Pathway Connectivity
VIA 12 Manual
V3 – April 2015
23
Appendix 1: SFP Fiber Adapter Selection
The VIA Gigabit Switch models 6730 and 6740 allow the end user to provide a fiber
adaptor. The adaptors are typically referred to as an SFP (Small Form Pluggable
transceiver) or mini-GBIC (gigabit interface converter).
Because of frequent catalog changes in the IT world, it is not possible to recommend
part numbers from specific manufacturers. The following are guidelines for selection.
1. The form factor must be stated as SFP (not SFP+, XENpack or others).
2. The fiber connector is LC Duplex.
3. The SFP must support Optical Gigabit Ethernet, typically referred to as 1000BASE-SX
or 1000BASE-LX.
4. The SFP must match the type of fiber installed, either Single Mode or Multi-Mode.
5. The SFP must support the distance required, which in turn determines the optical
wavelength. 850nm is typically used for runs up to 550m, while 1310nm is typically
used for runs up to 10km.
We strongly recommend each end of the connection use an identical SFP.
When the SFP module is inserted in the switch, the Module Present LED will light up. If
an incompatible module is detected, the Error LED will light up. The Port status, on the
LCD screen, for Port 11 (VIA10 model 6730) or Port 13 or 14 (VIA12 model 6740) will
indicate 1000BASE-LX or 1000BASE-SX, as well as the link status.
The VIA10 will only work with 1000BASE fiber modules, and will not work with non-fiber
(SFP modules that convert to Gigabit copper) or 100BASE fiber modules. The VIA12
should work with these other SFP module variations, but has not been tested.
When connecting a VIA to another manufacturer’s switch using fiber, please bear in
mind that some switches check the manufacturer’s ID, as announced by the SFP
module, and will only connect to a matching brand. VIA switches do not perform a
manufacturer’s ID check, and should work with any SFP module meeting the criteria
above (Cisco, Finisar, Netgear, etc.)
