Nowadays, there exists five physical layer standards for Gigabit Ethernet, adopting optical fiber, twisted pair cable, or shielded balanced copper cable. They are 1000BASE-X, 1000BASE-T and 1000BASE-CX. Today, let’s see the 1000BASE-X first. “X” in the term refers to 4B/5B block coding for Fast Ethernet or 8B/10B block coding for Gigabit Ethernet. 1000BASE-X is used for gigabit Ethernet connections that transmit data mainly over fiber optic cable. When referring to 1000BASE-X, two popular types of it can not be neglected, that is 1000BASE-SX SFP and 1000BASE-LX SFP.

1000BASE-SX SFP

The SX systems allows data being transmitted in two opposite directions simultaneously, but it is operated with multimode fiber only, using the cheaper 850nm wavelength laser diodes. According to the bandwidth and attenuation of the fiber optic cable connected, the maximum distance supported varies between 220 and 550 meters. The 1000BASE-SX SFP transceiver module is highly compatible with the 1000BASE-SX standard. So 1000BASE-SX SFP supports link length of up to 550m (depending on fiber type) on multimode fiber at 1Gbps. This optic works at 850nm wavelength and uses a LC connector. Take Generic SFP1G-SX-85 for example, this 1000BASE-SX SFP transceiver is able to realize 550m link length through OM2 MMF with LC duplex.

1000BASE-LX SFP

In contrast to 1000Base-SX, 1000BASE-LX, a type of standard for implementing Gigabit Ethernet networks uses long wavelength, can operate not only with multimode fiber fulfilling a maximum length of 550 meters but also with single-mode fiber a working distance of up to 10 km. If you want to add, replace or upgrade the ports on your networking equipment later, 1000BASE-LX SFP will be a cost-effective choice for you. Huawei eSFP-GE-LX10-SM1310 is a 1000BASE-LX SFP transceiver that operates over a wavelength of 1310nm for 10 km on SMF.

1000BASE-SX VS 1000BASE-LX SFP

1000BASE-SX SFP is designed for shorter distance transmission, while SFP LC LX transceiver for long-haul transmission. 1000BASE-LX SFP is preferably used for connecting high-speed hubs, Ethernet switches, and routers together in different wiring closets or buildings using long cabling, and developed to support longer-length multimode building fiber backbones and single-mode campus backbones. While 1000BASE-SX SFP is highly popular for intra-building links in large office buildings, co-location facilities and carrier neutral internet exchanges. They can both work in a wide range of temperature(-40℃~75℃).

Conclusion

As mentioned above, 1000BASE-LX SFP and 1000BASE-SX SFP are both popular with the consumers. Advantages of them and differences between them have been showcased. And you just need to compare the specification with your actual need. However, with so many products available in the market, sham or genuine, brand-new or second-hand, careful notice should be given if you want to select an ideal one. FS.COM offers a large amount of in-stock 1000BASE SFP transceivers that are compatible for Cisco, Juniper, Dell, Brocade, or Netgear in various options. If you have any requirement of our products, please send your request to us.