Cisco GLC-FE-100FX
100BASE-FX SFP for FE port, Original Cisco
Product Highlights
Extending fiber connectivity to the network edge shouldn't mean compromising on reliability or compatibility. The Cisco GLC-FE-100FX is an original Cisco 100BASE-FX SFP transceiver module purpose-built for Fast Ethernet SFP ports on Cisco switches and routers.
Operating at a 1310 nm wavelength over multimode fiber (MMF), the GLC-FE-100FX supports link spans of up to 2 km through a standard duplex LC connector — making it ideal for inter-building campus runs, wiring-closet uplinks, and access-layer fiber connections. The module is designed for Fast Ethernet or dual-rate Fast/Gigabit Ethernet ports, giving network teams deployment flexibility across a wide range of Cisco Catalyst and ISR platforms.
As a genuine Cisco SFP, the GLC-FE-100FX is fully recognized by Cisco IOS and IOS-XE without unsupported-transceiver warnings, simplifying deployment and ongoing management. Its extended operating temperature range of -5 °C to 85 °C and low power draw (≤1 W) make it well-suited for space-constrained or lightly cooled environments. Whether you're maintaining a legacy Fast Ethernet fabric or adding fiber uplinks to an existing copper access layer, the GLC-FE-100FX delivers proven, standards-compliant 100 Mbps optical connectivity.
Features & Benefits
100BASE-FX Fiber Connectivity
The GLC-FE-100FX delivers 100 Mbps full-duplex throughput over multimode fiber at 1310 nm. With a maximum reach of 2 km, it bridges the gap between copper-limited access ports and fiber distribution infrastructure — eliminating the need for standalone media converters.
Genuine Cisco Compatibility
As an original Cisco transceiver, the GLC-FE-100FX is natively recognized by Cisco IOS and IOS-XE software. This means zero unsupported-module warnings, full SNMP monitoring support, and seamless integration into existing Cisco management workflows — reducing deployment risk and support overhead.
Hot-Swappable SFP Design
The standard SFP (mini-GBIC) form factor allows hot-swap installation and removal without powering down the host switch or router. This simplifies maintenance windows and enables on-the-fly port reconfiguration as network requirements evolve.
Extended Operating Temperature
Rated for -5 °C to 85 °C, the GLC-FE-100FX handles the thermal extremes common in edge wiring closets, retail back-offices, and lightly conditioned IDF rooms. This extended range provides a margin of safety beyond standard commercial-grade optics.
Low Power Consumption
Drawing ≤1 W per port, the GLC-FE-100FX keeps thermal output minimal — an important consideration in high-density SFP deployments where cumulative heat from multiple transceivers can stress chassis cooling.
Deployment Scenarios
Campus Access-Layer Fiber Uplinks
Connect access-layer Cisco Catalyst switches in separate buildings back to an aggregation switch over multimode fiber runs of up to 2 km. The GLC-FE-100FX provides a cost-effective 100 Mbps fiber uplink without requiring Gigabit-class optics where Fast Ethernet bandwidth is sufficient.
Legacy Fast Ethernet Fabric Maintenance
Many enterprise and industrial networks still rely on 100 Mbps fiber segments. The GLC-FE-100FX serves as a direct replacement transceiver for maintaining these existing links, ensuring continued operation without a full infrastructure upgrade.
Wiring Closet and IDF Deployments
In space-constrained intermediate distribution frames (IDFs) with limited cooling, the GLC-FE-100FX's low power draw and extended temperature tolerance make it a reliable choice for fiber connectivity at the network edge.
Industrial and Utility Network Edge
While the rugged-rated GLC-FE-100FX-RGD is designed for the harshest environments, the standard GLC-FE-100FX's extended temperature range still supports moderately demanding deployments in utility substations, transportation hubs, and light-industrial settings.
General
Optical
Physical
Environmental
Compliance
Compatibility Notes
The Cisco GLC-FE-100FX is designed for Fast Ethernet (FE) SFP ports or dual-rate FE/GE SFP ports on Cisco switches and routers. It is not intended for Gigabit-only SFP ports — for those, use the GLC-GE-100FX instead.
Always consult the Cisco 100-Megabit Ethernet SFP Modules Compatibility Matrix (document OL-6327) for your specific platform, line card, and minimum IOS/IOS-XE version before ordering. Supported platforms include various Cisco Catalyst, ME, and ISR series devices with compatible FE SFP slots.
Note: The part numbers GLC-FE-100FX and GLC-FE-100FX= refer to the same module — the = suffix denotes a separately orderable spare unit.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| GLC-GE-100FX | Cisco 100BASE-FX SFP for GE Ports | Designed for Gigabit Ethernet SFP ports (uses SGMII bridging); choose this if your switch only has GE SFP slots. |
| GLC-FE-100FX-RGD | Cisco 100BASE-FX Rugged SFP | Industrial-temperature-rated (-40 to 85 °C) variant for harsh environments such as Industrial Ethernet and SmartGrid deployments. |
| GLC-FE-100LX | Cisco 100BASE-LX SFP for FE Ports | Single-mode fiber variant with 10 km reach — ideal when multimode fiber is unavailable or longer distances are required. |
| GLC-FE-100EX | Cisco 100BASE-EX SFP for FE Ports | Extended-reach single-mode variant supporting up to 40 km — suited for metro or long-haul Fast Ethernet links. |
