 m over OM2 MMF
LC duplex, MMF
Yes
20057
1000BASE-T SFP
100 m over Cat5
RJ45
No
29849
1000BASE-LX/LH SFP
1310 nm
10 km
LC duplex, MMF/SMF
Yes
11591
10GBASE-LR SFP+
1310 nm
10 km
LC duplex, SMF
Yes
11589
10GBASE-SR SFP+
850 nm
300 m over OM3 MMF
 LC duplex, MMF
 Yes
Cable
ID
Cable Length
Connector
Type
Fiber Count
Polish Type
Jacket Material
21278
2 m
SFP+ to SFP+
Passive Copper Cable (DAC)
PVC (OFNR)
35194
3 m
SFP+ to SFP+
Passive Copper Cable (DAC)
PVC (OFNR)
40191
1 m
LC to LC
OS2
Duplex
UPC to UPC
PVC
40192
2m
LC to LC
OS2
Duplex
UPC to UPC
PVC
41730
1 m
LC to LC
OM3
Duplex
UPC to UPC
PVC
40180
1 m
LC to LC
OM4
Duplex
UPC to UPC
PVC
CWDM MUX DEMUX
ID
Wavelength
Channel Spacing
Channel Bandwidth
Line Type
Client Port
Special Port
33489
18 channels 1270-1610nm
20 nm
±6.5nm
Dual fiber
Duplex LC/UPC
Monitor Port
43099
8 Channels 1470-1610nm
20 nm
±6.5nm
Dual fiber
Duplex LC/UPC
Expansion Port

Conclusion

As the size of data center becomes larger and larger, cable density increases, too. To simplify the cabling, many data center managers prefer network switch with high density ports. The above 48 port gigabit SFP switch with 10GE SFP+ uplinks is a suitable choice for high density cabling.

Related Articles:

What Is SFP Port of Gigabit Switch?

FS S5800-48F4S SFP Switch for 10GbE Data Center Access Network

Intel Network Adapters for Dell PowerEdge R710 Servers

With the growing prevalence of Dell PowerEdge Servers, Dell PowerEdge R710 servers gradually caught Ethernet users’ eyes for its competitive price, superb quality and low power consumption. As one part of the Dell PowerEdge Select Network, Intel Ethernet Network Adapters are high performance adapters for 1/10/25/40GbE Ethernet network connections. This article would give a brief introduction to Dell R710 server, Intel NDC for Dell R710 and optics for Intel NDC.

About Dell R710 Server

The Dell PowerEdge R710 is a 2U rack server that can support up to two quad- or six-core Intel Xeon 5500 and 5600 series processors and to eight SATA or SAS hard drives, giving you up to 18TB of internal storage. It has 18 memory slots allow for a maximum of 288GB of memory, allowing the R710 to support and memory-intensive task you can throw at it. It has low power consumption and high performance capacity, which helps you save both money and time. We would provide detailed information about Dell PowerEdge R710 in the next two parts.

Dell R710 Server

Figure1: Dell R710 2U Rack Server(Resource: www.DELL.com)

Dell R710 Dimensions

Dell R710 Dimensions

Main Features:
—Processors

Dell R710 server adapted Intel’s E5-2600 processors, which have up to 20MB cache and up to 8 cores versus the 5500 and 5600 processors which max out at 12MB Cache and 6 cores. These 8-core processors are ideal for increased security, I/O innovation and network capabilities, and overall performance.

—Storage

The R710 supports a high level of internal storage maxing out at 18TB. That includes up to six 3.5″ hard drives or eight 2.5” hard drives. It provides support for 6Gb/s SAS, SATA, and SSD drives.

—Controller

The R710 sports Dell’s new iDRAC6 management controller, which has a dedicated network port at the rear of the server. It provides a web browser interface for remote monitoring and viewing the status of critical server components, and the Enterprise upgrade key brings in virtual boot media and KVM-over-IP remote access.

—Remote Management

Based on Symantec’s Altiris Notification Server, the Management Console takes over from Dell’s elderly IT Assistant and provides the tools to manage all your IT equipment, instead of just Dell servers. Installation is a lengthy process, but it kicks off with an automated search process that populates its database with discovered systems and SNMP-enabled devices.

Intel network Adapters for Dell PowerEdge R710 servers

According to Dell PowerEdge R710 datasheet, the Dell PowerEdge R710 servers support dual port 10GB enhanced Intel Ethernet server adapter X520-DA2. This Dell Intel Ethernet Network Daughter Card X520/I350 provides low cost, low power flexibility and scalability for the entire data center. The Intel Ethernet Network Daughter Card X520-DA2/1350-T2 provides two 1000BA

SE-T ports and two 10G SFP+ ports as shown in Figure 2 to support 1GbE/10GbE Ethernet network connectivity.

Intel Ethernet Network Daughter Card X520-DA2

Figure2: Intel Ethernet Network Daughter Card X520-DA2

Cables And Optical Modules for Intel NDC X520-DA2

As we mentioned before, the Intel Ethernet Network Daughter Card X520-DA2 provides two 1000BASE-T ports and two 10G SFP+ ports respectively. We can plug two Intel compatible SFP transceivers into the two 1G ports on the Intel NDC X520-DA2 respectively to achieve 1G network connection. Likewise, we can also connect Intel compatible SFP+ transceiver to the 10G port on the Intel card for making 10G data transferring. In addition, we can also use Direct Attach Cable (DAC) to achieve 10G network connectivity, such as 10Gb fiber optic cable, Intel 10G SFP+ DAC cable. DAC cables are suitable for data transmission over very short link length while optical modules are more appropriate for longer transmission distance.

