Cisco MGBSX1 SFP Transceiver Gigabit Ethernet (Gbe)

The Cisco MGBSX1 is a Gigabit Ethernet 1000BASE-SX Mini-GBIC SFP transceiver module from Cisco’s MGE (Mini Gigabit Ethernet) Small Form-Factor Pluggable family, purpose-designed to bring simple, reliable, and cost-effective multimode fiber uplink connectivity to Cisco Small Business switches. As a fully hot-swappable, plug-and-play module requiring no tools or downtime for installation, the MGBSX1 provides network administrators with an easy and non-disruptive way to extend their Gigabit Ethernet infrastructure across floors, buildings, or small campus environments using existing multimode fiber cabling infrastructure.

1000BASE-SX Multimode Fiber Connectivity

Operating at the industry-standard 850 nm short-wavelength (SX) window over multimode fiber, the MGBSX1 delivers full-duplex Gigabit Ethernet at 1 Gbps data rates with a duplex LC connector interface — the most widely deployed fiber connector type in enterprise networking today. Support for both 50/125 µm and 62.5/125 µm multimode fiber types ensures compatibility with a broad range of installed fiber infrastructure, making the MGBSX1 an ideal upgrade or expansion option for environments with existing OM1, OM2, or legacy multimode cabling.

Flexible Distance Support

The MGBSX1 supports varying maximum transmission distances depending on the type and bandwidth of multimode fiber deployed. At its best, it reaches up to 550 metres over 50/125 µm OM2 multimode fiber (500 MHz·km bandwidth), making it well suited for intra-building and inter-floor connectivity, server room-to-IDF links, and small campus backbone connections. Over the more commonly installed 62.5/125 µm legacy multimode fiber (200 MHz·km), the module supports up to 275 metres — more than adequate for the vast majority of in-building switch-to-switch or switch-to-server links. The guaranteed optical link budget of 7.5 dB provides a reliable safety margin for real-world installations with patch panels, connectors, and fiber bends.

Hot-Swappable, Tool-Free Installation

The MGBSX1’s built-in spring-latch mechanism enables quick, tool-free insertion and removal from any compatible SFP port without powering down the host switch. This hot-swap capability minimises planned and unplanned network downtime — ideal for live production environments where continuous uptime is critical. Simply push the module into the SFP port until it clicks into place, connect the duplex LC fiber cable, and the link is live within seconds.

Low Power, Low Heat, Long Life

With a maximum power consumption of just 1W, the MGBSX1 generates minimal heat and places negligible additional load on the host switch’s power budget. This low power draw not only reduces operating costs over the lifetime of the module but also contributes to a cooler, more reliable switching environment, extending the operational life of both the transceiver and the host equipment.

Broad Cisco Small Business Switch Compatibility

The MGBSX1 is officially supported across Cisco’s full range of Small Business switches with SFP ports, including the Cisco 100, 200, 300, and 500 Series managed switch families. This broad compatibility ensures the module integrates seamlessly into existing Cisco Small Business deployments and provides a straightforward, vendor-supported upgrade path as network capacity requirements grow. Cisco’s interoperability guidelines — available in the module’s Quick Start Guide — provide detailed compatibility information for specific switch models.

Eye Safety and EMC Compliance

The MGBSX1 meets all applicable FDA and international IEC laser eye safety standards (FDA 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11, EN/IEC 60825-1, 2), ensuring safe operation in populated office and data centre environments. Full compliance with FCC Part 15 Class B, EN55022 Class B (CISPR 22B), and VCCI Class B electromagnetic compatibility standards ensures the transceiver will not introduce RF interference into sensitive environments.

Ideal Applications: Switch-to-switch fiber uplinks within buildings, inter-floor backbone connections between IDF/MDF closets, server room to access layer switch connectivity, small campus fibre links between adjacent buildings, data centre top-of-rack fibre connectivity, and any Gigabit Ethernet application requiring reliable short-to-medium range multimode fiber connectivity.

Backed by Cisco’s 5-year limited hardware warranty with return-to-factory replacement and 1-year telephone technical support from the Cisco Small Business Support Center, the MGBSX1 is the trusted, vendor-supported choice for Cisco Small Business multimode fiber SFP connectivity.

