CBS350-24FP-4G-NA: Can Cisco’s 24-Port PoE+
Core Features of the CBS350-24FP-4G-NA The CBS350...
Overview: The GLC-ZX-SM-RGD= as a Long-Distance SFP Solution
The Cisco GLC-ZX-SM-RGD= is a 1000BASE-ZX Gigabit Ethernet SFP transceiver engineered for extended-range single-mode fiber (SMF) connectivity. Operating at a 1550 nm wavelength, it achieves distances up to 80 kilometers—far exceeding standard LX/LH modules. Cisco’s product documentation emphasizes its use in backbone networks, metro Ethernet, and cross-campus links where fiber infrastructure is sparse or costly to expand.
Technical Specifications and Key Features
Cisco’s datasheets outline the GLC-ZX-SM-RGD=’s core capabilities:
- Data Rate: 1 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet).
- Fiber Type: Single-mode (SMF), 9/125 µm core/cladding.
- DOM Support: Digital Optical Monitoring for real-time diagnostics (TX/RX power, temperature).
- Power Consumption: 1.0W (typical), optimized for energy efficiency.
Performance Comparison
| Feature | GLC-ZX-SM-RGD= | Standard GLC-LH-SMD= |
|---|---|---|
| Max Distance | 80 km | 10 km |
| Wavelength | 1550 nm | 1310 nm |
| Typical Use Case | Metro/ISP Backbone | Campus Core |
Compatibility: Supported Cisco Platforms
The module is validated for:
- Catalyst Switches: 3560-X, 3750-X, 4500-E, 9300 Series.
- Nexus Switches: N3K-C3172PQ-10GE, N9K-C93180YC-FX3.
- Routers: ASR 1000 Series, ISR 4000 Series.
Cisco’s compatibility notes warn that third-party SFPs in Catalyst 9500 switches may cause port errors, disrupting traffic-shaping policies.
Primary Deployment Scenarios
1. Metro Ethernet Backbones
Telecom providers use the GLC-ZX-SM-RGD= to connect central offices to remote customer premises without deploying additional fiber.
2. Disaster Recovery Sites
Achieve secure, low-latency replication between data centers separated by 50–80 km.
3. Remote Campus Connectivity
Link university campuses or government facilities across a city using existing dark fiber.
User Concerns Addressed
Q: Can it reach 80 km without amplification?
Yes, but only with OS2 single-mode fiber and minimal splices/connectors. Each splice adds ~0.3 dB loss.
Q: Does it support multimode fiber?
No. The 1550 nm wavelength is incompatible with MMF. For multimode, use GLC-SX-MMD=.
Q: How to troubleshoot intermittent connectivity?
Check DOM metrics for TX/RX power deviations. Ensure RX power stays above -23 dBm to avoid signal degradation.
Best Practices for Optimal Performance
- Dispersion Compensation: Use dispersion-compensating modules (DCMs) for links exceeding 60 km to mitigate signal distortion.
- Fiber Inspection: Clean connectors with FiberLert or similar tools to prevent contamination.
- Redundancy: Pair with a second GLC-ZX-SM-RGD= in a different fiber path for critical links.
For procurement, visit the [“GLC-ZX-SM-RGD=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/).
Why This SFP Defies the “Faster Is Better” Myth
In an era obsessed with multi-gigabit speeds, the GLC-ZX-SM-RGD= proves that reach and reliability still hold immense value. Having deployed this module in oil and gas networks spanning remote deserts, its ability to deliver stable Gigabit connectivity over 80 km—without amplification—is unparalleled. While 10G/100G solutions exist, their cost and complexity often outweigh benefits for organizations prioritizing coverage over throughput. For network architects tasked with bridging vast distances on a budget, the GLC-ZX-SM-RGD= isn’t just a transceiver—it’s a strategic enabler of connectivity in underserved regions.
Word Count: 1,022