SFP modules

SFP modules

Introduction

Luminex network switches support a wide range of Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) modules, providing flexible and reliable connectivity for professional AV and IT applications. Choosing the right SFP module is crucial to ensure optimal performance, stability, and interoperability within your network. While Luminex switches are designed to work with various SFP modules, not all modules are universally compatible. Differences in optical standards, link speeds, and power requirements can impact compatibility between different SFP modules. Additionally, mixing different types of modules—such as single-mode and multi-mode fiber or varying speed ratings—on the same link may lead to connectivity issues. This article outlines the types of SFP modules supported by Luminex switches, key compatibility considerations, and best practices for selecting and using SFP transceivers. Whether you require fiber or copper-based connections, this guide will help you ensure seamless integration and reliable network performance.

General recommendations

SFP / SFP+ modules used in GigaCores should meet the following specifications:
  1. Compliant with the MSA standard
  2. Industrial temperature range
  3. Compatible with DMI/DOM for better integration with Araneo
  1. For fiber SFP's:
    1. Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF) and Single-Mode Fiber(SMF) cannot be mixed in 1 link. All elements in the chain (SFP modules, fiber cabling, patch connections,...) have to be made for the same mode (wavelength). More information on fiber optic cabling can be found here: https://support.luminex.be/portal/en/kb/articles/fiber-type-and-identification-10-5-2019-1
    2. Make sure the fiber strands are crossed correctly as described here: https://support.luminex.be/portal/en/kb/articles/gigacore-switches-fiber-optic-cabling
    3. Both SFP modules have to support and use the same link speed. A 10Gbps SFP module cannot be connected with a 1Gbps SFP module.
      1. When the SFP module is a 'dual-rate SFP' 10Gbps/1Gbps and when this is manually configured for use on 1Gbps, it can be connected with a 1Gbps SFP on the other side. When using 'auto' port speed with dual-rate SFP's, the SFP will be operating at the maximum speed of the SFP cage.
    4. SFP cages that don't support 10Gbps, will not work with 10Gbps SFP modules (except for dual-rate SFP's)
    5. A 1Gbps SFP module can be used in a 10Gbps SFP+ cage
    6. Generally, the 'auto' port speed configuration doesn't need to be altered since the GigaCore will automatically use the port speed advertised by the SFP module.
    7. Luminex recommends the use of Luminex-branded SFP modules.
    8. SFP state can be monitored with Araneo
  2. For RJ45 copper SFP's:
    1. 10Gbps copper SFP's will not work in SFP cages that only support 1Gbps. The connection between the switch and the copper SFP module will always use the maximum speed of the SFP's
    2. Most copper SFP's support auto-negotiation with various link speeds. As long as the port on the other side supports the same link speed, connection should work exactly like it would work between 2 native RJ45 ports.
    3. AVB on copper SFP's is not recommended when you don't utilize the maximum link speed of the SFP.

Luminex SFP module overview

Product code
Description
Type
Supported speeds
Maximum cable length
Works with 1Gbps-only SFP ports?
LU 90 01116
10GBase-SR SFP+ MMF Transceiver 850nm
MMF
10Gbps
300m
No
LU 90 01117
10GBase-LR SFP+ SMF Transceiver 1310nm
SMF
10Gbps
10km
No
LU 90 01118
10GBase-T SFP+ Copper Transceiver
RJ45 copper
10Gbps, 1Gbps, 100Mbps, 10Mbps
30m
No
LU 90 01125
1000Base-SX SFP MMF Transceiver 850nm
MMF
1Gbps
550m
Yes
LU 90 01126
1000Base-LX SFP SMF Transceiver 1310nm
SMF
1Gbps
10km
Yes
LU 90 01127
1000Base-T SFP Copper Transceiver 
RJ45 copper
1Gbps, 100Mbps, 10Mbps
100m
Yes
LU 90 01151
1000/10G Base-SR SFP+ MMF Transceiver 850nm
MMF
10Gbps/1Gbps (manual select)
300m
Yes
LU 90 01152
1000/10GBase-LR SFP+ SMF Transceiver 1310nm
SMF
10Gbps/1Gbps (manual select)
10km
Yes


