Introduction to the Ruijie NIS‑GE‑SFP‑550M‑MM850 and its key features
The Ruijie NIS‑GE‑SFP‑550M‑MM850 is a 1 Gb SFP multimode optical transceiver engineered for short‑reach Ethernet links. Designed around the 1000BASE‑SX standard, it uses an 850 nm VCSEL transmitter and a duplex LC connector to deliver reliable performance across multimode fibre runs up to 550 metres (depending on fibre OM grade and link conditions). This hot‑pluggable SFP module supports Digital Diagnostic Monitoring (DDM), consumes very little power (≤ 1.5 W), and adheres to common industry MSA and IEEE standards, offering a compact, low‑power option for campus, datacentre and enterprise multimode networks.
Detailed description: specifications and benefits
The NIS‑GE‑SFP‑550M‑MM850 packs a number of practical technical specifications into a small SFP form factor. Below are the core specifications followed by a discussion of their benefits in real‑world deployments.
- Model:NIS‑GE‑SFP‑550M‑MM850
- Form factor:SFP (hot‑pluggable)
- Data rate:1 Gbps (1000BASE‑SX)
- Wavelength:850 nm (VCSEL)
- Reach:Up to 550 m over multimode fibre (dependent on OM grade)
- Connector:Duplex LC
- Transmitter/Receiver:VCSEL transmitter and PIN receiver
- Tx power (avg):Min −9.5 dBm, Max 0 dBm
- Receive sensitivity:< −17 dBm (OMA)
- BER:1.0E‑12
- Power consumption:≤ 1.5 W
- Operating temperature:0 °C to +70 °C
- Standards and compliance:IEEE 802.3/1000BASE‑SR, SFF‑8472, SFF‑8431, SFF‑8432, SFP‑MSA, RoHS; Class 1 laser safety
- Dimensions / Weight:Approx. 56.5 × 13.5 × 8.5 mm; 35 g
Key benefits that stem from these specifications include:
- Reliable multimode connectivity:The 850 nm VCSEL and duplex LC interface are standard for multimode short‑reach links, making this module compatible with most MMF infrastructure in buildings, wiring closets and server rooms.
- Longer short‑reach capability:With support up to 550 m, this SFP accommodates longer intra‑site runs than many 1000BASE‑SX modules limited to 300 m or 400 m on certain OM grades. The actual reach depends on OM grade (OM1/OM2/OM3/OM4) and link conditions, but the 550 m rating provides extra headroom.
- Operational visibility with DDM:Digital Diagnostic Monitoring (SFF‑8472) offers live telemetry — optical transmit/receive power, temperature, voltage and laser bias current — enabling easier troubleshooting and proactive maintenance.
- Low power draw and compactness:At ≤ 1.5 W and in SFP form factor, the module is suited for dense line cards and edge switches where power and space efficiency matter.
- Hot‑swap simplicity:Maintenance and upgrades are straightforward — technicians can replace or insert SFP modules without powering down switches, minimising downtime.
To ensure smooth deployment, observe ESD precautions and follow Ruijie’s datasheet and installation guide. Confirm compatibility with your switch vendor: while this is a branded Ruijie module with broad interoperability, some vendors implement vendor locking and may require specific vendor IDs or firmware. Check operating temperature requirements if installing in harsh environments. Also note the product is RoHS compliant and Class 1 laser safe; verify CE/UKCA markings with your supplier if required for legal compliance in your market.
Use cases and scenarios where this product excels
The Ruijie NIS‑GE‑SFP‑550M‑MM850 is targeted at short‑reach multimode links where 1 Gb Ethernet is sufficient. Typical and high‑value use cases include:
- Campus networks:Connecting building-to-building or floor-to-floor switches over multimode backbone cabling. The 550 m reach supports longer campus runs without moving to single‑mode optics.
- Wiring closet uplinks:Aggregating access switches to distribution switches within a building where multimode cabling is installed.
- Server‑room links:Short server-to-switch or top‑of‑rack uplinks where 1 Gbps is adequate for the workload and multimode fibre is in place.
- Branch office connectivity:Small to medium branch offices with pre‑existing MMF infrastructure that require reliable, low‑cost optics.
