GLC-BX80-U-I Cisco SFP Transceiver Module 1000Base-BX BiDi LC Connector

Cisco SFP 1000Base-BX Transceiver Module

The Cisco GLC-BX80-U-I BiDi SFP Transceiver Module is a powerful optical networking solution engineered for Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. It supports 1000BASE single-mode fiber transmission, offering dependable communication over long distances with 1490nm TX and 1570nm RX wavelengths.

General Information

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: GLC-BX80-U-I
• Device Type: Optical Transceiver Module

Technical Specifications

• Optimized for data networking
• Designed for optical communication systems
• Total Number of Ports: 1
• Connector Type: LC/PC
• Port Details: 1 x LC/PC 1000BASE-BX80-U Network

Media & Performance

• Media Type: Optical Fiber
• Fiber Mode: Single-mode

Networking Technology

• Ethernet Standard: Gigabit Ethernet
• Network Protocol: 1000BASE-BX80-U
• Maximum Distance: 80 km
• Maximum Data Transfer Rate: 1 Gbit/s

Physical Characteristics

• Hot-swappable design for easy installation and replacement

Dimensions

• Height: 0.3"
• Width: 0.5"
• Depth: 2.2"
• Weight: Approx. 0.17 lb

Miscellaneous Information

Compatibility

• MSA Compliant for interoperability
• Compatible with a wide range of Cisco devices, including:
  • ASA5500 Series Appliances
  • ASR 901 and 903 Series Routers
  • ASR 1000, 9000, and 9000v Series Routers
  • Catalyst Express 500 and Express 520
  • Catalyst 2350 and 2360 Series
  • Catalyst 2900, 2940, 2950, 2960, 2960-Plus, 2960-C, 2960-S, 2960-SF, 2960-X Series
  • Catalyst 2970 and 2975 Series
  • Catalyst 3000 and 3100 Blade Switches
  • Catalyst 3500XL Series
  • Catalyst 3550, 3560, 3560-C, 3560-E, 3560-X Series
  • Catalyst 3750-E Series, 3750 Metro, 3750-X Series
  • Catalyst 3850 Series
  • Catalyst 4500 and 4500-X Series
  • Catalyst 4900 Series
  • Catalyst 6000 Series
  • Catalyst 6800 Series
  • Cisco uBR7200 Series
  • Cisco 7200, 7300, 7500, and 7600 Series Routers
  • Cisco 10000 and uBR 10000 Series Routers
  • Cisco 10700 Series Internet Router
  • Cisco 12000 Series Router
  • Cisco 2000 Connected Grid Router Series
  • Cisco 2500 Connected Grid Switch Series
  • Cisco IE2000 and IE2000U Series
  • Cisco IE3010 Series
  • Cisco MDS 9000
  • Cisco ME 2400
  • Cisco ME 2600X
  • Cisco ME 3400
  • Cisco ME 3600X and ME 3800X
  • Cisco ME 4600 and ME 4900 Series
  • Cisco ME 6500 Series
  • Cisco 1941 Series Router
  • Cisco 2600, 2800, 2900 Series Router
  • Cisco 3200, 3600, 3700 Series Router
  • Cisco 4400 Series Router
  • Cisco 5700 Series Wireless LAN Controller
  • Cisco 6400 Universal Access Router
  • Cisco MWR 2941 Mobile Wireless Router
  • CRS Router Series
  • CSS 11500 Series
  • Cisco RF Gateway Series
  • NAM 2200 Series Appliances
  • Nexus 2000, 3000, 4000, 5000, 7000, 9000, 9300, 9500 (modular) Series

Overview of Cisco GLC-BX80-U-I 1000BASE-BX BiDi Transceiver

The Cisco GLC-BX80-U-I 1000BASE-BX BiDi SFP LC SMF Transceiver Module is designed for organizations that require dependable Gigabit Ethernet connectivity across long-distance single-mode fiber infrastructure. As modern enterprises continue expanding their networks across campuses, metropolitan areas, industrial facilities, and remote offices, reliable optical transceivers have become an essential component of stable communication systems. This Cisco-compatible optical module provides high-speed data transmission while simplifying fiber deployment through BiDi technology, allowing both transmitting and receiving optical signals over a single strand of fiber.

Built according to the Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) standard, the Cisco GLC-BX80-U-I offers seamless integration into a wide variety of Cisco switches, routers, aggregation platforms, and networking appliances that support Gigabit SFP interfaces. The compact design minimizes hardware space while maximizing network scalability, enabling administrators to expand infrastructure without replacing existing switching hardware.

