Cisco GLC-LH-SM
GE SFP, LC connector LH transceiver, Original Cisco
Product Highlights
Connecting buildings across a campus or linking floors within a facility over fiber shouldn't mean wrestling with compatibility issues or worrying about signal integrity. The Cisco GLC-LH-SM is an original Cisco 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP transceiver module that delivers dependable Gigabit Ethernet connectivity over single-mode and multimode fiber.
Operating at a 1310 nm wavelength with a duplex LC connector, the GLC-LH-SM supports link spans of up to 10 km on single-mode fiber (SMF) and up to 550 m on multimode fiber (MMF), making it one of the most versatile and widely deployed SFP modules in Cisco networking environments. It is fully compliant with the IEEE 802.3z 1000BASE-LX standard and conforms to the SFP Multi-Source Agreement (MSA), ensuring broad interoperability across Cisco switches, routers, and other SFP-equipped platforms.
As a hot-swappable plug-in module, the GLC-LH-SM can be installed or replaced without taking the host device offline — minimizing maintenance windows and maximizing uptime. Whether you're refreshing optics in a Catalyst access layer, extending a fiber uplink from a distribution switch, or stocking spares for rapid field replacement, this original Cisco SFP transceiver delivers the reliability and compatibility that enterprise networks demand.
Features & Benefits
Long-Reach Single-Mode Fiber Support
The GLC-LH-SM reaches up to 10 km over standard G.652 single-mode fiber, exceeding the 5 km distance specified in the base IEEE 802.3z 1000BASE-LX standard. This extended reach makes it ideal for campus backbone links, inter-building connections, and metropolitan access scenarios where distance matters.
Multimode Fiber Flexibility
In addition to single-mode fiber, the GLC-LH-SM supports up to 550 m on multimode fiber (62.5 µm and 50 µm core sizes). When used over legacy multimode fiber, a mode conditioning patch cable is required per IEEE specifications. This dual-fiber-type support lets you leverage existing cabling infrastructure without replacing optics.
Hot-Swappable SFP Design
The GLC-LH-SM is a hot-swappable plug-in module that can be inserted or removed from any compatible SFP port without powering down the host device. This simplifies maintenance, accelerates deployments, and reduces downtime during optic replacements or network changes.
Original Cisco Quality & Compatibility
As a genuine Cisco transceiver, the GLC-LH-SM is factory-programmed and validated for use across a wide range of Cisco switches and routers. It eliminates the risk of unsupported-optic warnings and ensures full compatibility with Cisco IOS and NX-OS platforms out of the box.
IEEE 802.3z & MSA Compliance
Full compliance with the IEEE 802.3z 1000BASE-LX/LH standard and the SFP Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) guarantees interoperability in multi-vendor fiber environments. The module is also RoHS compliant, meeting environmental regulations for enterprise and government procurement.
Deployment Scenarios
Campus Backbone & Inter-Building Links
Deploy the GLC-LH-SM in distribution or core switches to establish Gigabit Ethernet uplinks between buildings on a campus. With up to 10 km reach over single-mode fiber, it bridges the distance between network closets, data centers, and remote buildings without requiring signal regeneration.
Access-to-Distribution Fiber Uplinks
Use the GLC-LH-SM in Catalyst access-layer switches to create fiber uplinks to distribution switches. The 1000BASE-LX/LH interface supports both trunk and routed port configurations, providing a reliable Gigabit handoff over existing single-mode or multimode fiber plant.
ISP & Service Provider Gigabit Ethernet Links
Service providers can use the GLC-LH-SM for customer-facing Gigabit Ethernet handoffs and point-to-point metro fiber links. The 1310 nm wavelength and 10 km reach align well with standard metropolitan fiber spans.
Spare Optics & Rapid Field Replacement
Keep GLC-LH-SM modules on hand as standardized spares. The hot-swappable SFP form factor allows field technicians to swap a failed optic in seconds, restoring connectivity without a maintenance window or device reboot.
General
Performance
Fiber & Distance
Environmental
Compliance
Compatibility Notes
The Cisco GLC-LH-SM is compatible with a broad range of Cisco platforms that have SFP slots, including but not limited to:
- Catalyst Switches: 2940, 2950, 2960, 2960-S, 2960-X, 2970, 3550, 3560, 3560-E, 3560-X, 3750, 3750-E, 3750-X, 3850, 4500, 4500-X, 4900, 6500, 6800 Series
- ME Series: ME 3400, ME 4900, ME 6500
- Industrial Ethernet: IE 3010
- Routers: ISR 2900, 3900, 4000 Series
- Other: Catalyst Express 500/520, ASR 901, Nexus 3000/7000, UCS 6200 Series
Note: When used over legacy multimode fiber, a mode conditioning patch cable is required per IEEE 802.3z specifications. Always verify compatibility using the Cisco SFP Compatibility Matrix for your specific platform and IOS version.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| GLC-LH-SMD | Cisco 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP (with DOM) | Same optics and reach as GLC-LH-SM but adds Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM/DDM) for real-time parameter visibility. |
| SFP-GE-L | Cisco 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP (Extended Temp) | Supports DOM and an extended operating temperature range (–5°C to 85°C) for harsher environments. |
| GLC-SX-MMD | Cisco 1000BASE-SX SFP (MMF, 850 nm) | Short-reach 850 nm multimode SFP for up to 550 m on OM2 MMF — choose this for short-distance multimode links. |
| GLC-ZX-SM | Cisco 1000BASE-ZX SFP (1550 nm, ~70 km) | Ultra-long-reach 1550 nm SFP for distances up to approximately 70 km over SMF — for extended metro or WAN links. |
