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

Highlights of Cisco SFP Transceiver Module

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

Main Information

• Brand: Cisco
• Model Number: GLC-BX80-U-I
• Product Type: Optical Transceiver Module
• Form Factor: Plug-in Module

Technical Highlights

• Cabling Type: 1000BASE-BX80-U
• Data Link Protocol: Gigabit Ethernet (Gige)
• Optical Wave Length: 1480–1500nm (TX) / 1550–1620nm (RX)
• Maximum Transfer Distance: 49.7 miles (80km)

Physical Dimensions

• Width: 0.5 in
• Depth: 2.2 in
• Height: 0.3 in

Performance Benefits

• Reliable long-distance data transmission
• Optimized for high-speed Gigabit Ethernet networks
• Stable optical performance with wide wavelength range
• Compact plug-in design for easy installation

Compatibility

• MSA Compliant for interoperability

Cisco Devices Supported

• 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

Cisco GLC-BX80-U-I 1000BASE-BX LC SFP Transceiver Overview

The Cisco GLC-BX80-U-I 1000BASE-BX BiDi SFP LC SMF Transceiver Module is engineered for organizations that require dependable Gigabit Ethernet connectivity over extended distances using single-mode fiber infrastructure. Designed to support enterprise networking, campus deployments, metropolitan networks, industrial communication systems, and service provider applications, this compact Small Form-Factor Pluggable transceiver delivers reliable data transmission while minimizing fiber consumption. Unlike conventional optical modules that require dual fiber strands, the BiDi architecture enables bidirectional communication over a single optical fiber, allowing businesses to maximize existing cabling investments without sacrificing network performance.

As modern networks continue to expand, administrators require optical solutions capable of maintaining high bandwidth, low latency, and exceptional signal integrity. The Cisco GLC-BX80-U-I fulfills these expectations by combining Cisco engineering excellence with Gigabit Ethernet standards. Whether installed within switches, routers, aggregation devices, or industrial Ethernet platforms, this optical transceiver provides seamless integration into existing Cisco environments while supporting long-distance communication between geographically separated facilities.

Optimized Single Fiber Bidirectional Optical Communication

BiDi Technology for Efficient Fiber Utilization

Bidirectional optical communication represents one of the most efficient methods for expanding fiber networks. The Cisco GLC-BX80-U-I uses different transmit and receive wavelengths, allowing data to travel simultaneously in opposite directions over a single strand of single-mode fiber. This approach significantly reduces infrastructure costs because organizations no longer need paired fiber strands for Gigabit Ethernet links.

Businesses operating within data centers, smart cities, manufacturing facilities, educational campuses, telecommunications infrastructures, and utility networks frequently experience limited fiber availability. Deploying BiDi transceivers allows network expansion without installing additional fiber, making the solution particularly valuable for existing installations where new cable deployment would be expensive or operationally disruptive.

Long Distance Fiber Connectivity

Designed for extended transmission distances reaching up to approximately 80 kilometers under suitable operating conditions, the Cisco GLC-BX80-U-I supports long-range communication across metropolitan areas, industrial campuses, remote offices, and distributed enterprise environments. The impressive optical budget enables stable Gigabit connectivity even where network endpoints are separated by substantial geographical distances.

Long-distance capability is especially beneficial for organizations maintaining branch connectivity, surveillance systems, utility substations, transportation infrastructure, educational institutions, healthcare campuses, and regional government facilities requiring uninterrupted network communication.

Gigabit Ethernet Performance for Enterprise Infrastructure

Reliable 1000BASE-BX Networking

The Cisco GLC-BX80-U-I complies with Gigabit Ethernet optical networking standards, delivering consistent one-gigabit communication suitable for mission-critical enterprise workloads. Gigabit connectivity remains one of the most widely adopted networking technologies because it balances bandwidth, cost efficiency, and infrastructure compatibility.

Applications including centralized storage, business applications, enterprise resource planning, cloud connectivity, virtual desktop infrastructure, IP telephony, video conferencing, surveillance streaming, and database replication benefit from dependable Gigabit Ethernet connectivity delivered by this optical module.

Stable Data Transmission

Optical communication provides immunity against electromagnetic interference, making the Cisco GLC-BX80-U-I an ideal networking solution within electrically noisy industrial environments. Manufacturing plants, energy facilities, transportation systems, and automation networks frequently experience electromagnetic disturbances that can affect copper-based communication. Fiber optics eliminate these concerns while maintaining consistent throughput.

Compatibility Across Cisco Networking Platforms

Broad Deployment Flexibility

The Cisco GLC-BX80-U-I is designed for installation across numerous Cisco networking devices supporting standard SFP interfaces. Enterprise switches, aggregation switches, routers, industrial Ethernet products, and access platforms can utilize this optical transceiver to establish reliable fiber connectivity.