The module supports Gigabit Ethernet standards while utilizing an LC optical connector optimized for single-mode fiber applications. It provides stable communication over extended distances, making it suitable for enterprise backbone networks, telecommunications environments, surveillance infrastructures, educational campuses, government agencies, healthcare organizations, manufacturing facilities, and Internet service providers.

1000BASE-BX BiDi Optical Technology

Efficient Single-Fiber Communication

Unlike conventional duplex fiber transceivers that require two optical fibers for transmitting and receiving data, the Cisco GLC-BX80-U-I utilizes Bidirectional (BiDi) optical technology. This advanced transmission method enables simultaneous communication over a single strand of single-mode fiber by using separate optical wavelengths for upstream and downstream traffic.

Single-fiber deployment significantly reduces cabling requirements while maximizing the utilization of existing fiber infrastructure. Organizations expanding their networks often encounter limitations in available fiber strands. BiDi technology overcomes this challenge by doubling the usable capacity of installed fiber without additional trenching or cable installation.

Separate Optical Wavelengths

The module transmits optical signals using one wavelength while receiving another wavelength through wavelength division multiplexing. This separation ensures reliable communication without interference between transmitted and received data streams, maintaining full Gigabit Ethernet performance even over long optical distances.

Reduced Infrastructure Costs

Because only one fiber strand is required for complete communication, network deployment costs decrease considerably. Organizations can reduce expenses associated with fiber installation, conduit requirements, maintenance activities, cable management, and physical infrastructure expansion.

Advantages of Single-Mode Fiber Connectivity

Long-Distance Signal Integrity

Single-mode fiber provides exceptional signal quality over significantly greater distances than multimode fiber. The Cisco GLC-BX80-U-I is specifically engineered to operate across long-haul single-mode fiber links, making it an ideal solution for geographically separated facilities that require dependable Gigabit communication.

Minimal Signal Loss

The narrow core diameter of single-mode fiber minimizes modal dispersion, allowing optical signals to travel with minimal degradation. This results in lower attenuation, higher signal integrity, improved reliability, and greater transmission efficiency throughout the network.

Stable Enterprise Backbone Performance

Enterprise backbone networks require uninterrupted data transfer between distribution switches, core switches, and data center equipment. Single-mode fiber supports these demanding environments by maintaining consistent bandwidth over extensive distances while reducing transmission errors.

Compact Small Form-Factor Pluggable Design

Space-Efficient Networking

The Cisco GLC-BX80-U-I follows the industry-standard Small Form-Factor Pluggable specification, allowing network administrators to install multiple optical interfaces within compact networking equipment. This efficient form factor enables high-density deployments while preserving valuable rack space.

Hot-Pluggable Capability

One of the major benefits of SFP technology is hot-swappable installation. Administrators can replace or upgrade transceiver modules without shutting down switches or routers, reducing maintenance windows and minimizing network disruption.

Simplified Expansion

As organizational networking requirements evolve, additional optical connections can be added simply by installing new SFP modules into available switch ports. This scalable approach allows businesses to expand infrastructure incrementally while protecting previous investments.

LC Optical Connector Benefits

Reliable Fiber Connections

The Cisco GLC-BX80-U-I utilizes an LC connector that provides secure optical connectivity while supporting high-density network installations. The compact connector design enables efficient cable organization within crowded network cabinets and data centers.

Reduced Installation Complexity

LC connectors feature a user-friendly latch mechanism that allows quick installation and removal during maintenance or network upgrades. This reduces deployment time while minimizing the possibility of improper cable connections.

Excellent Optical Performance

Precision alignment within LC connectors helps reduce insertion loss while maintaining consistent optical signal quality throughout the fiber network. This contributes to reliable Gigabit Ethernet communication under demanding operating conditions.

Network Compatibility

Cisco Enterprise Switches

The Cisco GLC-BX80-U-I is engineered for compatibility with numerous Cisco Gigabit Ethernet switches equipped with SFP slots. Network administrators can integrate the module into access, aggregation, and core switching environments while maintaining consistent optical performance.

Router Integration

Many Cisco routers support Gigabit SFP interfaces for WAN connectivity, branch office communication, metropolitan networking, and enterprise backbone deployments. The module provides dependable optical links that support business-critical network traffic.

Flexible Infrastructure Deployment

The standardized SFP design enables organizations to deploy optical connectivity across multiple network layers, simplifying architecture while maintaining hardware flexibility.

Enterprise Data Center Applications

Reliable Server Connectivity

Modern data centers require consistent communication between servers, storage arrays, virtualization clusters, and networking equipment. The Cisco GLC-BX80-U-I supports stable Gigabit Ethernet communication that helps maintain continuous business operations.

