Cisco optics are named by form factor (SFP for 1G, SFP+ for 10G, SFP28 for 25G, QSFP for 40G) and reach. SX modules such as the GLC-SX-MMD= run over multimode fibre inside a building; LX/LH and LR modules such as the GLC-LH-SMD= (1G) and SFP-10G-LR= (10G) run up to 10 km over single-mode fibre between buildings. Direct-attach copper cables such as the SFP-H10GB-CU5M= link gear in the same or the next rack. Catalyst stacking uses its own kits and cables: StackWise-80 for the 9200L, StackWise-160 for the 9200, StackWise-320 for the 9300L and StackWise-480/1T for the 9300.
Quick pick: 1G in the same building → GLC-SX-MMD; 1G to another building → GLC-LH-SMD; 10G to another building → SFP-10G-LR; 10G inside a rack → SFP-H10GB-CU5M; stacking Catalyst 9200L → C9200L-STACK-KIT=. ARC IP Networks is a Cisco Registered Partner and supplies new, genuine Cisco with a GST tax invoice.
Cisco optics and stack cables at a glance
Cisco transceivers are hot-swappable. Match three things: the port type, the fibre or cable, and the distance.
| Type | Speed | What it is for | Models we list |
|---|---|---|---|
| SFP | 1G | Gigabit fibre uplinks | GLC-SX-MMD=, GLC-LH-SMD=, GLC-LX-SM-RGD= |
| SFP for 10G ports | 1G | A 1G LX/LH link from a 10G-capable port | SFP-1G-LH= |
| SFP+ | 10G | 10G single-mode fibre links | SFP-10G-LR=, SFP-10G-LR-X= |
| SFP+ twinax | 10G | Short copper links within or next to a rack | SFP-H10GB-CU5M= |
| SFP28 copper | 25G | Short 25G copper links within or next to a rack | SFP-H25G-CU3M= |
| QSFP BiDi | 40G | 40G over duplex multimode fibre | QSFP-40G-SR-BD= |
| Stacking | StackWise-80 to 1T | Running Catalyst switches as one stack | C9200L-STACK-KIT=, C9200-STACK-KIT=, STACK-T1-1M= |
Form factors and uses from Cisco's transceiver and switch data sheets.
Cisco transceiver specifications compared
Cisco rates optics in three temperature ranges: commercial (COM) 0 to 70°C, extended (EXT) -5 to 85°C and industrial (IND) -40 to 85°C. DOM is Digital Optical Monitoring, which lets the switch report the module's optical levels for diagnostics.
Swipe the table sideways to compare all models →
| Model | Standard | Fibre or cable | Reach | Wavelength | Temperature | DOM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GLC-SX-MMD= | 1000BASE-SX | Multimode only | 550 m OM2, 1000 m OM3/OM4/OM5 | 850 nm | EXT | Yes |
| GLC-LH-SMD= | 1000BASE-LX/LH | Single-mode or multimode | 10 km SMF, 550 m MMF | 1310 nm | EXT | Yes |
| GLC-LX-SM-RGD= | 1000BASE-LX/LH, rugged | Single-mode or multimode | 10 km SMF, 550 m MMF | 1310 nm | IND | Yes |
| SFP-1G-LH= | 1000BASE-LX/LH in 10G ports | Single-mode | Up to 10 km | 1310 nm | COM | Yes |
| SFP-10G-LR= | 10GBASE-LR | Single-mode (G.652) | 10 km | 1310 nm | COM | Yes |
| SFP-10G-LR-X= | 10GBASE-LR/LW, OTU2/OTU2e | Single-mode (G.652) | 10 km | 1310 nm | EXT | Yes |
| SFP-H10GB-CU5M= | 10GBASE-CU | Passive twinax | 5 m | Not applicable | COM | Not applicable |
| SFP-H25G-CU3M= | 25GBASE-CR1 | Passive copper | 3 m | Not applicable | Not listed | Not applicable |
| QSFP-40G-SR-BD= | 40GBASE-SR BiDi | Duplex multimode | 100 m OM3, 150 m OM4/OM5 | 832 to 918 nm | +10 to 70°C | Not listed |
Source: Cisco Gigabit Ethernet SFP, 10GBASE SFP+, 25GBASE SFP28 and 40GBASE QSFP data sheets. Cisco lists a 5-year standard warranty for these modules.
SX, LX/LH and LR: multimode or single-mode fibre?
The letters tell you the fibre. SX modules use short-wavelength 850 nm light on multimode fibre, the usual choice inside one building: Cisco rates the GLC-SX-MMD= for 550 m on OM2 and 1000 m on OM3, OM4 or OM5, but only 275 m on older OM1 and 220 m on FDDI-grade fibre. It is multimode only, so it will not work on single-mode cable.
LX/LH (1G) and LR (10G) modules use 1310 nm light on single-mode fibre for up to 10 km, the usual run between buildings on a school campus, hospital site or council depot. The GLC-LH-SMD= also runs up to 550 m on multimode fibre; on legacy multimode, Cisco says to couple the transmitter through a mode-conditioning patch cable.