Its hot-swappable SFP design simplifies installation, maintenance, replacement, and network upgrades without requiring complete equipment shutdown. This capability minimizes operational downtime while supporting continuous business operations.

Interoperability Advantages

Network administrators benefit from Cisco's focus on interoperability across networking infrastructures. Proper compatibility ensures consistent optical performance, accurate diagnostics, improved reliability, and simplified lifecycle management throughout enterprise environments.

Small Form-Factor Pluggable Design Benefits

Compact Dimensions

The compact SFP architecture enables higher interface density within modern networking equipment. Compared to legacy optical modules, Small Form-Factor Pluggable transceivers consume considerably less physical space while supporting greater port density.

High-density installations within data centers and telecommunications environments benefit from efficient space utilization, enabling organizations to expand network capacity without increasing rack footprint.

Hot-Swappable Installation

The Cisco GLC-BX80-U-I supports hot-swappable operation, allowing administrators to replace or install modules while networking equipment remains operational. This maintenance flexibility contributes to improved network availability and reduced service interruptions.

Single-Mode Fiber Optimization

Designed Specifically for SMF Infrastructure

Single-mode fiber provides significantly lower attenuation than multimode fiber, making it the preferred medium for long-distance communication. The Cisco GLC-BX80-U-I is optimized for single-mode fiber environments where maximum transmission distance and exceptional signal quality are required.

Organizations expanding metropolitan area networks, regional communication systems, educational campuses, healthcare networks, financial institutions, and government infrastructures frequently deploy single-mode fiber to support future bandwidth growth.

Superior Optical Signal Quality

The optical characteristics of single-mode fiber enable improved signal integrity across long transmission distances. Reduced dispersion, lower attenuation, and enhanced optical efficiency contribute to reliable Gigabit Ethernet performance even under demanding deployment scenarios.

Enterprise Applications Supporting Business Growth

Campus Network Connectivity

Universities, corporate headquarters, hospitals, and research institutions often require long-distance fiber communication between multiple buildings. The Cisco GLC-BX80-U-I provides dependable backbone connectivity that supports centralized resources while reducing fiber infrastructure requirements.

Metropolitan Network Expansion

Service providers and municipal organizations benefit from optical networking solutions capable of connecting distributed infrastructure across cities. Long-distance BiDi technology minimizes fiber consumption while maintaining reliable Gigabit Ethernet communication.

Industrial Ethernet Deployments

Industrial automation environments require communication equipment capable of maintaining stable performance under challenging operating conditions. Fiber optics eliminate many limitations associated with copper cabling, supporting reliable connectivity between production facilities, monitoring stations, and operational control centers.

Enhanced Network Reliability

Reduced Signal Loss

Long-distance optical communication depends upon maintaining sufficient optical power throughout the transmission path. The Cisco GLC-BX80-U-I is engineered with high-quality optical components that support efficient signal propagation across extended fiber routes while minimizing attenuation-related performance degradation.

Improved Operational Stability

Consistent optical performance contributes to predictable network operation. Stable communication reduces packet retransmissions, minimizes connection interruptions, and supports continuous availability for business-critical applications operating throughout enterprise environments.

Efficient Network Resource Utilization

Lower Infrastructure Costs

Using only one fiber strand instead of two significantly decreases infrastructure expenses. Existing fiber installations can accommodate additional network connections without requiring expensive cable expansion projects. Organizations maximize current investments while extending network capacity.

Simplified Cable Management

Reducing fiber strand requirements results in cleaner cable routing, easier documentation, improved maintenance efficiency, and simplified troubleshooting. Organized fiber infrastructure contributes to long-term operational effectiveness within enterprise networking environments.

Deployment Across Multiple Industries

Telecommunications

Telecommunications providers rely on dependable optical transceivers to establish access, aggregation, and backbone connectivity supporting subscriber services and regional communication infrastructure.

Healthcare

Hospitals and medical campuses require uninterrupted communication supporting electronic health records, medical imaging, clinical applications, laboratory systems, and secure data exchange between multiple facilities.

Education

Educational institutions connect academic buildings, libraries, research centers, dormitories, and administrative facilities through high-performance optical networking infrastructure that supports digital learning environments.

Financial Services

Financial organizations depend upon low-latency communication for transaction processing, secure database synchronization, regulatory compliance, and continuous business operations across geographically dispersed locations.

Cisco Optical Engineering Excellence

Precision Manufacturing Standards

The Cisco GLC-BX80-U-I reflects Cisco's commitment to producing enterprise networking components that emphasize durability, optical precision, and operational consistency. Every optical subsystem is designed to maintain reliable communication throughout extended service life while supporting demanding enterprise networking requirements.

Quality Assurance and Reliability

Comprehensive manufacturing processes, strict quality validation, and compatibility verification contribute to dependable long-term performance. Enterprise organizations benefit from predictable operation, simplified maintenance planning, and consistent optical behavior throughout the lifecycle of deployed networking equipment.