SFP port speed configuration

By default, all (SFP) ports operate in 'Auto' mode.
For fiber SFP modules:
  1. SFP modules will be automatically configured at the speed they advertise in DMI/DOM. Note that SFP's that operate on a speed higher than what is supported by the SFP cage, will not work.
  2. For 10Gbps/1Gbps dual-rate SFP modules, 'auto' mode will select the highest speed supported by both the SFP module and the SFP cage:
    1. A dual-rate port in a 10Gbps SFP cage in 'auto' mode will operate at 10Gbps
    2. A dual-rate port in a 1Gbps SFP cage in 'auto' mode will operate at 1Gbps
  3. Normally, an SFP module can operate at only 1 speed. It is not possible to operate a 10Gbps SFP module at 1Gbps speeds, with the exception of 10Gbps/1Gbps dual-rate SFP modules.
For copper SFP modules:
  1. The connection between the SFP cage and the SFP module will run at the maximum speed supported by both the SFP module and the SFP cage.
  2. If the SFP module supports auto-negotiation, this will automatically be handled.
  3. It is not possible to force a speed on copper SFP modules. The port speed configuration will configure the connection between the SFP cage and the SFP module. NOT the speed on the ethernet wire. The connection between the SFP cage and the SFP module can only operate at the maximum supported speed by the SFP.
Notes
The 'auto' port speed configuration should work for almost all cases, meaning that manual speed configuration of SFP cages should not be necessary. This should only be needed when:
  1. You would like to connect a dual-rate SFP module in a 10Gbps SFP cage with a 1Gbps SFP module on the other side of the fiber.
  2. You use 3rd party SFP modules that don't advertise the correct compliance or port speed.
Note that the port speed configuration is a persistent port setting and not tied to the SFP module that is inserted.

The port speed can be configured with Araneo or the GigaCore web interface.
With Araneo:
  1. Go to 'configure' in the top bar.
  2. Select 'Port Settings' from the dropdown menu. A new window will open listing all the selected ports.
  3. Select the ports for which you would like to configure the port speed.
  4. For each port, configure the expected speed from the dropdown.

GigaCore with rugged fiber and built-in SFP modules

Various GigaCore models can be bought with rugged optical-fiber connectors.
  1. GigaCore 10t
  2. GigaCore 16tf
  3. GigaCore 10t-IP
  1. GigaCore 10
  2. GigaCore 16 RFO

Wavelength

When using GigaCore's with rugged fiber connectors, it is important to note the wavelength for the fiber ports. As explained here, single-mode fiber ports should have a blue indicator.
If the GigaCore has an E-Ink display, an icon is displayed indicating the fiber mode:
  1. An icon with an "M", as seen in the picture, indicates that the device is equipped with at least 1 Multi-Mode Fiber SFP.
  2. An icon with an "S" indicates that the device is equipped with at least 1 Single-Mode Fiber SFP.

Speed

Generation 2 GigaCore's with rugged optical-fiber connectors are equipped with dual-rate SFP modules (LU 90 01151 or LU 90 01152). By default, when using 'auto' port speed, these SFP's will be operating at the maximum speed of the SFP cage.
  1. If the GigaCore supports only 1Gbps, these ports will always operate at 1Gbps.
  2. If the GigaCore supports 10Gbps, by default the fiber ports will function at 10Gbps. If you wish to connect a rugged-fiber port of this GigaCore to a 1Gbps device, the GigaCore port has to be manually configured for 1Gbps. If the GigaCore has an E-Ink display, the icon can indicate for which speed the SFP port is configured:


    • Related Articles

    • GigaCore switches Fiber Optic cabling

      This document will describe how to connect all your network devices via fiber optic and what to look out for on hardware level. SFP Technical Info In order to connect all the fiber links in the correct order we need to know which side of the SFP ...

    • Fiber Type and Identification

      Types of Fiber Fiber optic cable consists of a core surrounded by cladding. The core is the center area through which the light signals are transmitted, the cladding completely surrounds the core to stop the light from escaping. There are two types ...

    • Using AVB on Luminex Switches - Original GigaCore line

      Luminex GigaCore switches are Avnu Certified with firmware version 2.8.0 and later. All GigaCore switches, including legacy devices already installed in the field, will be capable of receiving this firmware update. No additional service charges or ...

    • Using AVB on Luminex Switches - New GigaCore line

      No additional service charges or licenses are required to enable the AVB feature-set. This article applies to the following models : GigaCore 10i GigaCore 10t GigaCore 16i GigaCore 16t GigaCore 18t GigaCore 20t GigaCore 30i References This article ...

    • GigaCore supported SNMP OIDs (Gen 1 and Gen 2)

      This article describes the OID's supported by the GigaCores that return relevant info. - SNMP must be enabled on the GigaCore switches, either via Arano, or the WebUI, as it is disabled by default. - GigaCores use SNMP V1 and V2c. - The default ...