SX vs LX SFP: 1G Optical Gigabit Selection
Optical Engineering Guide
Comparing 1000BASE-SX (Short Haul) and 1000BASE-LX (Long Haul) transceivers for legacy and industrial gigabit backbones.
Technical Attribute Comparison Matrix
Fiber MediumMultimode (OM1 / OM2 / OM3)Single-mode (OS2) & Multimode (Mode Conditioning)
Wavelength850 nm1310 nm
Max Distance550m (on OM2/OM3)10 km (on Single-mode) / 550m (on Multimode)
ConnectorLC DuplexLC Duplex
Mode ConditioningNot requiredRequired only when operating LX over legacy 62.5µm OM1
Pre-Procurement Checklist
Identify installed fiber grade before choosing transceivers.
Use 1000BASE-LX for future-proof campus links migrating to 10G single-mode.
Confirm optical connector ferrule is clean using a 200x fiber microscope.