StarTech.com MSA Uncoded SFP Transceiver Module - 1000BASE-BX BiDi SMF (1GbE)

The StarTech.com MSA Uncoded SFP Transceiver Module - 1000BASE-BX - 1GbE Gigabit Ethernet BiDi Fiber (SMF) is a compact, industry-standard solution designed to extend your network reach over single-mode fiber. Built to be MSA-compliant and highly interoperable, this upstream fiber SFP transceiver works seamlessly with StarTech.com’s SFP1000BXDST partner module to deliver reliable, high-performance 1000BASE-BX connectivity across BX-enabled switches and routers. Engineered for enterprise deployments, data centers, and campus networks, it enables you to bridge sites with distances up to 10 km (6.2 miles) while keeping fiber use efficient and cost-effective. The module is designed for easy installation in standard SFP ports, delivering a hassle-free upgrade path without rearranging your existing infrastructure. By combining robust interoperability with a hot-pluggable form factor, this SFP transceiver makes it simple to scale your network as demand grows while preserving signal integrity and minimizing downtime.

• MSA-compliant upstream SFP transceiver: This unit is built to the MSA specification and is designed to pair with StarTech.com’s SFP1000BXDST for a cohesive BX BiDi solution, enabling smooth integration into BX-enabled networks without compatibility concerns. The module supports 1000BASE-BX operation and is tested to ensure reliable performance across a variety of BX configurations. It is ideal for organizations migrating to fiber or expanding existing fiber footprints, providing a dependable upgrade path that minimizes network disruption.
• Designed, programmed and tested for 1000BASE-BX BX BiDi networking: The SFP1000BXUST is engineered to deliver stable 1GbE performance over single-mode fiber in BiDi configurations. It is calibrated to work with BX-compatible switches and routers, reducing the guesswork during deployment and helping you achieve predictable throughput with less troubleshooting. IT teams benefit from verified interoperability, shorter integration cycles, and a lower total cost of ownership when building or expanding BX-based fiber backbones.
• Long-distance capability for BX fiber deployments: The module supports feasible link distances up to 10 km (6.2 miles) on single-mode fiber, enabling connections between campus buildings, data centers, or remote sites without sacrificing signal integrity. This extended reach is especially valuable for expanding network footprints in multi-building campuses or geographically distributed offices, all while maintaining a single, consistent 1GbE link.
• BiDi Bi-directional fiber solution with SMF: By leveraging BiDi fiber technology, this SFP transceiver minimizes fiber counts and optic footprint, enabling cost-effective, high-density deployments. It is optimized for single-mode fiber infrastructure and works in harmony with the downstream BX module, simplifying the overall fiber plant and reducing installation complexity in edge and core network segments.
• Easy integration with standard SFP ports and BX ecosystem: The SFP form factor is industry-standard, allowing rapid insertion into any compatible SFP slot in switches, routers, and media converters. Its compatibility with StarTech.com’s BX components means you can upgrade gradually or deploy in mixed-vendor environments with fewer compatibility concerns, preserving existing investments while expanding fiber reach.

Technical Details of StarTech.com MSA Uncoded SFP Transceiver Module - 1000BASE-BX - 1GbE Gigabit Ethernet BiDi Fiber (SMF)

• Module form factor: SFP transceiver, MSA-compliant design for universal compatibility with SFP ports across a wide range of network gear.
• Function: Upstream, uncoded SFP transceiver designed to pair with StarTech.com’s SFP1000BXDST for BiDi BX deployments.
• Data rate: 1000BASE-BX (bi-directional 1 Gbps Ethernet) capable, enabling reliable gigabit fiber links over SMF.
• Fiber type: Single-Mode Fiber (SMF) with LC duplex connector for broadband BX bi-directional operation across longer distances.
• Distance: Supports links up to 10 km (6.2 miles) on suitable SMF fiber, making it suitable for campus backbones and inter-site connections.
• Wavelengths: BiDi design optimized for 1000BASE-BX operation (TX/RX wavelengths configured for upstream-downstream separation in BX configurations).
• Connector: LC duplex, standard for modern SFP BX deployments and compatible with common fiber patch cords and wall outlets.
• Compatibility: Engineered to work with BX-enabled MSA switches and routers; designed to pair with SFP1000BXDST to form a complete BX bi-directional link.
• Operating environment: Designed for enterprise-grade reliability and hot-swappability in standard data center and office equipment, with expectations of interoperability across a range of BX-compatible devices.

How to install StarTech.com MSA Uncoded SFP Transceiver Module

To install the StarTech.com MSA Uncoded SFP Transceiver Module, ensure you have the BX pair ready (SFP1000BXUST and SFP1000BXDST) and the fiber patch cords required for SMF BX operation. Power down the affected equipment if hot-swapping is not permitted by policy, or verify that your devices support hot-swapping in accordance with manufacturer guidelines. Insert the SFP module firmly into an available SFP slot on the switch or router until it seats with a click. Next, connect a duplex LC SMF patch cord from the BX port on the device to the corresponding BX port on the opposite device, ensuring correct TX/RX orientation per BX pairing requirements. Power up the equipment, and monitor the link indicators to confirm a stable association. For BX configurations, verify that the upstream and downstream ports are configured to use BX polarity and that the remote device recognizes the BiDi link. Finally, test basic data transmission to confirm functional 1000BASE-BX connectivity across the fiber link, and adjust any VLAN, QoS, or routing policies as needed to support your intended traffic.

Notes for installation: BX BiDi links require correct pairing with the corresponding downstream module and compatible BX-capable switches/routers. If you encounter link negotiation issues, verify firmware compatibility, check fiber polarity, and ensure the LC connectors are clean and properly mated. When replacing existing transceivers, power down or follow hot-swap procedures per your equipment’s guidelines to prevent electrical or optical damage. Once installed, you can monitor link status via the device’s management interface and confirm throughput with baseline performance tests to ensure the path meets your organization’s latency and bandwidth requirements.

Frequently asked questions

Q: What is the StarTech.com MSA Uncoded SFP Transceiver Module used for?
A: It is a 1000BASE-BX BiDi SFP transceiver designed to extend Gigabit Ethernet connectivity over single-mode fiber, pairing with StarTech.com’s BX-compatible components to create BiDi links across BX-enabled switches and routers.

Q: How far can this SFP transceiver reach?
A: It supports up to 10 km (6.2 miles) on SMF, depending on fiber quality, connectors, and the specifications of the linked BX devices.

Q: What type of fiber and connectors does it require?
A: It uses single-mode fiber with LC duplex connectors, matching common BX deployment configurations and enabling long-distance, high-capacity links.

Q: Does it work with non-StarTech BX equipment?
A: The module is designed to be BX-compatible and, while optimized for StarTech BX components, it follows MSA standards to maximize interoperability with BX-enabled switches and routers from other vendors. Always verify compatibility with your specific hardware and firmware versions.

Q: Is installation hot-swappable?
A: SFP modules are typically hot-swappable in compliant hardware, allowing replacement or upgrades with minimal downtime. Follow your device’s hot-swap guidelines to ensure safe installation.