topic E Series LX-SX Mode Conditioning in Switches, Hubs, and Modems

E Series LX-SX Mode Conditioning

george ferns — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 21:12:33 GMT

Hi

The HP documentation states that the LX SFP (J4859C) supports SMF to 10 km and MMF to 550 meters. There is no mention of requiring Mode Conditioning cables for LX on MMF. Cisco/AT/Brocade modules do require mode conditioning cables for this. Can someone confirm if this is the Case for HPN E Series SFP's. Does this apply to A Series?

Re: E Series LX-SX Mode Conditioning

Richard Brodie_1 — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 23:30:21 GMT

You might need it, if you're unlucky. The docs do say that in various places:

e.g. http://www.hp.com/rnd/support/faqs/mini-GBICs.htm#question16

I would guess the other suppliers are suggesting it out of caution.

Re: E Series LX-SX Mode Conditioning

Pieter 't Hart — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 14:17:55 GMT

This doc DOES note Mode Conditioning cables

http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/12280_div/12280_div.pdf

As the core diameter of single mode is much less than multimode, there is no optimal optical contact between the SFP and MM fiber.
But the transmitter will still send light into the cable.
And the receiver will recieve light.

The further you get to the 550m (MM) limit the better it will work if you DO use mode conditioning cables.
For short distances it will work without.