I have a client that is using Cisco switches with gigabit fiber connectors. They want to install OM3 50 micron fiber to be able to change to 10 gig switches in the future. My question is will the current switches work on OM3 multimode or do they need to be running VCSEL.
I think it will be fine. But I'd really hate to find out I'm wrong after the OM3 is installed and terminated.
That's rather vague. Do you have some information on the SFP or GBIC modules or the exact model of switch if its not modular?
No, Typically we would just install OM2 fiber. This isn't really about the Cisco switches it's really about OM3's backword compatibility with products that would only need OM2 fiber.
Basically, if I plugged in your basic TRENDnet 10/100 Mbps multi-mode fiber converter on OM3 fiber. Would it work properly.
I believe Iv'e found my answer:
Here
Ahhhh now you've provided more information. Most GBIC SFP modules work with either 62.5 or 50 micron fiber so as long as you double check the specs of the GBICs in question you should be fine.
It wasn't a 62.2 or 50 micron question. you can get OM2 in 50 micron. It was an OM3 compatibility question.
What????? Your original question asked whether their CURRENT switches would work with OM3. I asked you for more information on the switches or GBIC SFP modules before I could answer that. They may have been single mode modules for all we know. You didn't provide enough information.
Next you want to know whether any OM2 fiber product would work with OM3, which is 50 micron fiber. I answered the question! Yes as long as the GBIC SFP modules or whatever device your plugging into supports 50 micron fiber. There are some devices which only transmit over 62.5 micron fiber thereby if you use OM3 it will not work since its 50 mic. So again, if you use a device that is compatible with both 62.5 and 50 micron fiber then you will have no problems.
Not being the best writer in world I can see I lead you to focus on the switches. That's why I tried to clarify it in the subsequent post. Thanks for trying to decipher my post; I appreciate your time and effort.
