What cable is needed to connect two switches that are using GLC SX MM SFP’s that are not far apart?
Two switches that are using GlC SX MM E SFP’s must be attached with the appropriate connector and cable. The short answer is to use LC connectors and multi-mode cable. There are a
couple of options that you have when considering what MM cable option to use.
There are several types of connectors that are available. Among them are the traditional SC Connector (Set and click, or Stab and Click), the LC Connector (Lucent Connector) and MTP Connector (multi-fibre connector). The SC Connector is currently on its way out as its much larger while the other options are designed to reduce crowding on the faceplate.
If working with the GLC SX MM then LC connectors (the smaller connector option) will be needed. From there its a matter of deciding which type of cable you’ll be installing. Fibre cabling for networks is broken down into multi mode fibre (short distances and single mode fibre (longer distances).
The MM on Glc SX MM stands for Multi-mode as its designd for shorter distances. So when working with the GLC-SX-MM you’re typically working closer than 550 meters and with multi-mode fibre. Due to the shorter distance the sub-category of fibre is not as critical a decision.
Fibre grades are segmented into 3 categories,
OM1 Fibre which has a core to cladding of 62.5/125. It tends to be mostly orange and is considered FDDI grade. Older cabling of this grade is most often grey.
OM2 Fibre has a core to cladding ration of 50/125. Its a higher grade than OM1 Fibre and doesn’t tend to be all that much more expensive. This is used when working with networks that are looking to achieve a range of 1gb/s mm. Its primary advantage over OM1 is that the overfilled launch is much higher than OM1 using 1300nm.
OM3 Fibre has a core to cladding ratio of 50 to 125 as well but is capable of transmitting 10 Gbits up to a max distance of 300m at 850nm.
The decision as which cable grade to use is going to hinge on the specifications of your requirement. However, to recap, when connecting two switches using glc sx mm sfp’s, it will be necessary to use an LC Connector on each end and multi-mode fibre. (OM1, OM2, or OM3 will work)
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