cardsfan73
asked on
Fiber optics cabling/connector/module options
I have several rudimentary questions about fiber optics cabling & connectors. I understand the basics of MMF and SMF, and the distance factors of each for different BW ratings. I'll ask a series of questions, and hopefully gain a better "big picture" understanding of things I still get hung up on (when having to choose optics and connector options for Cisco gear):
- Do the connector types have to match on each end of a fiber cable? For example, if a module on one end of a MMF link is using LC connectors, does the other module also have to use LC?
- Similar to the above - if I have a fiber cable w/ existing SC connectors on both ends, can I safely add SC->LC patch cables to both ends (or just to one end) to plug into LC modules?
- If I have an LC->LC length of MMF, can I safely add an LC->LC patch cable to extend its distance (for example, to reach a relocated data center beyond the original termination point)?
- What exactly is the purpose of having a fiber patch panel in-between the endpoints (or at both ends - in both locations fronting the actual equipment)? Does this buy me flexibility in what types of connectors/modules I use at each end?
- example: a customer has a Cisco 2900XL switch with a fiber module (see attached - these look like LC connectors - plus, it reads 100Base-FX above ports 23 & 24), and it hooks into the displayed patch panel. On the OTHER end, the customer has a 2960G switch w/ SFP ports. If I had to choose an optics module for this unit (specifically, a WS-C2960G-24TC-L), what would be a compatible module?
I'll award points for clear answers to all of the above, OR TO A SOLID REFERENCE GUIDE that covers all of this. If I could award more than 500, I would - this is a lot of questions, I know.
Thanks in advance.
DCP-0197.jpg
DCP-0198.jpg
- Do the connector types have to match on each end of a fiber cable? For example, if a module on one end of a MMF link is using LC connectors, does the other module also have to use LC?
- Similar to the above - if I have a fiber cable w/ existing SC connectors on both ends, can I safely add SC->LC patch cables to both ends (or just to one end) to plug into LC modules?
- If I have an LC->LC length of MMF, can I safely add an LC->LC patch cable to extend its distance (for example, to reach a relocated data center beyond the original termination point)?
- What exactly is the purpose of having a fiber patch panel in-between the endpoints (or at both ends - in both locations fronting the actual equipment)? Does this buy me flexibility in what types of connectors/modules I use at each end?
- example: a customer has a Cisco 2900XL switch with a fiber module (see attached - these look like LC connectors - plus, it reads 100Base-FX above ports 23 & 24), and it hooks into the displayed patch panel. On the OTHER end, the customer has a 2960G switch w/ SFP ports. If I had to choose an optics module for this unit (specifically, a WS-C2960G-24TC-L), what would be a compatible module?
I'll award points for clear answers to all of the above, OR TO A SOLID REFERENCE GUIDE that covers all of this. If I could award more than 500, I would - this is a lot of questions, I know.
Thanks in advance.
DCP-0197.jpg
DCP-0198.jpg
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luc_roy
you are on the money "packetguy:"
ASKER
Really an awesome response, packetguy - thank you. I'm awarding full points, but could I bounce one more follow-up question off of you?
Regarding the aforementioned C2960 switch, it looks like there is an SFP 100Base-FX module (GLC-GE-100FX=) available (which uses LC connectors). Based on your other responses, can I assume this module would work in the 2960 for the other end of this connection, as long as I put an LC->SC patch cable in there?
Thanks again for the detail you provided above - exactly what I was looking for, and I'll check out the links you referenced.
Regarding the aforementioned C2960 switch, it looks like there is an SFP 100Base-FX module (GLC-GE-100FX=) available (which uses LC connectors). Based on your other responses, can I assume this module would work in the 2960 for the other end of this connection, as long as I put an LC->SC patch cable in there?
Thanks again for the detail you provided above - exactly what I was looking for, and I'll check out the links you referenced.
ASKER
Excellent
Yes, you can use that module. It's designed for transitioning networks from 100 Gbps to 1000 Gbps. This part is widely available on ebay for under $200. But for not much more you could buy a refurbished Cisco 2950G-24 switch and a couple of GBIC modules and run the fibre link at full GigE speeds. It all depends on how much bandwidth you need between the sites. Whenever buying used Cisco gear on ebay, I always go with a company that offers a one-year warranty, because the time spent dealing with duds is just too expensive.
ASKER
Excellent - thank you again, very much.