Mixing SFP's with different speeds

Question

I need to install new SFP's in a location; however, I need them to connect to existing switches and I'm not sure what SFP type they are. All I know is I've got MM Fiber.

If I installed Cisco GLC-SX-MM 1000Base SFP's, would that cause an issue if the other end of that fiber was connected to a 100Base SFP, or do I need to have matching speeds on both ends?

score 7 · Answer 1 · answered Jul 17 '12 at 23:12

7

If I installed Cisco GLC-SX-MM 1000Base SFP's, would that cause an issue if the other end of that fiber was connected to a 100Base SFP? Or do I need to have matching speeds on both ends?

Your speeds must match

answered Jul 17 '12 at 23:12

Mike Pennington

8,437

score 2 · Answer 2 · edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:14

2

There are some handy links in this other serverfault question which might help.

How compatible are sfp's really?

edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:14

Community

1

answered Oct 18 '12 at 14:08

user141655

23

score 0 · Answer 3 · answered Jul 18 '12 at 11:43

It depends on what you mean by cause an issue. It won't break anything but you won't get a link either. They must be the same. SFPs are hot-swappable so you can remove it to inspect the label without damaging it. Additionally, you can do a show interface status to have the switch tell you the model SFP that is installed in a port.

Not only can you not mix speeds but you should stay away from mixing sfp models as well.

Mixing SFP's with different speeds

3 Answers3