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Technical Specifications

Interface & Standards

• Product Type: SFP Transceiver / Mini-GBIC
• Ethernet Standard: 1000BASE-SX (IEEE 802.3z)
• Data Rate: 1 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet)
• Fibre Channel Support: 1G Fibre Channel (1.0625 Gbps)
• Duplex Mode: Full-duplex

Optical Specifications

• Media Type: Multimode Fiber (MMF)
• Wavelength (Tx): 850 nm (typical)
• Wavelength (Rx): 850 nm (typical)
• Connector Type: Duplex LC (low-insertion-loss LC receptacle)
• Transmit Power (Tx): -9.5 dBm to -4 dBm
• Receive Sensitivity (Rx): -20 dBm to -17 dBm
• Optical Link Budget (min.): 7.5 dB

Maximum Transmission Distance

• 50/125 µm MMF @ 500 MHz·km (OM2): Up to 550 m
• 50/125 µm MMF @ 400 MHz·km: Up to 500 m
• 62.5/125 µm MMF @ 200 MHz·km (OM1): Up to 275 m
• 62.5/125 µm MMF @ 160 MHz·km (legacy): Up to 220 m

Physical Specifications

• Form Factor: SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) / Mini-GBIC
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 13.4 x 8.5 x 56.5 mm (0.53 x 0.33 x 2.22 in.)
• Weight: 0.018 kg (0.63 oz)
• Latch Type: Built-in spring latch (tool-free removal)
• Hot-Swappable: Yes (no host switch reboot required)

Power

• Max Power Consumption: 1W
• Power Source: Supplied by host switch SFP slot (no external power)

Environmental Specifications

• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 70°C (32°F to 158°F)
• Storage Temperature: -40°C to 85°C (-40°F to 185°F)
• Operating Humidity: 10% to 85% non-condensing
• Storage Humidity: 5% to 90% non-condensing

Compatibility

• Primary Cisco Platforms:
• Cisco 100 Series Managed Switches
• Cisco 200 Series Smart Switches
• Cisco 300 Series Managed Switches
• Cisco 500 Series Stackable Managed Switches
• Cisco Small Business Pro Series switches
• All Cisco Small Business switches with SFP ports
• Third-Party Use: Compatible with any standards-compliant 1000BASE-SX SFP port (verify interoperability with host device vendor)
• Fiber Patch Cable: Requires duplex LC multimode fiber patch cable (sold separately)

Standards & Regulatory Compliance

• Ethernet: IEEE 802.3z (1000BASE-SX Gigabit Ethernet)
• EMC/EMI:
• FCC Part 15 Class B
• EN55022 Class B (CISPR 22B)
• VCCI Class B
• Safety:
• FDA 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11 (laser eye safety)
• EN60950 (electrical safety)
• EN/IEC 60825-1 (laser safety)
• EN/IEC 60825-2 (laser safety)
• Environmental: RoHS compliant

Package Contents

• 1x Cisco MGBSX1 SFP Transceiver Module
• 1x Quick Start / Installation Guide
• Note: Duplex LC multimode fiber cable not included — must be purchased separately

Warranty & Support

• Hardware Warranty: 5-year limited hardware warranty (Cisco Small Business)
• Replacement: Return-to-factory replacement
• Technical Support: 1 year telephone support (Cisco Small Business Support Center)
• Software Updates: Bug fix updates at no charge for the life of the warranty

Comparison — Cisco MGE SFP Transceiver Family

| Model | Standard | Media | Wavelength | Max Distance |

|——-|———-|——-|————|————–|

| MGBSX1 | 1000BASE-SX | MMF | 850 nm | 550 m |

| MGBLX1 | 1000BASE-LX | SMF | 1310 nm | 10 km |

| MGBLH1 | 1000BASE-LH | SMF | 1310 nm | 40 km |

| MGBT1 | 1000BASE-T | Cat 5e UTP | N/A | 100 m |

Ideal Applications

• Inter-floor switch-to-switch fiber uplinks
• IDF to MDF backbone connections
• Server room to access layer switch connectivity
• Small campus fiber links (buildings within 550 m)
• Data centre top-of-rack fiber connectivity
• ISP Gigabit Ethernet access links
• Enterprise LAN and SAN network fiber segments