This complete selection guide compares three mainstream Cisco-compatible 1000BASE-T copper SFP transceivers: GLC-T, GLC-TE, SFP-GE-T. It clarifies differences in temperature grade, NEBS Level 3 ESD certification, original product lifecycle, and provides targeted selection suggestions for data center, enterprise and telecom operator scenarios, fully matching Catalyst series switches.

There are three types of Cisco gigabit electrical port: GLC-T, GLC-TE and SFP-GE-T.

They are all RJ45 interface, the transmission distance is 100m, it is a kind of cost savings of gigabit Ethernet connection solution, such as the data center, access, storage area network applications, so the three types of products are often difficult to distinguish. So what are their difference?

All three modules comply with IEEE 802.3ab 1000BASE-T standard, support 10/100/1000Mbps auto-negotiation and Auto MDI/MDIX, hot-pluggable SFP MSA package, 100-meter transmission over Cat5e/Cat6 twisted pair cable, and can be mixed deployed with optical SFP modules on the same switch SFP slot without hardware modification.

2. GLC-T / GLC-TE and / SFP-GE-T optical transceiver parameter

It can be seen from the above table that the working temperature of GLC-T is not the same as the latter two ,and GLC-TE module can be used as a substitute for GLC-T module. The SFP-GE-T module has NEBS 3 ESD function that neither of the previous of them.

Official standard temperature definitions from datasheet:
1) GLC-T (Commercial COM): 0℃ ~ +70℃, only suitable for air-conditioned indoor data center rooms;
2) GLC-TE (Extended EXT): -5℃ ~ +85℃, adapt to non-air-conditioned equipment rooms, corridor cabinets and semi-outdoor weak current boxes;
3) SFP-GE-T (Extended EXT): -5℃ ~ +85℃ + NEBS Level 3 ESD telecom-grade anti-interference circuit.

3. What Is NEBS Level 3 ESD Standard?

NEBS is the abbreviation of network equipment building system. It is a set of standards for building network equipment that can withstand various environmental pressures. NEBS has three grades: 1, 2 and 3.

Level 1 refers to the minimum compatibility with the environment;

Level 2 is applicable to limited operability of product;

Level 3 (NEBS 3 ESD) certification ensures the maximum operability of equipment, it also proves that equipment is good under the condition of bad environment performance, does not interfere with other surrounding electronic devices, NEBS level 3 certified network equipment is vital importance in critical business applications.

In other words, compared with GLC-T or GLC-TE, SFP-GE-T module can withstand greater pressure and less prone to failure.

NEBS Level 3 is a mandatory certification standard for North American telecom operator equipment. SFP-GE-T adds special ESD surge protection circuit on PCB board, which can resist stronger electromagnetic interference, lightning induction and power supply fluctuation. It is required by ISP, carrier-grade equipment rooms and financial core network scenarios; GLC-T/GLC-TE only meet ordinary commercial ESD standards and cannot pass NEBS third-party inspection.

4. How to select GLC-T, GLC-TE and SFP-GE-T optical transceiver?

In fact the transmission effect of three electrical port module is similar, can choose any one gigabit transmission, but it is worth noting that the original Cisco GLC-T and SFP-G -T module has terminated sale on June 1st 2017, and replaced by GLC- E module.

If you are dealing directly with the telecommunications company (as required by NEBS), you need to select the SFP-GE-T module with NEBS 3 ESD function.

5.Compatible Cisco Switch Models & Typical Networking Topology

Cisco GLC-T, GLC-TE and SFP-GE-T are widely used in data centers and enterprise networks, and commonly used in networking equipment such as Cisco Catalyst 2970/3560/3750, it can provide 10/100/1000mbps transmission rate.

Full compatible Catalyst series: Catalyst 2960/2970/3560/3650/3750/3850/9200/9300/9500; also compatible ISR series routers, IE industrial switches, Firepower security appliances.
Typical application: Switch cabinet to server cabinet gigabit copper interconnection via Cat6 patch cord, expand RJ45 electrical ports on SFP uplink slots without adding extra access switches.

6. ETU-LINK Compatible Copper SFP Product Advantages

The Cisco compatible gigabit SFP module is hot sale, which can be 100% compatible with all brand switch equipment. If any interest, welcome to contact our sales at sales@etulinktechnology.com.

1). Complete EEPROM matching, no unrecognized module alarm on IOS system;
2). Three temperature grades (COM/EXT) and NEBS certified versions available, one-stop procurement;
3). Support real-time DDM digital diagnostic monitoring via switch CLI commands;
4). 3-year factory warranty, pass long-term aging test, stable BER performance;
5). Support OEM customized label and PN marking for system integrators.