MC3208011-SX Mellanox 1GBPS SFP Ethernet Transceiver Module

Overview of Mellanox MC3208011-SX 1GBE Transceiver Module

The Mellanox MC3208011-SX Ethernet Optical Module is a high-performance 1GbE SFP transceiver engineered to provide dependable fiber-optic connectivity for enterprise, campus, and data center networks. Designed with advanced optical technology, this active SFP module supports Gigabit Ethernet communication over multimode fiber using an 850nm wavelength, delivering transmission distances of up to 500 meters through LC-LC fiber connections.

Built for reliability and seamless integration, the MC3208011-SX optical transceiver enables organizations to expand network infrastructure while maintaining consistent performance, low latency, and excellent signal integrity. Its hot-pluggable SFP form factor simplifies installation, maintenance, and future network upgrades without requiring equipment downtime.

General Information

• Model: MC3208011-SX
• Manufacturer: Mellanox
• Module Type: Optical Transceiver

Technical Specifications

• Technology: Ethernet
• Form Factor: SFP
• Maximum Data Rate: 1Gb/s
• Network Speed: 1GBE
• Connector: Duplex LC
• Optical Wavelength: 850nm
• Maximum Reach: Up to 500 meters
• Fiber Type: Multimode Fiber (MMF)
• Operation: Active Optical Module
• ECCN: 5A991

The Mellanox MC3208011-SX Ethernet Transceiver Module 

The Mellanox MC3208011-SX Ethernet Optical Module 1GbE 1Gb/s SFP LC-LC SX 850nm Up to 500m belongs to a highly specialized class of short-range fiber optic transceiver solutions designed for enterprise networking, data center interconnects, and high-performance computing environments. This category of SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) optical modules is widely used for enabling reliable Gigabit Ethernet connectivity over multimode fiber infrastructure, ensuring stable signal transmission, low latency communication, and efficient bandwidth utilization across networked systems.

Built around 1GbE (1 Gigabit Ethernet) standards, this optical module category is engineered to provide a balance between performance, cost-efficiency, and deployment flexibility. It supports LC-LC duplex fiber connectors, operates at a wavelength of 850nm, and delivers transmission distances of up to 500 meters depending on fiber grade and environmental conditions. These characteristics make it ideal for backbone switching, server connectivity, enterprise LAN expansion, and storage networking applications.

Small Form-Factor Pluggable Design

The SFP architecture used in the Mellanox MC3208011-SX optical module is based on a modular and hot-swappable design that allows network administrators to install or replace transceivers without shutting down the system. This design significantly reduces maintenance downtime while improving scalability in enterprise networking environments. The compact size of the module enables high-density port configurations in switches, routers, and network interface cards.

1Gb/s Data Transmission Efficiency

Operating at 1 gigabit per second, this optical module category is optimized for Gigabit Ethernet applications that require consistent and reliable data throughput. While newer technologies such as 10GbE and 100GbE dominate high-end data centers, 1GbE modules remain essential for edge connectivity, workstation links, and legacy infrastructure support. The MC3208011-SX ensures stable encoding and decoding of optical signals, minimizing packet loss and jitter across supported distances.

850nm Shortwave Laser Technology

The use of an 850nm vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) allows this module to efficiently transmit data over multimode fiber (MMF). This wavelength is particularly suited for short-range optical communication because it delivers strong performance with lower power consumption and reduced attenuation over distances up to 500 meters. The technology also ensures compatibility with OM2, OM3, and OM4 fiber types depending on deployment requirements.

LC-LC Duplex Interface Standard

The LC-LC connector system is a widely adopted standard in optical networking due to its compact form factor and reliable mechanical locking mechanism. In the MC3208011-SX category, the duplex LC interface allows simultaneous bidirectional data transmission, ensuring full-duplex communication over multimode fiber cables. This improves network efficiency and reduces signal interference in dense cabling environments.

Multimode Fiber Optimization

This optical module category is specifically optimized for multimode fiber environments where light signals travel through multiple reflection paths. Multimode fiber is cost-effective and widely used in enterprise LANs and data center racks. The 850nm wavelength ensures minimal modal dispersion, allowing stable signal propagation up to 500 meters under ideal conditions. This makes it suitable for intra-building and inter-rack connectivity.

Distance Performance up to 500m

The MC3208011-SX module supports transmission distances of up to 500 meters, depending on the quality of fiber optic cabling and installation standards. This extended reach enables flexible network design in medium-sized data centers and enterprise campuses. The module maintains signal integrity across long spans by using advanced optical modulation and error correction techniques embedded in modern SFP transceivers.

Storage Area Network Integration

Storage area networks (SANs) benefit from the deterministic performance of 1GbE optical modules. The MC3208011-SX supports stable communication between storage arrays and servers, ensuring that data replication, backup, and retrieval processes occur without interruption. Its low latency characteristics make it suitable for environments requiring predictable I/O performance.

Thermal Efficiency and Power Consumption

The Mellanox MC3208011-SX optical module is engineered for low power consumption, making it suitable for large-scale deployments where energy efficiency is critical. Its thermal design ensures stable operation without requiring additional cooling mechanisms, which helps reduce overall infrastructure costs in dense networking environments.

Switch and Router Compatibility

This category of optical module is compatible with a wide range of Ethernet switches, routers, and network interface cards that support SFP slots. Its standardized design ensures seamless integration across multiple vendor platforms, allowing network engineers to deploy mixed hardware environments without compatibility concerns.

Hot-Swappable Capability

Hot-swappability is a critical feature of SFP modules, allowing administrators to replace or upgrade modules without interrupting network operations. This ensures continuous uptime in mission-critical systems where downtime can result in operational or financial losses. The MC3208011-SX fully supports this functionality, enabling efficient network maintenance.

Fiber Cable Management

Proper fiber cable management is essential to ensure optimal performance. Maintaining correct bend radius, avoiding physical stress, and organizing cable routing helps preserve signal integrity and reduces the risk of attenuation or signal loss in long-distance connections.

Network Scalability Planning

This category of optical module supports scalable network expansion strategies. Organizations can incrementally add new modules as network demand increases, allowing for cost-effective scaling without requiring a complete infrastructure overhaul.