1000BASE-SX AGILESTAR Gigabit Ethernet SFP Optical Transceiver

Product Description

Technical Specifications

• Form Factor: SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable)
• Standard Compliance: IEEE 802.3z 1000BASE-SX, SFP MSA
• Data Rate: 1.25 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet)
• Wavelength: 850 nm (nanometers)
• Laser Type: VCSEL (Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser)
• Connector Type: Duplex LC (Lucent Connector)
• Cable Type: Multimode Fiber (MMF) only
  • OM1 (62.5/125 µm): Up to 220 meters
  • OM2 (50/125 µm): Up to 550 meters
  • OM3 (Laser-optimized 50/125 µm): Up to 550 meters (often supports up to 1km depending on specific loss budget)
  • OM4 (Laser-optimized 50/125 µm): Up to 550 meters
• Transmission Distance: Maximum 550 meters (standard specification); varies based on fiber quality and attenuation.
• Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM/DOM): Supported on most AgileStar models (allows real-time monitoring of temperature, laser bias current, transmitted power, received power, and supply voltage).
• Power Supply: +3.3V DC
• Power Consumption: Typically < 1.0 Watt
• Operating Temperature Range:
  • Commercial: 0°C to 70°C (32°F to 158°F)
  • Industrial (if specified): -40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F)
• Case Operating Temperature: 0°C to 70°C
• Humidity: 5% to 95% (non-condensing)
• Receiver Sensitivity: Typically -17 dBm to -3 dBm
• Transmitter Output Power: Typically -9.5 dBm to -3 dBm

Key Advantages

1. Cost-Effective Connectivity: Provides an economical solution for short-range Gigabit Ethernet connections within data centers, server rooms, and building backbones compared to single-mode solutions or copper DACs for longer runs.
2. Hot-Swappable Design: Allows for easy maintenance, upgrades, or replacements without interrupting network operations or shutting down the host switch/router.
3. High Interoperability: Designed to meet MSA standards, ensuring compatibility with a vast array of networking hardware from different manufacturers.
4. Real-Time Monitoring (DOM/DDM): Advanced diagnostic features enable network administrators to monitor link health, predict failures, and troubleshoot issues proactively by viewing optical power levels and temperature.
5. Low Power Consumption: Energy-efficient design helps reduce the overall power footprint and cooling requirements in high-density switch environments.
6. Reliability: Built with high-quality VCSEL technology and robust components to ensure stable performance and long service life in demanding enterprise environments.
7. Compact Size: The small SFP form factor allows for high port density on switches, maximizing the number of connections in limited rack space.

Important Considerations & Precautions

• Fiber Type Compatibility: This module is strictly for Multimode Fiber (MMF). Do not use it with Single-Mode Fiber (SMF), as the core size mismatch will result in significant signal loss and link failure.
• Distance Limitations: Ensure the link distance does not exceed the maximum supported range for the specific grade of multimode fiber being used (e.g., do not exceed 220m on OM1 cable). Exceeding distances may cause packet loss or link drops.
• Cleanliness: Fiber optic connectors are highly sensitive to dust and oil. Always inspect and clean both the module connector and the patch cable connector using approved fiber cleaning tools before mating. Contamination is the leading cause of link failures.
• Static Electricity: Although SFP modules are designed with some ESD protection, always handle them with proper anti-static precautions (e.g., wrist straps) when removed from the packaging.
• Compatibility Coding: While AgileStar modules are generally multi-vendor compatible, some proprietary switch firmware may require specific coding. Ensure the module is coded correctly for your specific switch brand if “third-party” restrictions are enabled.
• Duplex Polarity: Ensure correct polarity (Tx to Rx, Rx to Tx) when connecting the duplex LC patch cable. Reversed polarity will prevent the link from establishing.
• Temperature Environment: Do not install commercial-grade modules in environments exceeding 70°C unless an industrial-grade version is explicitly purchased.
• Laser Safety: Although Class 1 laser products are generally safe, avoid staring directly into the optical bore or the fiber end-face while the module is powered on.

Typical Applications

• Data Center Interconnects: Connecting Top-of-Rack (ToR) switches to End-of-Row (EoR) switches within the same data center hall.
• Server Connectivity: Linking high-performance servers with SFP slots to the core network infrastructure.
• Storage Area Networks (SAN): Used in Fibre Channel environments (if compatible with specific FC speeds like 1GFC) or Gigabit Ethernet storage networks.
• Enterprise Backbone: Connecting distribution layer switches to access layer switches across different floors of a building (within the 550m limit).
• Security Systems: Connecting high-resolution IP security cameras or NVRs located at a distance from the main network switch.
• Industrial Networking: Deploying robust Gigabit links in factory automation settings where electromagnetic immunity of fiber is required (short to medium range).
• Campus Networks: Interconnecting buildings within a university or corporate campus where distances are under 550 meters.