Cisco GLC-GE-DR-LX
1000BASE-LX 100M Dual Rate SFP transceiver module, 1310nm, Original Cisco
Product Highlights
Managing a network that mixes Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet fiber links shouldn't force you to stock two different SFP part numbers. The Cisco GLC-GE-DR-LX solves that problem with a single dual-rate SFP transceiver module that auto-negotiates between 100BASE-LX and 1000BASE-LX/LH speeds over standard single-mode fiber.
Operating at 1310 nm with a duplex LC interface, the GLC-GE-DR-LX delivers reliable connectivity over distances up to 10 km — ideal for inter-building links, campus backbones, and access-layer uplinks where both legacy 100M and modern 1G devices coexist. Built-in Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM) per the SFF-8472 MSA lets network engineers track optical power levels, temperature, laser bias current, and supply voltage in real time, enabling proactive fault detection before users are impacted.
As an original Cisco transceiver, the GLC-GE-DR-LX is validated across a broad range of Cisco Catalyst and Nexus switches, ISR and ASR routers, and other Cisco platforms. It is hot-swappable, consumes only 1 W of power, and operates within a commercial temperature range of 0 °C to 70 °C — making it a versatile, low-risk choice for enterprise and service-provider environments alike.
Features & Benefits
Dual-Rate Flexibility
The GLC-GE-DR-LX supports both 100BASE-LX and 1000BASE-LX/LH standards in a single module. This eliminates the need to maintain separate 100M and 1G SFP inventories, simplifying procurement and reducing sparing costs in mixed-speed environments.
Extended Single-Mode Reach
With a maximum link distance of 10 km over single-mode fiber, this SFP is well suited for campus backbone connections, inter-building links, and metro-access deployments. The 1310 nm FP laser and PIN photodetector combination delivers a reliable optical link budget for real-world fiber plants.
Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM)
Compliant with the SFF-8472 MSA, the GLC-GE-DR-LX provides real-time visibility into key transceiver parameters — optical Tx/Rx power, temperature, laser bias current, and supply voltage. This data feeds directly into Cisco IOS/NX-OS monitoring and alerting, enabling proactive maintenance and faster troubleshooting.
Hot-Swappable & Low Power
The SFP form factor allows field replacement without shutting down the host switch or router. At only 1 W of power consumption, the module minimizes thermal impact in dense line-card deployments, helping maintain optimal chassis airflow and reducing energy costs.
Genuine Cisco Quality
As an original Cisco transceiver, the GLC-GE-DR-LX is factory-tested and validated for seamless operation across Cisco platforms. It is fully eligible for Cisco TAC support and covered under Cisco's standard hardware warranty, giving IT teams confidence in mission-critical deployments.
Deployment Scenarios
Campus Backbone & Inter-Building Links
Connect multiple campus buildings over single-mode fiber runs up to 10 km. The dual-rate capability lets you link legacy 100M switches in older buildings with 1G-capable switches in newer facilities — all using the same SFP model.
Mixed-Speed Access Layer Uplinks
In environments where access-layer switches operate at different Ethernet speeds, the GLC-GE-DR-LX provides a single SKU that works at both 100M and 1G. This simplifies sparing strategies and accelerates break-fix response times.
Service Provider Customer Premises Equipment (CPE)
Service providers delivering managed Ethernet services can deploy the GLC-GE-DR-LX in CPE routers to support customers at either 100M or 1G service tiers without swapping optics during upgrades.
Data Center Out-of-Band Management
Use the GLC-GE-DR-LX for out-of-band management networks where 1G fiber links connect management switches across data center halls or between adjacent facilities within 10 km, with DOM providing continuous link-health telemetry.
General
Performance
Optical
Compliance
Environmental
Compatibility Notes
The Cisco GLC-GE-DR-LX is supported across a wide range of Cisco switches and routers. Always consult the Cisco SFP Compatibility Matrix to verify support for your specific platform and IOS/NX-OS version.
Interoperability Notes (from Cisco datasheet):
- When interoperating with 100BASE-LX10 SFPs or interfaces, a 5 dB attenuator is required on the path of the dual-rate SFP Tx to the 100BASE-LX10 interface Rx. No attenuator is needed on the other fiber strand.
- When interoperating with 1000BASE-LX/LH SFPs or interfaces, no attenuator is needed on any fiber strand.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| GLC-LH-SMD | Cisco 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP with DOM | 1G-only (no 100M dual-rate); supports both SMF (10 km) and MMF (550 m); includes DOM |
| GLC-LH-SM | Cisco 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP | 1G-only, no DOM support; end-of-sale — replaced by GLC-LH-SMD |
| SFP-GE-L | Cisco 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP (Extended Temp) | 1G-only with DOM; extended temperature range (-5 °C to 85 °C) for harsher environments |
| GLC-SX-MMD | Cisco 1000BASE-SX SFP with DOM | Short-reach multimode (up to 550 m on OM2); choose when fiber plant is MMF, not SMF |