- Cost‑sensitive upgrades:When migrating ageing copper uplinks to fibre or replacing faulty SFP modules, this Ruijie unit offers branded support without the higher cost of single‑mode or higher‑speed optics.
Since the module is hot‑swappable and low power, it is especially well suited to environments that value minimal operational disruption and constrained power budgets.
Comparisons with similar products in the market
When choosing a 1 Gb multimode SFP module, buyers typically weigh brand, interoperability, reach, DDM support and price. Here’s how the Ruijie NIS‑GE‑SFP‑550M‑MM850 compares to common alternatives:
- Branded vendor modules (Cisco, HP, Juniper):Vendor‑branded optics from major networking OEMs often carry premium pricing but guarantee compatibility with the same vendor’s switches. The Ruijie module offers similar MSA compliance and DDM at a lower suggested price point (suggested retail price around $54.99), making it a cost‑effective branded alternative for Ruijie environments and many other multi‑vendor setups.
- Third‑party generic SFPs:Ultra‑cheap generic optics can be tempting, but they may lack robust support, consistent quality controls and reliable DDM reporting. Ruijie’s branded offering balances affordability with vendor support and better interoperability assurance.
- Higher‑reach multimode or single‑mode options:For runs beyond 550 m or where single‑mode fibre is installed, 1000BASE‑LX (1310 nm) single‑mode SFPs are more appropriate. The Ruijie SX module is optimised for MMF and is typically a better fit where MMF exists and link distances fall within its rated reach.
- 10G SFP+ or fiber upgrades:For sites needing higher throughput, moving to SFP+ or 10GBASE‑SR optics is necessary. The Ruijie 1G module is not a throughput upgrade but a cost‑efficient, low‑power choice where 1 Gbps still meets needs.
Overall, the Ruijie NIS‑GE‑SFP‑550M‑MM850 stands out for its combination of extended short‑reach capability (550 m), DDM support, MSA compliance and competitive pricing. It’s a pragmatic choice when you want branded optics without the premium of top‑tier OEM parts, provided you confirm compatibility with your switch hardware.
Customer testimonials and reviews
Below are representative, anonymised customer impressions that reflect common feedback themes for this class of module. These are example sentiments based on typical user experiences with branded 1 Gb multimode SFPs featuring DDM and hot‑swap convenience.
- "A network engineer at a regional university: ‘We replaced ageing copper uplinks with these SFPs across several buildings. Installation was quick, DDM helped us validate links and the 550 m reach eliminated the need for extra active hardware.’"
- "IT manager at a healthcare clinic: ‘The modules fit our existing multimode cabling and reduced port power draw. The hot‑swap capability made the swapovers painless during after‑hours maintenance.’"
- "Managed services technician: ‘Branded optics with telemetry make troubleshooting easier for remote clients. Ruijie’s SFPs gave us predictable results compared with off‑brand parts we tried previously.’"
These anonymised comments echo the practical benefits enterprises mention most: interoperability, diagnostic visibility and straightforward installation. Buyers should also check public review sites and vendor case studies for additional user perspectives relevant to their use case.
Conclusion: why this product is a great choice
The Ruijie NIS‑GE‑SFP‑550M‑MM850 is a capable, practical SFP transceiver for organisations that rely on multimode fibre and 1 Gbps Ethernet. Its strengths are clear: a 550 m reach that covers a wide range of campus and building‑level runs, DDM for live optics monitoring, low power consumption, hot‑pluggable convenience and adherence to industry MSAs and standards. Priced competitively (suggested price approximately $54.99), it delivers branded support and predictable performance without the premium of some OEM optics.
When evaluating optics for short‑reach fibre links, this Ruijie module is particularly attractive if you need a balance of reach, visibility and cost efficiency. Ensure compatibility with your switch vendor, verify environmental requirements for your deployment, and confirm any warranty or support expectations (note: warranty details should be checked with the supplier). For campus networks, wiring closet uplinks, and server‑room connections where 1 Gbps over MMF is sufficient, the NIS‑GE‑SFP‑550M‑MM850 is a reliable, economical choice that simplifies deployment and ongoing monitoring.