No fibre between buildings? See our guide to Wi-Fi between buildings.
Gigabit SFPs: GLC-SX-MMD, GLC-LH-SMD, rugged and 10G-port versions
The GLC-SX-MMD= and GLC-LH-SMD= are Cisco's everyday Gigabit modules, both with DOM and both rated for the extended range of -5 to 85°C. For a cabinet in a harsh setting, such as a mine site, rail corridor or plant room, the GLC-LX-SM-RGD= is the rugged 1000BASE-LX/LH version, rated for the industrial range of -40 to 85°C.
Newer switches often have only 10G-capable uplinks. The SFP-1G-LH= is a 1000BASE-LX/LH module built for that case: it works in 10G, 10/25G dual-rate and 10/25/50G tri-rate ports, interoperates with a standard 1000BASE-LX/LH module at the far end, and will not operate in a 1G-only port.
10G SFP+: SFP-10G-LR and SFP-10G-LR-X
The SFP-10G-LR= is a 10GBASE-LR SFP+ module for 10 km over standard single-mode fibre (G.652), drawing 1W and rated for 0 to 70°C. The SFP-10G-LR-X= covers the same 10 km link but is a multirate 10GBASE-LR, 10GBASE-LW and OTU2/OTU2e module rated for the extended range of -5 to 85°C, the better fit for a warm cabinet or outdoor enclosure. Both use a dual LC/PC connector, and Cisco states that patch cords with APC connectors are not supported; use PC or UPC cords.
SFP+ ports also take Gigabit modules: Cisco describes the C9300-NM-8X= uplink module as 8 x 10G/1G SFP+, and the C9200-NM-4X= as 4 x 1G/10G.
Direct-attach copper (DAC) and 25G
For very short links, a direct-attach cable replaces two optics and a patch lead. The SFP-H10GB-CU5M= is a 5 m passive twinax cable with an SFP+ connector on each end, drawing 0.1W, for links within racks and across adjacent racks.
At 25G, the SFP-H25G-CU3M= is a 3 m passive 25GBASE-CR1 cable between SFP28 ports, compliant with IEEE 802.3by. Cisco states that 2.5 m and 3 m cables need BASE-R FEC (also known as FC-FEC) enabled on the host ports, so check FEC before blaming the cable.
40G over existing fibre: QSFP-40G-SR-BD
The QSFP-40G-SR-BD= is a 40GBASE-SR BiDi QSFP transceiver with a duplex LC connector. It sends two 20 Gbps channels in the 832 to 918 nm range over one pair of multimode fibres, so duplex multimode cabling already used for 10G can carry 40G: 100 m on OM3 and 150 m on OM4 or OM5. It draws 3.5W and is rated for +10 to 70°C.
Catalyst stack kits and cables: which fits which?
Stacking runs up to eight Catalyst switches as one, and each family has its own StackWise system. The cables are not interchangeable between families, and Cisco does not support mixed stacks between them. Stack members must have the same licence level.
| Switch family | StackWise | Bandwidth | What to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catalyst 9200L (fixed uplinks) | StackWise-80 | 80 Gbps | C9200L-STACK-KIT= |
| Catalyst 9200 (modular uplinks) | StackWise-160 | 160 Gbps | C9200-STACK-KIT= |
| Catalyst 9200CX compact | Not stackable | Not applicable | Not applicable |
| Catalyst 9300L and 9300LM | StackWise-320 | 320 Gbps | C9300L-STACK-KIT2 |
| Catalyst 9300L-M (Meraki managed) | StackWise-320 | 320 Gbps | C9300L-STAK-KIT2-M, one per switch |
| Catalyst 9300 and 9300X (modular uplinks) | StackWise-480 / 1T | 480 Gbps / 1 Tbps | STACK-T1-1M= data cable |
| Catalyst 9300 and 9300X power | StackPower | Not applicable | CAB-SPWR-150CM= |
Source: Cisco Catalyst 9200, 9300 and 9300L data sheets and Cisco Meraki stacking documentation.
Each 9200 and 9200L kit holds two data stack adapters and one 0.5 m cable, with 1 m and 3 m cables available. The C9300L-STACK-KIT2 holds two adapters and a 50 cm cable and fits both 9300L and 9300LM models. Meraki-managed C9300L-M switches do not include stacking ports by default, so Cisco Meraki asks for one C9300L-STAK-KIT2-M with each switch in the stack.
Modular Catalyst 9300 models stack with StackWise-480 cables in 0.5 m, 1 m and 3 m lengths; a mixed 9300X and 9300 stack runs at StackWise-480 speed. StackPower is separate: the CAB-SPWR-150CM= links StackPower ports so the stack pools its power supplies for redundancy and supplemental power. The 9300L and 9300LM do not support StackPower. Compare the switches themselves in our Cisco switches in Australia guide.
What fits which Cisco switch?
