SFP GE T vs GLC TE：What's the difference?

Specifications for GLC-T and GLC-TE  

By access to Cisco’s relative information, specifications for Cisco GLC-T and GLC-TE are concluded in the table below:

When addressing the differences between the SFP GE T and GLC TE transceiver modules, it is important to understand the basic characteristics of these two modules in the networking industry.

1. **SFP GE T:**

The SFP GE T is a hot-pluggable Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) Gigabit Ethernet transceiver used mainly for data communication and telecommunication applications. It follows the Gigabit Ethernet standard (1000Base-T) and is designed for compatibility across various brands of networking equipment. One of its key features is its ability to support Digital Diagnostic Monitoring (DDM), providing real-time data about various optical and electrical parameters within the module, and operates at an extended temperature range of -5°C to 85°C.

The SFP-GE-T is 1000BASE-T SFP transceiver module for Category 5 copper wire, extended operating temperature range, RJ-45 connector. It is NEBS 3 ESD grade.
 

2. **GLC TE:**

Similar to SFP GE T, the GLC TE module can also support a 1000Base-T Ethernet interface, offering the same link range (up to 100 meters over Cat 5 copper cables). However, there are several distinctive differences to note. First, GLC TE is designed specifically for Cisco's switches and networking devices. Second, while the GLC TE has similar functionalities as the SFP GE T, it has been tailored to operate at an broader extended temperature range from -5°C to 85°C, similar to that of SFP GE T. While GLC TE does not support the Digital Diagnostic Monitoring (DDM) functionality inherent to SFP GE T, it holds a critical advantage in situations with larger temperature extremes where the regular GLC T (0°C to 70°C operating temperature) would not be adequate.
 

The GLC-TE is referring to 1000BASE-T SFP extend temperature transceiver module for Category 5 copper wire, RJ-45 connector, Extended Temperature. It’s very similar with SFP-GE-T SFP module.

So, the primary differences between SFP GE T and GLC TE lie in their brand compatibility and operating temperature ranges. The SFP GE T is designed for compatibility with multiple brands and supports DDM, while the GLC TE is tailored for Cisco devices and operates within a broader temperature range, while lacking DDM support.

Making the choice between these two will depend largely on the specific requirements of your network system. If you have a system predominantly using Cisco hardware and work in extreme temperature conditions, the GLC TE would be the logical option. Conversely, if your system involves mixed vendor devices and needs insightful system monitoring with DDM, the SFP GE T would prove beneficial.
 

What do SFP GE Tand GLC TErepresent respectively?

What is SFP GE T?

The SFP GE T, or Small Form-factor Pluggable Gigabit Ethernet Transceiver, is a hot-swappable input/output device that plugs into a Gigabit Ethernet port or slot, linking the port with the network. The transceiver allows for the conversion of electrical data signals to optical signals, and vice versa for the transmission of data.

'SFP' stands for Small Form-factor Pluggable, suggesting it's compact and has the ability to be plugged in to provide network connectivity. 'GE' implies it's capable of supporting Gigabit Ethernet signals, putting it at gigabit-level speeds. And 'T' indicates it's a transceiver, meaning the device both transmits and receives signals.

The transceiver follows the 1000BASE-T Ethernet standard, which means that it's designed for use in Gigabit Ethernet networking. It works on Copper Cat 5 cables and has a maximum transmission distance of up to 100 meters, making it suitable for short-range network scenarios and interconnections.

An additional important feature of this module is its ability to support Digital Diagnostic Monitoring (DDM). DDM allows real-time access to device operating parameters, improving its overall usability and network diagnostic potential. Furthermore, it operates in a wider temperature range from -5 to 85 degrees Celsius than some modules, making it ideal for various environmental conditions.

In conclusion, the SFP GE T module enables network administrators to manage and ensure seamless network connections. With its hot-swappable feature, it adds flexibility to network configurations and maintenance - making it a highly advantageous module in data communication infrastructure.

That brings us to SFP-GE-T. In a lot of respects, these transceivers are identical to GLC-T. Both support 1000BASE-T SFP. Both work with standard Cat 6 Ethernet. They provide the same data rates, auto negotiation, and auto MDI/MDIX.