Storage Networking

Storage infrastructures often rely on dependable network connections for backup operations, disaster recovery, replication, and centralized storage management. Optical Gigabit connectivity provides consistent throughput while minimizing latency.

Virtualization Support

Virtualized server environments generate continuous traffic between hosts, storage devices, management systems, and backup infrastructure. Stable optical communication ensures predictable network performance for virtual machine workloads.

Campus Network Connectivity

Building-to-Building Communication

Large campuses frequently require high-speed communication between multiple buildings. The Cisco GLC-BX80-U-I supports extended-distance fiber links that connect administrative offices, classrooms, laboratories, libraries, research facilities, and central data centers.

Educational Institutions

Universities, colleges, and schools benefit from long-distance optical connectivity that supports digital learning, online examinations, video conferencing, cloud applications, and centralized IT management.

Healthcare Networks

Hospitals and healthcare campuses require secure, uninterrupted communication between departments, diagnostic systems, electronic medical records, and imaging equipment. Optical fiber provides dependable connectivity while supporting mission-critical operations.

Industrial Networking

Manufacturing Facilities

Industrial environments often span large physical areas where copper Ethernet becomes impractical. Single-mode fiber enables reliable long-distance communication between production equipment, automation controllers, quality assurance systems, and centralized management platforms.

Factory Automation

Modern manufacturing relies on continuous communication among programmable logic controllers, industrial switches, monitoring systems, and supervisory software. Optical connectivity helps reduce electromagnetic interference while supporting dependable industrial communications.

Warehouse Infrastructure

Large warehouses require stable connectivity for inventory systems, surveillance equipment, wireless access points, barcode scanners, and logistics management platforms. Long-range fiber simplifies infrastructure deployment across expansive facilities.

Metropolitan Area Network Deployments

Remote Office Connectivity

Organizations operating multiple branch locations require reliable communication between headquarters and remote offices. The Cisco GLC-BX80-U-I enables cost-effective Gigabit Ethernet connectivity across metropolitan fiber infrastructure.

Government Networks

Government agencies frequently interconnect municipal buildings, administrative offices, emergency response centers, and public service facilities using secure optical networks. The module supports dependable long-distance communication throughout these distributed environments.

Service Provider Infrastructure

Internet service providers and telecommunications companies often utilize optical transceivers for customer access, aggregation networks, and backbone connectivity. The compact SFP design supports scalable deployments across diverse networking architectures.

Network Reliability and Performance

Consistent Gigabit Throughput

The Cisco GLC-BX80-U-I supports full Gigabit Ethernet bandwidth, enabling stable data transmission for applications including cloud computing, unified communications, enterprise software, security monitoring, database synchronization, and multimedia streaming.

Low Bit Error Rates

Precision optical components help minimize transmission errors, ensuring reliable communication across extended distances while maintaining overall network stability.

Continuous Business Operations

Reliable optical connectivity contributes to uninterrupted organizational productivity by supporting essential network services with dependable performance throughout daily operations.

Energy-Efficient Optical Networking

Optimized Power Consumption

Modern SFP transceivers are designed for efficient power utilization while delivering enterprise-grade networking performance. Reduced energy consumption contributes to lower operating costs and improved equipment efficiency.

Reduced Heat Generation

Efficient electronic design minimizes thermal output, supporting stable operation in high-density switch deployments where numerous optical modules operate simultaneously.

Improved Equipment Longevity

Lower operating temperatures contribute to longer component lifespan and improved reliability within enterprise networking equipment.

Simplified Network Management

Easy Installation

The plug-and-play nature of the Cisco GLC-BX80-U-I allows straightforward deployment into compatible networking devices. Administrators can rapidly expand optical connectivity without extensive configuration procedures.

Maintenance Flexibility

Hot-swappable functionality enables maintenance personnel to replace optical modules during scheduled servicing without powering down networking hardware.

Infrastructure Scalability

Organizations can gradually expand optical networks by adding additional SFP modules as business requirements evolve, preserving existing hardware investments while accommodating future growth.

Security Infrastructure Applications

IP Surveillance Systems

Large surveillance deployments require reliable backbone connectivity between network video recorders, security management servers, and distributed camera switches. Optical Gigabit Ethernet supports continuous transmission of high-definition surveillance traffic.

Access Control Networks

Access control systems distributed across large campuses depend on dependable fiber communication between centralized management servers and remote controllers.

Monitoring Systems

Environmental monitoring, industrial sensors, and building management systems benefit from stable optical connectivity that supports continuous operational visibility.