Cisco GLC-EX-SMD
GE SFP, LC Connector, EX transceiver
Product Highlights
When your Gigabit Ethernet links need to stretch beyond the typical 10 km campus boundary — connecting remote buildings, metro sites, or distributed infrastructure — the standard LX/LH optic simply runs out of reach. The Cisco GLC-EX-SMD solves this gap with a 1000BASE-EX SFP transceiver engineered for single-mode fiber spans up to 40 km at 1310 nm.
This hot-swappable SFP module plugs directly into any compatible Cisco Gigabit Ethernet SFP slot, delivering wire-rate 1 Gbps throughput across extended distances without requiring dedicated long-haul equipment. Built-in Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM) gives network operations teams real-time diagnostic data — including optical TX/RX power levels, module temperature, laser bias current, and supply voltage — enabling proactive fault detection and faster troubleshooting.
The GLC-EX-SMD features a dual LC/PC connector interface and supports an extended operating temperature range of -5°C to 85°C, making it suitable for both climate-controlled data centers and less controlled environments such as telecom shelters or industrial enclosures. It is compatible with a broad range of Cisco platforms including the Catalyst 2960, 3650, 3850, 9200, 9300, and 9500 series switches, Nexus data center switches, and ASR/ISR routers — giving procurement teams a single SKU that covers diverse deployment scenarios across the enterprise.
Features & Benefits
Extended 40 km Reach
The 1000BASE-EX standard extends Gigabit Ethernet connectivity to 40 km over single-mode fiber, four times the reach of standard LX/LH optics. This eliminates the need for intermediate repeaters or media converters on metro and inter-campus links, reducing both equipment costs and potential points of failure.
Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM)
Integrated DOM support per SFF-8472 provides real-time access to critical transceiver parameters including optical output power, received optical power, temperature, laser bias current, and supply voltage. Operations teams can set threshold alerts and diagnose link degradation before it impacts traffic — turning reactive troubleshooting into proactive network management.
Extended Operating Temperature
With an operating range of -5°C to 85°C, the GLC-EX-SMD is rated for deployment in environments beyond standard commercial conditions. This makes it a reliable choice for telecom huts, outdoor cabinets, and industrial edge locations where temperature control may be limited.
Hot-Swappable SFP Design
The standard SFP form factor allows the GLC-EX-SMD to be inserted or removed from a live Cisco switch or router without powering down the device. This simplifies upgrades, replacements, and capacity additions during maintenance windows — or even during production hours — minimizing network disruption.
Broad Platform Compatibility
The GLC-EX-SMD is supported across a wide range of Cisco platforms including Catalyst access, distribution, and core switches, Nexus data center switches, ASR and ISR routers, and ME series metro Ethernet devices. This broad compatibility simplifies procurement by standardizing on a single 40 km SFP part number across the network.
Deployment Scenarios
Metro & Inter-Campus Fiber Links
Connect geographically separated campus buildings, data centers, or branch offices over distances up to 40 km using existing single-mode fiber plant. The GLC-EX-SMD provides native Gigabit Ethernet without requiring media converters or DWDM equipment on moderate-distance metro links.
Service Provider Access & Aggregation
ISPs and mobile operators can deploy the GLC-EX-SMD in access and backhaul aggregation layers where 1 Gbps handoffs over extended single-mode fiber are required. DOM support enables centralized monitoring of link health across distributed PoP locations.
Industrial & Utility Networks
With its extended temperature tolerance, the GLC-EX-SMD is well-suited for SCADA backhaul, utility substation interconnects, and industrial Ethernet deployments where equipment may be housed in non-climate-controlled enclosures and fiber runs span tens of kilometers.
Enterprise WAN Edge Uplinks
Use the GLC-EX-SMD on Cisco ISR or ASR routers at the WAN edge to establish dedicated fiber uplinks to a carrier PoP or colocation facility within 40 km, providing a cost-effective alternative to leased wavelength services for moderate-bandwidth requirements.
General
Performance
Physical
Power
Environmental
Compliance
Compatibility Notes
The Cisco GLC-EX-SMD is supported on a wide range of Cisco platforms including but not limited to:
- Catalyst Series: 2960, 2960-X, 2960-S, 3650, 3850, 4500-X, 9200, 9200L, 9300, 9300L, 9500
- Nexus Series: 3064-X, 31108PC-V, 93xx series
- ASR Series: ASR 901, ASR 903, ASR 1000, ASR 9000
- ISR Series: ISR 1100
- ME Series: ME 3600
- Security: ASA 5500 series
A 5 dB inline optical attenuator should be inserted between the fiber-optic cable and the receiving port at each end of the link for back-to-back or very short-distance connections to prevent receiver overload.
Always verify compatibility against the Cisco SFP Compatibility Matrix for your specific platform and IOS/NX-OS version.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| GLC-LH-SMD | Cisco 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP (10 km) | Shorter 10 km reach over SMF at 1310 nm; also supports multimode fiber up to 550 m — ideal for campus links under 10 km. |
| GLC-ZX-SMD | Cisco 1000BASE-ZX SFP (70 km) | Longer ~70 km reach using 1550 nm wavelength for extended metro/regional links; higher optical budget (21 dB) but requires attenuation on short spans. |
| SFP-GE-L | Cisco 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP (10 km, Extended Temp) | Same 10 km LX/LH reach as GLC-LH-SMD but with extended temperature range and DOM; choose GLC-EX-SMD when 40 km reach is required. |
| GLC-SX-MMD | Cisco 1000BASE-SX SFP (550 m, MMF) | Short-range 850 nm multimode SFP for in-building links up to 550 m — not suitable for single-mode or extended-distance deployments. |