In fact, the only major difference between the two has to do with safe operating conditions. While GLC-T is COM-rated, SFP-GE-T is NEBS 3 ESD EXT rated.

That’s a bit of a mouthful, but NEBS ratings are managed by the Network Equipment Building System. This standard provides three levels of performance, each pertaining to safe operating temperatures and general device durability.

Level three is the highest in the NEBS standard, and that’s the rating applied to SFP-GE-T. There are a number of tests that go into NEBS standards, but there are three specific things you need to know about NEBS 3.

First, it supports nominal operation from temperatures as low as -40℃ to as high as 85℃. So, NEBS 3 devices are much more robust than COM devices.

Second, NEBS also certifies interference minimization. NEBS 3 devices won’t cause interference with your other equipment.

Finally, NEBS 3 is required for some telecommunication applications. Even when it isn’t required, NEBS 3 is chosen by many networking engineers for the most critical systems.
 

What is the advantage of  SFP GE T?

The SFP GE T, or Small Form-factor Pluggable Gigabit Ethernet Transceiver, boasts several beneficial features that make it a popular choice in the network and telecommunications industry. Some of these key advantages include:

1. **Versatility and Compatibility:** The SFP GE T modules are designed with broad compatibility in mind, allowing them to work with various brands of networking equipment, unlike some modules which are brand-specific. This universal nature ensures they can be utilized across a wide range of products and platforms.

2. **High-Performance:** These modules support Gigabit Ethernet, which means they offer higher speed data transmission. This tends to improve overall network performance, especially in data-intensive operations.

3. **Scalability:** Being hot-swappable, these modules can be plugged in or removed without having to power down the system. This results in reduced interruptions, system downtime, and allows for easy scalability based on network demands.

4. **Digital Diagnostic Monitoring (DDM):** SFP GE T modules support DDM feature, providing real-time monitoring of various critical parameters like voltage, temperature, transmitted and received power, among others. This can be instrumental in ensuring network reliability and facilitates proactive fault detection and isolation.

5. **Operational in Various Environmental Conditions:** With a wide operating temperature range of -5 to 85 degrees Celsius, SFP GE T modules can function effectively under a broad spectrum of environmental conditions.

6. **Cost-Effective:** The SFP GE T is typically less expensive than brand-specific modules due to its broad compatibility range. This makes it a cost-effective solution for network expansions or upgrades.

7. **Compact Size:** SFP GE T implements a small form-factor design, which helps save space, allowing for higher port density on networking devices like switches and routers.

Collectively, these advantages position the SFP GE T module as a flexible, powerful, and cost-effective solution for network engineers looking to optimize their network performance and adaptability.
 

What is SFP GLC TE?

The SFP GLC TE, or Small Form-factor Pluggable Gigabit Ethernet Transceiver Extended Temperature, is a specific type of transceiver developed by Cisco. Just like other SFP modules, it is a hot-pluggable input/output device that links a Gigabit Ethernet port or similar appropriate slots to the network.

The GLC stands for Gigabit Interface Converter, implying its usage for high-speed data transfers. The TE suffix indicates that it operates in a relatively extended temperature range, from -5°C to 85°C. This wider operational temperature range makes the GLC TE suitable for demanding environmental conditions that may be too harsh for standard SFP modules.

Similar to other 1000BASE-T SFP modules, the GLC TE supports transmission over copper cables, typically supporting a Cat5 cable for distances up to 100 meters. 

While it shares many similarities with other SFP modules, the GLC TE is specifically designed for compatibility and optimal performance with Cisco's line of networking hardware. Thus, it does not support Digital Diagnostic Monitoring (DDM) functionality that is frequently found in other modules like the GE T.

In summary, the SFP GLC TE is a highly specialized transceiver module that is designed to operate in a range of challenging environmental conditions and is optimized for integration into Cisco's proprietary suite of networking devices. This makes it a crucial component in delivering robust and reliable networking capabilities, particularly within Cisco-dominated networking environments.

This lifecycle that we keep mentioning is why Cisco developed GLC-TE. It’s the replacement hardware for both GLC-T and GLC-TE. In terms of performance, it’s right in line with the other two transceivers. You can expect the exact same level of performance.