Cisco publishes its official optic-to-device list as the Cisco Optics-to-Device Compatibility Matrix (TMG matrix); check your switch model and software release there before ordering. The Catalyst 1200 and 1300 data sheets list these supported modules among others:
| Switch | Modules from our range that Cisco lists | Port type |
|---|---|---|
| Catalyst 1200 (e.g. C1200-24P-4G) | GLC-SX-MMD, GLC-LH-SMD; SFP-10G-LR and SFP-H10GB-CU5M on 10G models | SFP, or SFP+ on -4X models |
| Catalyst 1300 (e.g. C1300-48P-4G) | GLC-SX-MMD, GLC-LH-SMD; SFP-10G-LR and SFP-H10GB-CU5M on 10G models | SFP, or SFP+ on -4X and 10G models |
| Catalyst 9300 modular (e.g. C9300-48U-E) | SFP or SFP+ modules in a C9300-NM-8X= module | Network module slot |
| Meraki-managed Catalyst (-M models) | Cisco Meraki says many Cisco optics for the native Catalyst platform also suit the -M version | As per the switch |
Sources: Cisco Catalyst 1200 and 1300 data sheets, Cisco Catalyst 9300 data sheet, Cisco Meraki SFP and stacking accessories page.
Meraki MS130 and MS150 switches are listed with Meraki's own MA-SFP modules; see our Cisco Meraki in Australia guide and what PoE switch you need.
Which Cisco optic for which Australian site?
ARC IP Networks suggestions; confirm against Cisco's compatibility matrix.
| Job | Pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Comms room to a floor switch, same building, OM3 or OM4 | GLC-SX-MMD= | Up to 1000 m on OM3/OM4 multimode |
| School or hospital: building to building on single-mode | GLC-LH-SMD= or SFP-10G-LR= | Up to 10 km at 1G or 10G |
| Mine site, rail or roadside cabinet | GLC-LX-SM-RGD= | Industrial -40 to 85°C rating |
| Warm enclosure on a 10G link | SFP-10G-LR-X= | Extended -5 to 85°C rating |
| New switch with only 10G uplinks, old 1G LX/LH far end | SFP-1G-LH= | Runs 1G from a 10G-capable port |
| Switch to server or storage in the same rack | SFP-H10GB-CU5M= | 0.1W, no optics to buy |
| Data centre 40G on existing 10G duplex multimode | QSFP-40G-SR-BD= | Reuses the duplex LC cabling |
Why buy Cisco from ARC IP Networks
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- New only: every unit is new, genuine Cisco stock.
- Every product page built from Cisco's own data sheets, with the warranty stated for each model.
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See the full range on our Cisco Australia hub, or read where to buy Cisco in Australia. Questions? Call 1300 100 440 or email info@arcip.com.au.
Shop Cisco optics and stack cables
Live Australian pricing (inc. GST) and availability are on each product page.
Common questions
Straight answers from the ARC IP Networks team. Last reviewed October 2026.
Among the Cisco Ethernet modules we list, SFP modules carry Gigabit Ethernet and SFP+ modules carry 10 Gigabit Ethernet. Many SFP+ ports also accept 1G modules: Cisco describes the C9300-NM-8X uplink module as 8 x 10G/1G SFP+.
The GLC-SX-MMD is 1000BASE-SX at 850 nm for multimode fibre only, up to 550 m on OM2 and 1000 m on OM3, OM4 or OM5. The GLC-LH-SMD is 1000BASE-LX/LH at 1310 nm, up to 10 km on single-mode fibre or 550 m on multimode.
Many Cisco SFP+ ports run at 10G or 1G. For ports that are 10G-capable only, Cisco makes the SFP-1G-LH, which gives 1G LX/LH connectivity from 10G, 10/25G and 10/25/50G ports but will not work in a 1G-only port.
10 km over standard single-mode fibre (G.652). Use PC or UPC patch cords; Cisco states APC connectors are not supported.
No. The 9200 uses StackWise-160 and the 9200L uses StackWise-80, and Cisco does not support mixed stacking between them. Members must also have the same licence level. Catalyst 9200CX compact switches cannot be stacked.
StackWise cables such as the STACK-T1-1M= carry data between stacked switches. StackPower cables such as the CAB-SPWR-150CM= link the power supplies of Catalyst 9300 and 9300X switches so the stack can share power for redundancy.
Cisco lists a 5-year standard warranty for its Gigabit SFP, 10GBASE SFP+, 25GBASE SFP28 and 40GBASE QSFP modules.
ARC IP Networks is a Cisco Registered Partner and supplies new, genuine Cisco with a GST tax invoice. We list Cisco SFP, SFP+, SFP28 and QSFP modules, twinax cables and Catalyst stack kits. Call 1300 100 440 or email info@arcip.com.au.
Not sure which optic fits?
Send us the switch models at each end, the fibre type and the distance. ARC IP Networks will check it against Cisco's compatibility information and quote with trade pricing for installers and integrators. Call 1300 100 440 or email info@arcip.com.au.