StarTech.com Cisco SFP-10G-BX-U-40 Compatible SFP+ Module - 10GBASE-BX BiDi SMF Transceiver

The StarTech.com Cisco SFP-10G-BX-U-40 Compatible SFP+ Module is a purpose-built 10 Gigabit Ethernet transceiver designed to deliver reliable, high-speed connectivity for Cisco networks that use 10GBASE-BX BiDi links over single-mode fiber. Engineered to be compatible with Cisco BX-U and BX-D optics, this SFP+ transceiver is tested, programmed, and ready for plug-and-play integration with compatible switches and routers. It offers an efficient, cost-effective solution for long-haul connections across campuses and data centers, enabling you to extend your network without compromising performance. Whether you’re upgrading an existing link or building a new backbone, this module provides the flexibility to support upstream BiDi traffic while maintaining high bandwidth and low latency. Built for durability and consistent performance, it is a trusted option for IT professionals who demand interoperability, reliability, and ease of deployment in enterprise environments.

• Compatibility and interoperability with Cisco BX-U networks: This SFP+ module is designed, programmed, and tested to work with 10GBase-BX compatible Cisco switches and routers, ensuring seamless integration with existing BX-based deployments. It also pairs with StarTech.com’s BX-D-40-ST device for a reliable upstream fiber solution, delivering consistent performance across a range of Cisco-based infrastructure. This compatibility minimizes compatibility surprises and reduces downtime during upgrades or expansions.
• BiDi upstream design for fiber efficiency: The BX-U variant uses a bidirectional (BiDi) approach that enables communication over a single fiber pair (duplex fiber) by using distinct wavelengths for transmit and receive. This reduces fiber cabling requirements, lowers installation costs, and simplifies network layouts—great for space-constrained data centers or campus deployments where fiber availability matters. You gain the benefit of long-reach, high-bandwidth links without the complexity of multiple fiber strands.
• High-performance 10 Gbps connectivity: delivering full-duplex 10GBASE-BX performance, this SFP+ module supports high-bandwidth links essential for modern data-intensive applications, including virtualized environments, cloud services, storage replication, and high-speed interconnects between switches and routers. It helps ensure that latency remains low and throughput stays robust, even under heavy network traffic, so your critical services stay responsive.
• Easy installation and reliable operation: Featuring a standard SFP+ form factor, this module is designed for straightforward installation into compatible SFP+ ports. It supports hot-swapping in most compliant devices, enabling you to upgrade or replace transceivers without powering down entire systems. The module is engineered and tested to deliver dependable performance, reducing maintenance overhead and helping keep networks operating smoothly.
• Quality, support, and compatibility assurance: StarTech’s BX-U BX-D compatibility strategy provides confidence that the transceiver will perform as expected in Cisco BX-based environments. In addition to interoperability, StarTech offers ongoing support and a dependable warranty, helping you address any potential issues quickly and keep networks running at peak reliability.

Technical Details of StarTech.com Cisco SFP-10G-BX-U-40 Compatible SFP+ Module

• Data Rate: 10 Gbps
• Fiber Type: Single-Mode Fiber (SMF)
• BiDi Upstream: Yes, compatible with 10GBASE-BX-U/-D configurations
• Maximum Distance: Up to 40 km over SMF
• Wavelengths: Transmit around 1310 nm; Receive around 1550 nm
• Form Factor: SFP+
• Compatibility: Cisco BX-U 10GBASE-BX environments; designed to pair with BX-D-40-ST counterparts

How to install StarTech.com Cisco SFP-10G-BX-U-40 Compatible SFP+ Module

Installing this StarTech SFP+ module is a straightforward process designed to minimize downtime and ensure reliable operation once connected. Follow these general steps to install the transceiver into a compatible Cisco switch or router:

• Prepare your equipment: Power down the affected device only if recommended by your network policy, or follow hot-swappable guidance for your specific platform.
• Identify the correct port: Locate an available SFP+ port that supports 10GBASE-BX BiDi operation on your Cisco device and confirm it is configured for 10GBASE-BX traffic.
• Remove the placeholder module: If an existing transceiver is installed, carefully release it from the SFP+ cage per your device’s maintenance procedures and set it aside.
• Insert the StarTech transceiver: Align the module with the SFP+ slot and firmly seating it until it clicks into place. Ensure the module is fully seated and latched in the slot.
• Connect the fiber optic cables: Attach the single-mode fiber pair to the transceiver’s optical interfaces as required by the BX-U/BX-D configuration. Verify that transmit and receive fibers are correctly oriented according to your network design.
• Power up and verify: Reconnect power if necessary and power on the device. Use your switch or router’s management interface to verify link status, monitor port activity, and confirm the 10 Gbps operating speed.
• Validate performance: Run basic throughput tests, check error counters, and confirm that BiDi communication is functioning as intended. If issues arise, consult your device’s logs and StarTech’s support resources for troubleshooting guidance.
• Documentation and configuration: Update network diagrams and device configurations to reflect the BX-U transceiver deployment, including any VLANs, QoS, or routing implications associated with the new link.

Frequently asked questions

• Is this module compatible with Cisco BX-U networks? Yes. It is designed, programmed, and tested to work with 10GBase-BX compatible Cisco switches and routers, and it pairs with StarTech.com’s BX-D-40-ST to provide a reliable upstream BiDi link.
• What distance can I reach with this transceiver? The module supports up to 40 kilometers over single-mode fiber, making it suitable for long-haul links between buildings or campuses while maintaining 10 Gbps performance.
• Do I need special drivers or firmware? In most Cisco environments, transceivers like this are plug-and-play and are automatically detected by the device. No separate driver installation is typically required beyond ensuring compatibility and proper configuration on the switch or router.
• Is the transceiver hot-swappable? Yes. SFP+ modules are designed to be hot-swapped in compatible devices, allowing you to upgrade or replace components with minimal downtime, subject to your network maintenance policies.
• What kind of support or warranty is available? StarTech backs its products with support and a warranty. For details, refer to StarTech’s customer support resources and your regional warranty terms. This ensures assistance if you encounter compatibility or performance issues.