Getting into the key difference, GLC-TE has a different temperature rating from either of the other two. This one is rated for EXT. Skipping the jargon, this means that GLC-TE transceivers operate safely from -5℃ to 85℃. You can see that this splits the difference between the other two temperature ratings, which is why Cisco is comfortable using this single model to replace the other two.
 

What is the advantage of  SFP GLC TE?

The SFP GLC TE offers a number of advantages in the world of telecommunications, especially in environments that primarily use Cisco equipment. Here are some of the key benefits of the GLC TE:

1. **Extended Temperature Operation:** As the 'TE' implies, this Small Form-factor Pluggable Transceiver is designed to operate within an extended temperature range of -5°C to 85°C, making it suitable for various environments, including harsh outdoor conditions or heated industrial settings.

2. **Interoperability with Cisco Equipment:** Specifically designed for Cisco's networking products, the GLC TE provides seamless integration and streamlined performance with Cisco switches, routers, and other networking devices, ensuring a high degree of compatibility within a Cisco infrastructure.

3. **High-Speed Connectivity:** The GLC TE supports the 1000BASE-T standard, meaning it facilitates Gigabit Ethernet data transmission of up to 1Gbps over copper cables. This ensures robust and fast data delivery within your network system.

4. **Hot-swappable:** Like many SFP modules, the GLC TE is hot-swappable, allowing you to install or remove it without causing device or network downtime.

5. **Reliable and Durable:** Given its compatibility with Cisco equipment and the ability to function under an extended temperature range, the GLC TE offers enhanced reliability and durability. It stands up to demanding conditions and maintains performance, making it a solid investment for long-term network stability.

6. **Space-saving Design:** Like all SFP modules, the GLC TE offers a compact form factor, allowing for higher port density in network devices while saving valuable rack space.

7. **Simple to Install and Configure:** With plug-and-play capability and intuitive design, GLC TE modules can be installed and configured easily, requiring limited technical know-how.

These advantages underline the suitability of the GLC TE in Cisco equipment environments, particularly those with potentially challenging operating temperatures. This module provides a versatile, reliable, and robust option for ensuring the smooth performance of network operations.
 

Precautions for purchasing SFP GE Tvs GLC TE:

When purchasing either an SFP GE T or a GLC TE transceiver module, it's essential to consider various factors to ensure you're selecting the most suitable and cost-effective solution for your network. Here are some precautions to keep in mind:

1. **Compatibility:** The SFP GE T is broadly compatible with various brands, whereas the GLC TE is specifically designed for Cisco devices. It's crucial to verify that the optical transceiver is compatible with your network's devices to ensure seamless operation. 

2. **Temperature Range:** Consider your operating environment. The GLC TE operates over an extended range from -5°C to 85°C, making it suitable for harsher environmental conditions, whereas the SFP GE T operates with a similar temperature range but with variation in some brands. 

3. **Vendor Reputation:** Always make sure you're purchasing from a reputable supplier that guarantees the quality and authenticity of their products. Counterfeit or low-quality products can pose a risk to your network's performance and reliability.

4. **DDM Support:** The SFP GE T has Digital Diagnostic Monitoring (DDM) capabilities for real-time parameter monitoring, which GLC TE lacks. If DDM is a critical requirement for your system, choosing the SFP GE T would be beneficial.

5. **Cost:** Assess the cost of the module against your budget and the benefits it brings. Even though vendor-specific modules like the GLC TE might cost more, their enhanced performance with corresponding equipment could offset the cost in the long run.

6. **Network Infrastructure:** Consider the current and future needs of your network. If you plan on expanding or upgrading the network, ensure the module can support these changes.

Remember, both the SFP GE T and GLC TE offer their unique strengths. The choice largely depends on your networking environment, specific network needs, and respective constraints. Adequate research and possibly consulting with a network professional can help guide you towards the best choice for your system.
 

How to select GLC-T,GLC-TE and SFP-GE-T optical transceiver?

In fact the transmission effect of three electrical port module is similar, can choose any one gigabit transmission, but it is worth noting that the original Cisco GLC-T and SFP-G -T module has terminated sale on June 1st2017, and replaced by GLC- E module.

If you are dealing directly with the telecommunications company (as required by NEBS), you need to select the SFP-GE-T module with NEBS 3 ESD function.