SFP-OC48-LR2 Cisco SFP Transceiver Module Pluggable OC-48/STM-16 Long-Reach

Overview of the Cisco SFP Transceiver

The SFP-OC48-LR2 Cisco GBIC SMF LC Connector Transceiver Module is designed to deliver dependable long-distance optical connectivity for enterprise networking, telecommunications, data center environments, service providers, and mission-critical infrastructures. Engineered for high-speed optical communication, this Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) transceiver supports OC-48 SONET and STM-16 SDH applications while utilizing single-mode fiber (SMF) with an LC duplex optical connector. Organizations that require reliable long-range data transmission, low signal attenuation, and stable optical performance often deploy this transceiver in routers, switches, optical transport platforms, and carrier-grade networking equipment.

Main Information

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: SFP-OC48-LR2
• Product Type: SFP Transceiver Module

Technical Features of Transceiver

• Form Factor: Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP).
• Data Rate: 2.488 Gbps to 2.5 Gbps.
• Wavelength: 1550 nm.
• Max Distance: Up to 80 kilometers (49.7 miles).
• Fiber Type: Single-Mode Fiber (SMF).
• Connector Type: Duplex LC connector.
• Transmitter Type: DFB laser.
• Receiver Type: APD receiver.
• Transmit Power: -2 dBm to +3 dBm.
• Receiver Sensitivity: Less than -28 dBm.
• Supply Voltage: 3.3V.
• Power Consumption: 1 Watt.
• Monitoring: Supports Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM / DDM).
• Operating Temperature: Extended range of -5°C to 85°C.
• Standards Compliance: Complies with SONET OC-48 LR-2 and SDH STM L-16.2.

Compatibility 

• Plugs into standard SFP (mini-GBIC) slots on Cisco routers.
• Integrates with Cisco 10720 Internet Routers.
• Works with Cisco Shared Port Adapters (SPA).
• Supports the Cisco 1-Port Channelized OC-48/STM-16 SPA.
• Validated by Cisco Quality Identification (ID) security feature.
• Operates on SFP-based Packet-Over-SONET (POS) interfaces.
• Deploys into Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM) environments.
• Connects seamlessly with standard Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) line cards

The Cisco GBIC SMF LC Connector Transceiver 

As businesses continue expanding their digital infrastructure, dependable optical networking becomes increasingly important. Fiber optic communication provides exceptional bandwidth, superior transmission distances, enhanced signal integrity, and reduced electromagnetic interference compared to traditional copper connections. The Cisco SFP-OC48-LR2 optical transceiver serves as an essential networking component capable of maintaining stable connectivity across metropolitan area networks (MAN), enterprise campuses, backbone infrastructure, and telecommunications networks.

Designed for Long-Distance Optical Connectivity

The SFP-OC48-LR2 module is optimized for long-reach fiber deployments where network devices must communicate across significant distances without sacrificing signal quality. Utilizing single-mode fiber enables light signals to travel efficiently with minimal dispersion, making this transceiver suitable for high-performance backbone applications. Long-range optical communication is essential for organizations operating distributed facilities, regional offices, healthcare institutions, educational campuses, financial organizations, manufacturing plants, and telecommunications providers where uninterrupted connectivity is a business necessity.

Benefits of Single-Mode Fiber Technology

Single-mode fiber remains the preferred medium for extended-distance networking because it minimizes optical dispersion while maximizing transmission efficiency. Unlike multimode fiber, SMF utilizes a narrow core that allows a single light path, reducing signal degradation over long cable runs. These benefits make the transceiver ideal for organizations planning scalable fiber deployments capable of supporting future bandwidth requirements without replacing the underlying fiber infrastructure.

Compact Hot-Pluggable Design

The SFP-OC48-LR2 adopts the widely recognized Small Form-Factor Pluggable specification, allowing administrators to install or replace modules without powering down networking equipment. This hot-swappable capability minimizes downtime during maintenance while simplifying upgrades and hardware replacement. The compact SFP format also allows higher port density within switches and routers, enabling network administrators to maximize rack space while supporting numerous optical connections from a single networking platform.

LC Duplex Optical Connector Advantages

The module utilizes an LC duplex connector, one of the most common optical interfaces used in modern enterprise networking. LC connectors provide secure fiber connections while occupying less physical space than older connector types.

Enterprise Network Applications

The Cisco SFP-OC48-LR2 transceiver supports numerous enterprise networking scenarios where stable optical communication is required across buildings, campuses, metropolitan areas, or remote facilities. Organizations increasingly depend on fiber optic infrastructure to support cloud applications, storage systems, virtualization platforms, unified communications, and business continuity initiatives.

Data Center Connectivity

Modern data centers require highly reliable optical networking capable of supporting continuous workloads. Storage traffic, virtualization platforms, backup systems, disaster recovery environments, and cloud applications all depend upon dependable fiber connectivity. Its dependable transmission characteristics help organizations maintain consistent network performance while supporting critical business applications around the clock.

Telecommunications Infrastructure

Telecommunications providers rely extensively on SONET and SDH technologies for transporting voice, video, and data services across regional and national networks. The SFP-OC48-LR2 module integrates into these environments by providing reliable optical communication suitable for carrier-grade operations.

Performance and Reliability

Business-critical networking equipment demands optical modules capable of operating continuously under demanding workloads. The Cisco SFP-OC48-LR2 is engineered to support dependable data transmission while maintaining optical integrity throughout extended operating periods. These characteristics make the module suitable for organizations where network interruptions directly affect productivity, customer service, or operational efficiency.

Scalable Infrastructure Planning

Organizations continually expand networking infrastructure to accommodate increased bandwidth demands, digital transformation initiatives, cloud computing, and hybrid work environments. Optical networking components that support scalable deployment strategies help reduce future upgrade costs while extending infrastructure lifespan.

The SFP-OC48-LR2 contributes to scalable planning by supporting modular network expansion without requiring significant hardware redesign. Administrators can deploy additional optical links as business requirements evolve while maintaining consistent operational standards across the network.

Operational Efficiency

Efficient network operation depends on hardware that minimizes maintenance requirements while maximizing service availability. Hot-swappable transceivers reduce planned downtime, simplify replacement procedures, and allow maintenance personnel to service optical interfaces without disrupting production systems.

Compatibility Across Enterprise Environments

The Cisco SFP-OC48-LR2 module integrates into enterprise networking environments that utilize compatible Cisco networking equipment supporting Small Form-Factor Pluggable optical interfaces. Standardized SFP technology enables organizations to deploy modular optical connectivity across multiple networking platforms while maintaining consistent installation procedures and simplified management.

The Cisco Transceiver Usable for Businesses area

Businesses selecting long-range optical networking solutions prioritize reliability, interoperability, scalability, and operational simplicity. The Cisco SFP-OC48-LR2 addresses these priorities through its combination of single-mode fiber support, LC duplex connectivity, compact SFP architecture, and dependable optical performance.

Its ability to support carrier-grade optical communication while integrating seamlessly into enterprise networking environments makes it an excellent solution for organizations expanding backbone infrastructure, modernizing telecommunications networks, or enhancing long-distance fiber connectivity. Whether deployed within large enterprise campuses, metropolitan fiber networks, data centers, telecommunications facilities, or mission-critical government environments, the Cisco SFP-OC48-LR2 delivers dependable optical performance that supports business continuity, network efficiency, and long-term infrastructure growth.