GLC-SX-MMD: Comprehensive Guide to Benefits and Uses
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Introduction
The Cisco GLC-SX-MMD is an efficient and adaptable transceiver module. This transceiver can meet OEM’s requirements and specifications. This Small Form-factor Pluggable transceiver Module is designed to enable high performance with the networks and data communication with Multi-mode Fiber (MMF). This transceiver can deliver 100% consistent performance with LC Ports. They are designed to be used with multi-mode fiber, including Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM). It is mostly used in enterprise LANs. It supports the Gigabit Ethernet and fiber channel applications, making it a crucial component for modern Networking. Furthermore, we will delve deeper into this blog to learn more about this transceiver. Keep reading the guide for that.
What is GLC-SX-MMD

Cisco GLC-SX-MMD is a transceiver Module that is a hot-swappable SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) with the standards of 1000Base-SX transfer rate. It is designed for the Gigabit Ethernet Applications. It can transfer data over a short distance. It provides reliable and high-speed data connections for easy data transmissions to the network. This Module is mostly used for fast and high-speed data transfer. It transfers the data through multimode fiber cables and copper cables. We will further discuss it through its features and applications.
Key Features and Specifications of GLC-SX-MMD

Below are some key features and Applications are discussed regarding the GLC-SX-MMD.
Features | Specifications |
Standard Form | SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) |
Transfer Rate | 1Gbps |
Wavelength | 850nm |
Transmission Distance | Up to 220 meters on OM1 Multimode Fiber, up to 550 meters on OM2 Multimode. |
Connector Type | LC Duplex |
Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM) | Yes, it monitors voltage, optical power, and temperature. |
Optical Transmit Power | -9.5 Dbm and -3Dbm |
Optical Receive Power | -17 Dbm and 0Dbm |
Compatibility | Cisco switches and routers with standards of IEEE 802.3z |
Operating Temperature | 70 to 85 degrees likely |
Consumption of Power | 1W Typical |
Hot-swappable | Yes, it can be inserted or removed without turning down the device |
Transfer standards | 1000 BASE-SX Ethernet |
Applications | Enterprise LAN, Data centers ETC |
Fiber Type | Multimode Fiber |
Warranty | Have the standard warranty for Cisco |
Different Versions of GLC-SX-MMD Compared
Below are a few versions discussed of this Module
GLC-SX-MMD vs GLC-SX-SMD
GLC-SX-MMD | GLC-SX-SMD |
They are designed for the multi-mode fiber | This type is compatible with both Multi mode fiber and single mode fiber |
Supports distances up to 550 meters on OM2 MMF | Supports up to 10 kilometers on SMF and 550 meters MMF |
The wavelength can be operated up to 850 nm | Its wavelength can be supported up to 1320 nm, and that’s why it’s quite suitable for longer distance data transfer |
It is best for short range buildings and enterprises like data center and offices | Can convey its range to the longer distance of distant buildings and data campuses. |
GLC-SX-MMD vs GLC-SX-MM
GLC-SX-MM |
GLC-SX-MMD |
The GLC-SX-MMD does not support Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM). It lacks the real time monitoring of optical parameters. | GLC-SX-MMD supports DOM. It allows the technologists to operate the module’s operational status in real-time. |
The GLC-SX-MM provides reliable Gigabit Ethernet connectivity over Ethernet. | Mostly used in critical Network environments where monitoring and uptime are crucial for the Network. |
This Module type is less expensive as compared to the recent one. | It is likely to be more expensive due to the additional features in the module like DOM and temperature range. |
It operates in the temperature range up to 70 degrees where the temperature is commercial and can be controlled amongst the data centers and enterprises. | It operates in the temperature which range from -5 to 85 degrees and it’s installed in buildings and industries where the conditions are likely to be less controlled. |
GLC-SX-MMD vs GLC-SX-MMD=
GLC-SX-MMD |
GLC-SX-MMD= |
This is the model’s name of Cisco transceiver usually used Gigabit over Ethernet by multimode fiber | This is exactly the same transceiver as the Cisco sfp GLC-SX-MMD with the addition of the ‘=’ |
When it is purchased as the larger part of the system. It is given by the warranty of the system. | Since it’s the complete system it came with its own warranty from the larger system of the warranty but it’s the same in terms of its working. |
It is purchased with the new equipment or if wanted to upgrade the network. | GLC-SX-MMD= is usually purchased for the replacement or as a spare for other equipment. |
GLC-SX-MMD vs GLC-SX-MMD++
GLC-SX-MMD |
GLC-SX-MMD++ |
It is the standard version of the 1000BASE-SX SFP transceiver | It is the other increased version of the GLC-SX-MMD with enhanced features over the real one |
It is likely to take more power as compared to the other module types | It is power efficient and likely to take less power than the previous one. |
It provides reliable performance to the more distance u to 550 meters distance with multi-mode fiber | It has better performance while performing complex tasks |
Use Cases of GLC-SX-MMD:
Enterprises: Cisco sfp GLC-SX-MMD is primarily used in Enterprises or buildings. It transfers data up to 10 kilometers on single-mode fiber, making it ideal for covering longer distances with large Network infrastructure.
Data Centers: It connects switches, routers, and servers within the parameters of Data centers, and such cases occur if the equipment is spread out over huge areas. Moreover, the special feature of the module, which accepts both single-mode and multi-mode fiber, makes it a highly used module among users.
Service Providers Network: This module is also used most frequently in service provider networks, where it connects the central offices and provides the last-mile connection for enterprise networks.
Connection of remote sites: It can establish connections between remote offices and distant branches that cannot be reached easily. Its main feature, the module, gives connections up to 10 kilometers, making it the ideal choice for many technologists.
Why choose GLC-SX-MMD:
Hot- Swappability: The swappable design of this module allows the easy installation of the Network without interrupting the Network operations, giving the pause in between if it got intruded by any certain issue and maintenance cost.
Versatile connection: The GLC-SX-MMD provides versatile connectivity to the network to networks with Gigabit Ethernet, with flexibility as well as compatibility with other network devices.
Cost Effective: It offers reliable Gigabit over Ethernet in a cost-effective manner without compromising on the performance and quality of the product.
Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM): With the feature of the Digital Optical Monitoring. GLC-SX-MMD monitors the parameters and distances through which it is connected.
Conclusion:
GLC-SX-MMD is an efficient and reliable SFP transceiver designed for short-range communication among enterprises. The fast standard of Network transfer 1000BASE-SX makes it an ideal product for gigabit-speed connections over multi-mode fiber. Moreover, we have discussed the transceiver’s key features and specifications, its top use cases, and its other versions, like GLC-SX-MMD++=, and more.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
What does GLC mean in SFP?
The GLC-T means the 1000BASE-t Small Form Factor Pluggable (SFP) Gigabit Interface converter. It is the Hot Swappable device that plugs into the Gigabit Ethernet Port.
What is MMD in fiber?
MMD in GLC-SX-MMD stands for the Multi-Mode Data Link Distances. And it indicates that the SFP module supports DOM.
Is SX Single Mode or Multi mode?
1000BASE-SX is the Single mode fiber cabling and provides ultra-low total cost with the distance limit.