Intel NDC X520-DA2 with 10G optical modules

Figure3: Intel NDC X520-DA2 with 10G optical modules

Conclusion

The Dell R710 server with the high performance of Intel Ethernet Network Daughter Card X520-DA2 offers you a 2U rack to efficiently address a wide range of key business applications. With the great Intel NDC card, it also provides you a perfect solution for 1G and 10G Ethernet network connectivity. You can rest assured to enjoy a low consumption but high capacity server to keep your business.

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What’s SFP and SFP+ MSA? Why is SFP/SFP+ MSA important?

A small form-factor pluggable (SFP) is a type of transceiver device that has been standardized by the MSA (multi-source agreement). The MSA will define the characteristics of the system and is typically an agreement between multiple manufacturers. The agreements guarantee that any SFP or SFP+ device from any vendor will function properly. This article will give you a more comprehensive introduction to the SFP MSA and SFP+ MSA.

An Overview of Pluggable Optical Transceiver MSA Standards

Both SFP and SFP+ optical transceivers are standardized by MSA. These documents strictly define sufficient characteristics of an optical transceiver so that system (like Ethernet switch, Router, and media converter) vendors may implement ports on their devices, therefore, MSA compliant pluggable optical transceivers (SFP or SFP+) from any vendor will function properly.

Pluggable optical transceivers are physically composed of a small printed circuit board (PCB) containing electronic circuity, with an electrical PCB “edge connector” at one end and, typically, a fiber optic connector (dual LC-type in the case of SFP/SFP+ modules) at the other, packaged in a metal housing including a release latch. The basic function of the device is to convert electrical transmit data from the host into an optical signal transmitted onto a connected fiber optic cable, and, in the other direction, convert a received optical signal into an electrical one to be sent to the host system over the edge connector.

SFP MSA transceiver

What is Defined by the SFP MSA or SFP+ MSA?

The main elements defined in the SFP/SFP+ MSA is listed as follows:

Mechanical Interface

  • Mechanical dimensions of the device (H: 8.5mm, W: 13.4mm, D: 56.5mm)
  • Transceiver edge connector to host PCB-mounted electrical connector mating
  • Host board mechanical layout (location/size of solder pads, etc.)
  • Insertion, Extraction and Retention forces
  • Labeling
  • Bezel design considerations for host systems
  • Electrical connector mechanical aspects
  • Cage assembly dimensions (hollow cage mounted in host system)

Electrical Interface

  • Pin definitions
  • Timing requirements and Status I/O
  • Module definition interface and data field description

Besides, the Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM) feature common in many modern SFP/SFP+ transceivers as defined in SFF-8472 MSA specification. “D” in GLC-LH-SMD represents the DDM function according to the industry standard MSA SFF-8472. The SFF-8472 added DDM interface and outlined that DDM interface is an extension of the serial ID interface defined in GBIC specification, as well as the SFP MSA.

The Importance of SFP/SFP+ MSA

MSAs, like most standards efforts, are important primarily because they can give customers a choice in suppliers from which they purchase products. Freedom of choice is the foundation of the efficient operation of markets. Customers in the marketplace should have the benefit of multiple independent suppliers, each competing to gain a share of the market. This behavior forces suppliers to be as efficient and creative as possible, driving down costs and offering customers the widest array of options.

It is true that some system vendors have attempted to subvert the standardizing value of the SFP MSA or SFP+ MSA. The most common scheme is to write a unique code into some of the undefined memory in the EEPROM of each SFP/SFP+. When the transceiver is inserted into the host switch, its EEPROM is read, and, if the code is “incorrect” the module is rejected as “incompatible”. But Fiberstore can do it. At present, FS.COM offers a comprehensive brand’s compatible solution of the transceivers which can meet the demands for Cisco, HP, Juniper, NETGEAR, Brocade etc.

Related Article:
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A Comprehensively Understanding of Cisco 10G SFP+

The Solution to SFP Transceiver Module Connections

Recently I met a trouble that when I want interconnect WS c2960 24 TC L + 2 SFP with 1000base LH GLC LH SMD or GLC LH SM to WS C3750G 12S + 12 SFP ports, and I do not know which model of GLC LH SMD or GLC LH SM want to select, and I am going to use single mode fiber optic cable 1310m 9/125. If I need single mode SMD (2 fiber counts) or single fiber. I just want to find out WS C3750G12S + 12 SFP ports that 12 SFP ports are SM or SMD use LC connector. The solution to SFP transceiver module connections will be provided in this article.

In fact, I received several answers, someone says, the price between the 2 usually the same but GLC LH SMD SFP transceiver module supports additional option of DOM (digital optical monitoring). So he uses GLC LH SMD, as for which fiber cable, just use the single fiber cable, but I think so I use SMD how can I use single fiber cable, this is one way direction and i think i should use single mode duplex (2 fiber count). And can connect single mode duplex (2 fiber count) fiber cable to WS C3750G 12S.

SFP Transceiver Module

Then someone from Fiberstore answered me that both the GLC LH SM and GLC LH SMD SFP transceiver module supports the IEEE 802.3 1000Base LX/LH standard and be good for compatible with each other. The difference between the two is the case that the GLC-LH-SMD transceiver has additional support for Digital Optical Monitoring capability. As for the second question, 1000base fx sfp, 1000base sx sfp, 1000base lx lh sfp, 1000base zx sfp, 1000base bx10 sfp, DWDM and CWDM SFP transceiver module: LC fiber connectors (single-mode or multimode fiber); 10GBASE-SR, LR, LRM, CX1 (v02 or higher) SFP+ Transceivers: LC fiber connectors (single-mode or multimode fiber).

Then if you have such similar problems, hope it can help you, and there I have a small tips for us, if you want to know where to get sfp transceiver and reach these effects, Fiberstore is a good place to get them, I found it do a professional site, and the price also reasonable, It is worth mentioning that Fiberstore is doing a big sales.