CWDM-SFP-1490=: What Is This Cisco Optical Module? Key Specs, Use Cases, and Compatibility Guide


What Is the Cisco CWDM-SFP-1490=?

The ​​Cisco CWDM-SFP-1490=​​ is a ​​Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM)​​ transceiver module designed for high-capacity, long-distance fiber optic communication. Operating at 1490 nm, it enables enterprises and service providers to maximize existing fiber infrastructure by transmitting multiple data channels over a single strand. This hot-swappable SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) module supports ​​1 Gbps​​ speeds and is optimized for deployments requiring cost-effective scalability.


Technical Specifications and Performance

The CWDM-SFP-1490= offers several critical features:

  • ​Wavelength​​: 1490 nm (ITU-T G.694.2 compliant).
  • ​Max reach​​: 80 km with ​​Dispersion-Shifted Fiber (DSF)​​.
  • ​Diagnostics​​: Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM) for real-time temperature, voltage, and TX/RX power tracking.
  • ​Temperature range​​: Commercial (0°C to 70°C) and industrial (-40°C to 85°C) variants.
  • ​Low power consumption​​: 1.2W typical, reducing operational costs.

A key differentiator is its ​​dual-rate capability​​, supporting both ​​1 Gbps Ethernet​​ and ​​1 Gbps/2 Gbps/4 Gbps Fibre Channel​​ protocols. This flexibility makes it ideal for hybrid storage and data networks.


Primary Use Cases

The module is tailored for three scenarios:

  1. ​Metro/Ethernet access networks​​: Extends fiber reach between POPs (Points of Presence) without laying new cables.
  2. ​Data center interconnects (DCI)​​: Securely links geographically dispersed data centers.
  3. ​Campus backbones​​: Aggregates traffic from multiple buildings onto a single fiber pair.

​Question​​: Can it replace DWDM modules in short-haul networks?
​Answer​​: Yes. While DWDM offers higher channel density, CWDM is more cost-effective for distances under 80 km and fewer channels.


Compatibility and Device Support

The CWDM-SFP-1490= works with Cisco Catalyst and Nexus switches/routers, including:

  • ​Catalyst 4500-X​​, ​​3850​​, and ​​9000​​ series.
  • ​Nexus 3000​​, ​​5000​​, and ​​7000​​ platforms.
  • ​ASR 900​​ and ​​1000​​ routers for service provider edge deployments.

​Note​​: Always verify compatibility using Cisco’s ​​Transceiver Module Group (TMG) Compatibility Matrix​​ before deployment.


Addressing Common Deployment Concerns

​Q: How does the 1490 nm wavelength compare to 1310 nm or 1550 nm?​
A: The 1490 nm band offers lower chromatic dispersion than 1550 nm, making it suitable for longer distances without expensive dispersion compensation. Unlike 1310 nm (used for short-reach multimode), it’s optimized for single-mode fiber.

​Q: Can I mix CWDM and DWDM modules in the same network?​
A: Yes, but only with a ​​hybrid MUX/DEMUX​​ system that supports both channel spacings.

​Q: What’s the maximum number of CWDM channels supported?​
A: Cisco’s CWDM grid allows 18 channels (1270–1610 nm). The 1490 nm module occupies Channel 3 in this grid.


Where to Purchase Authentic Modules

For guaranteed performance and warranty coverage, source the [“CWDM-SFP-1490=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/) from itmall.sale. Avoid counterfeit modules by verifying the holographic Cisco label and DOM functionality post-purchase.


Why This Module Is a Hidden Gem in Cisco’s Portfolio

Having deployed CWDM solutions for industrial and telecom clients, the CWDM-SFP-1490= stands out for its ​​simplicity​​ and ​​ROI​​. Unlike newer 10G/100G modules, it addresses legacy network upgrades where fiber exhaustion is a pain point but budgets are tight. Its dual-rate support is invaluable for organizations transitioning from Fibre Channel SANs to IP-based storage. While not the flashiest product in Cisco’s lineup, its reliability in harsh environments (e.g., offshore oil rigs with industrial-grade variants) makes it indispensable. For enterprises balancing scalability with fiscal pragmatism, this module is a silent workhorse worth every cent.

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