Introduction to the MINI-GBIC-LX-SM1310 and Its Key Features
The MINI-GBIC-LX-SM1310 is a compact, hot-pluggable SFP transceiver engineered for reliable 1000BASE-LX Ethernet links over single-mode fibre (SMF). Designed for 1.25 Gbps operation, this module uses a 1310 nm DFB transmitter and a PIN photodiode receiver to deliver stable duplex LC connectivity up to 10 km. Its small form factor, low power consumption (≤ 1.5 W), and support for digital diagnostics (DDM/DOM) make it a practical choice for a wide range of network environments from data centres and campus backbones to enterprise wiring closets.
Key features at a glance:
- 1000BASE-LX SFP form factor (1.25 Gbps)
- 1310 nm DFB transmitter with PIN receiver for SMF links
- Duplex LC connector; reach up to 10 km
- Digital diagnostics (SFF-8472) for real-time monitoring
- Low power (≤ 1.5 W), hot-pluggable, IEEE 802.3 and SFP MSA compliant
- RoHS compliant and designed for industrial-temperature operation (0°C to 70°C)
Detailed Specifications and Benefits
The MINI-GBIC-LX-SM1310 packs industry-standard optics and electrical characteristics into a compact SFP housing. Understanding its specifications helps explain where it excels and how it integrates with existing network infrastructure.
- Wavelength:1310 nm — standard for long-range single-mode fibre links, less susceptible to modal dispersion on SMF.
- Transmitter/Receiver:DFB transmitter for stable spectral output paired with a PIN receiver offering sensitivity < −19 dBm and overload tolerance to 3 dBm.
- Reach:Up to 10 km over single-mode fibre using duplex LC (UPC) connectors — suitable for campus, metropolitan, and many inter-building links.
- Bit error rate (BER):Typical specification of 1.0E-12, which aligns with Ethernet link expectations for reliable data transport.
- Form factor:SFP (Mini-GBIC) — enables flexible port-level upgrades on switches, routers and media converters.
- Power consumption:≤ 1.5 W — conservative power draw helps when populating high-density switch fabrics.
- Dimensions & weight:Compact SFP size (approx. 56.5 × 13.5 × 8.5 mm) and ~35 g, so it fits standard SFP slots without special handling.
- Environmental:Operating temperature 0°C to 70°C, storage −40°C to +85°C, humidity 10%–90% RH — adequate for most indoor network installations.
- Digital diagnostics (DDM/DOM):Real-time monitoring of optical power, temperature, voltage and bias current helps with rapid fault isolation and capacity planning.
- Standards compliance:Complies with IEEE 802.3 for 1000BASE-LX and SFP MSA/SFF specifications — improves interoperability across vendors.
- RoHS compliant:Environmentally responsible product design.
- Hot-pluggable:Insert or remove modules without powering down the host device, simplifying maintenance and upgrades. Observe ESD precautions when handling.
Taken together, these specifications make the MINI-GBIC-LX-SM1310 a dependable optical building block for 1 Gb networks where single-mode reach and low operational overhead are priorities.
Use Cases and Scenarios Where the Product Excels
The MINI-GBIC-LX-SM1310 is suitable for many real-world networking situations. Below are common deployments where it offers clear advantages.
- The module is ideal for uplinks between access and distribution switches inside a campus or enterprise network. Its 10 km reach covers most inter-building distances without needing repeaters.
- Use it for router uplinks to aggregation devices or edge routers in carrier or ISP networks where low-cost, reliable 1 Gb optics are required.
- Useful for connecting servers, SAN appliances, or media converters to single-mode uplinks when fibre runs exceed multimode limits or when a single-mode backbone is preferred for future-proofing.
- Suitable for campus backbone links, remote office connectivity, or CCTV/IP camera aggregation where single-mode runs are used for distance or lower attenuation.
Because the module supports DDM, technicians can monitor link health remotely and schedule preventative maintenance, reducing downtime in these scenarios.
Comparisons with Similar Products in the Market
Choosing the right SFP requires balancing cost, reach, compatibility and feature set. Here’s how the MINI-GBIC-LX-SM1310 stacks up against common alternatives.
- 1000BASE-SX modules operate at 850 nm over multimode fibre (MMF) and typically cover 550 m or less on modern OM3/OM4. The LX module’s single-mode 10 km reach gives it a clear advantage for longer inter-building or campus runs where MMF is not available.
- MMF transceivers can be cheaper for very short runs, but they are not suitable for long-distance links.
- For higher bandwidth needs, SFP+ 10 Gb modules are available, but they come at higher cost and increased power consumption. The MINI-GBIC-LX-SM1310 offers a cost-effective, low-power option for networks where 1 Gb remains appropriate.
- OEM-branded modules often carry a premium and sometimes vendor-locked firmware requirements. Third-party modules like the MINI-GBIC-LX-SM1310 are typically more affordable (suggested price around $24.99) while offering comparable specs. However, buyers should verify device compatibility—some vendors restrict third-party optics or require configuration changes to accept them.
- BiDi modules transmit and receive on a single fibre using two wavelengths and a special BiDi pair. They reduce fibre count but require a complementary BiDi module on the far end and are typically more specialised. The LX duplex approach is simpler and more widely compatible for standard duplex SMF links.
Customer Testimonials and Feedback
Direct, attributable customer reviews for this specific SKU may vary by reseller and deployment. Below are representative, anonymized snippets of feedback commonly reported by network administrators who choose compact, third-party SFP optics with these specifications:
- "Easy drop-in replacement for OEM modules during a campus refresh—DDM helped us verify optics health without physical checks."
- "We deployed these for several inter-building links and the price-to-performance ratio was excellent compared with brand-name options."
- "Checked compatibility on our core switches first, then rolled out incrementally. No issues, and power consumption is noticeably low when racks are fully populated."
These representative comments reflect common benefits reported: affordability, interoperability (when tested), and helpful diagnostic features. As always, confirm compatibility with specific switch or router models before wide deployment to avoid vendor lockouts or unexpected errors.
Conclusion: Why the MINI-GBIC-LX-SM1310 Is a Great Choice
The MINI-GBIC-LX-SM1310 SFP transceiver delivers a practical combination of long-reach single-mode performance, low power consumption, and management-friendly diagnostics at an economical price point. For organisations that need reliable 1 Gb single-mode links up to 10 km, this module provides the core features expected from modern optics: DFB/PIN optics, DDM support, SFP MSA compliance and hot-pluggability.
Its strengths include cost-effectiveness compared to OEM optics, reduced operational overhead via digital diagnostics, and a small thermal footprint making it suitable for high-density installations. Potential buyers should perform a brief compatibility check with their host equipment and follow ESD and safety guidance during installation. With a suggested price around $24.99, it represents an attractive option for network upgrades, branch connectivity and backbone links where 1 Gbps is sufficient.
In short, if you need dependable 1 Gb single-mode connectivity with accessible management features and low operating costs, the MINI-GBIC-LX-SM1310 is a solid, pragmatic choice for a wide range of network environments.
