Cisco X2-10GB-SR
10GBASE-SR X2 Module, Original Cisco
Product Highlights
Maintaining reliable 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity across your campus backbone or data center shouldn't mean overspending on long-reach optics you don't need. The Cisco X2-10GB-SR is a 10GBASE-SR X2 transceiver module engineered for short-reach, high-bandwidth links over multimode fiber — delivering the performance your infrastructure demands at the right price point.
Operating at 850nm with a VCSEL laser transmitter, the X2-10GB-SR supports link lengths of up to 300 meters on OM3 MMF and up to 400 meters on OM4 MMF, making it ideal for intra-building fiber runs, server-to-switch uplinks, and inter-rack connections. The module uses a SC duplex optical connector and plugs into any Cisco switch or router equipped with an X2 transceiver slot, including platforms in the Catalyst 3560-E, 3750-E, 4500, 4900, 6500, and ME 4924 families.
As a hot-swappable module, the X2-10GB-SR can be installed or removed without disrupting other ports on the host device. Built-in digital diagnostics monitoring (DDM) provides real-time access to operating parameters such as optical transmit/receive power, temperature, and supply voltage — enabling proactive maintenance and faster troubleshooting. The module is fully compliant with IEEE 802.3ae and the X2 MSA, ensuring broad interoperability with standards-based 10GbE equipment. This is an original Cisco transceiver, guaranteeing seamless integration and eligibility for Cisco TAC support.
Features & Benefits
10GBASE-SR Short-Reach Performance
The X2-10GB-SR delivers 10 Gbps Ethernet throughput over multimode fiber at 850nm. With reach up to 300m on OM3 and 400m on OM4 fiber, it covers the vast majority of intra-building and data center cabling distances — eliminating the need for costlier long-reach optics on short runs.
Hot-Swappable X2 Form Factor
The X2 form factor allows the module to be inserted or removed from a live switch or router without affecting other ports or requiring a reboot. This simplifies maintenance windows, accelerates deployments, and reduces downtime risk during optic replacements or migrations.
Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM)
Built-in DDM gives network engineers real-time visibility into critical operating parameters including optical transmit and receive power levels, temperature, laser bias current, and supply voltage. This data enables proactive fault detection and simplifies root-cause analysis when link issues arise.
Broad Cisco Platform Compatibility
The X2-10GB-SR is supported across a wide range of Cisco switching platforms with X2 slots, including the Catalyst 3560-E, 3750-E, 4500, 4900, 6500 series, and ME 4924. As a genuine Cisco optic, it is recognized natively by Cisco IOS without requiring any service unsupported-transceiver workarounds.
Standards-Based Interoperability
Fully compliant with IEEE 802.3ae and the X2 MSA (Rev 2.0b), the module interoperates optically with matching 10GBASE-SR transceivers in other form factors — including XENPAK, XFP, and SFP+ SR modules on the remote end of the link. This flexibility simplifies mixed-platform environments.
Deployment Scenarios
Campus Backbone & Building Interconnects
Connect distribution and core switches within a building or across adjacent buildings using existing OM3/OM4 multimode fiber. The X2-10GB-SR provides the 10 Gbps bandwidth needed for aggregating access-layer traffic without the cost of single-mode optics.
Data Center Server-to-Switch Uplinks
Link servers, storage arrays, or top-of-rack switches to aggregation-layer Catalyst 6500 or 4500 series switches. Short fiber runs in the data center are a perfect match for the SR module's 300m reach on OM3 fiber.
Legacy Infrastructure Maintenance
Many enterprise networks still operate Cisco platforms with X2 transceiver slots. The X2-10GB-SR provides a genuine Cisco replacement optic to sustain reliable 10GbE connectivity on these installed-base switches without requiring a full hardware refresh.
General
Optical / Performance
Connector / Interface
Physical
Environmental
Safety / Regulatory
Compatibility Notes
Supported Cisco Platforms (X2 Slot Required)
- Catalyst 3560-E Series: WS-C3560E-24TD, WS-C3560E-24PD, WS-C3560E-48TD, WS-C3560E-48PD, WS-C3560E-48PDF
- Catalyst 3750-E Series: WS-C3750E-24TD, WS-C3750E-24PD, WS-C3750E-48TD, WS-C3750E-48PD, WS-C3750E-48PDF
- Catalyst 4500 Series: WS-X4516-10GE, Supervisor Engine II-Plus (WS-X4013+10GE)
- Catalyst 4900 Series: WS-C4948-10GE
- Catalyst 6500 Series: WS-X6708-10G-3C, WS-X6708-10G-3CXL, WS-X6716-10G-3C, WS-X6716-10G-3CXL
- ME 4900 Series: ME-4924-10GE
Note: For Catalyst 6500 line cards WS-X6708-10G-3C/3CXL and WS-X6716-10G-3C/3CXL, version -02 or later of the SR X2 optic is required for EMI compliance. Refer to the Cisco Xenpak/X2 Compatibility Matrix for the most current platform and software support details.
Optical Interoperability
The X2-10GB-SR interoperates optically with any 10GBASE-SR transceiver on the remote end, regardless of form factor (XENPAK SR, XFP SR, SFP+ SR), as long as both ends use matching 850nm multimode fiber optics.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| X2-10GB-LR | Cisco 10GBASE-LR X2 Module | Long-reach single-mode fiber (1310nm, up to 10km) — choose when distances exceed 400m or SMF infrastructure is in place. |
| X2-10GB-LRM | Cisco 10GBASE-LRM X2 Module | Supports 220m over legacy FDDI/OM1/OM2 MMF at 1310nm — ideal when upgrading older multimode plants to 10GbE. |
| X2-10GB-ER | Cisco 10GBASE-ER X2 Module | Extended-reach single-mode fiber (1550nm, up to 40km) — designed for metro and inter-campus WAN links. |
| SFP-10G-SR | Cisco 10GBASE-SR SFP+ Module | Same 10GBASE-SR optics in the smaller SFP+ form factor — use on newer platforms with SFP+ slots instead of X2. |
