3Com SX GBIC, Cisco LX/LH GIBC, compatibility, example

We encountered such a problem: could different brands' compatible GBIC transceivers be used with each other? 

For example, if we install the 2 Cisco switches, which will be connected to a 3Com Corebuilder 9400. And one of these will run on a single LX GBIC that connected to a 3Com SX GBIC on the Corebuilder. The second one will run two SX GBICs that is connected to two of the fixed GB ports on the Corebuilder. And now, the question is any compatibility issues will be happened.

Searching for related technical documents on the Internet, we find that it is important to match up your interfaces because of the wavelengths which are used for transmission. SX GBICs use 850nm, LX/LH GBICs use 1300nm.  Therefore, the Cisco LX/LH will not talk to the 3COM SX because of incompatible wavelengths.

If we must use a Cisco LX/LH GBIC over appropriate fiber as noted above to a 3Com SX port, you will need a media converter at the 3Com side to convert the signal from 1300nm into 850nm.  By the way, if you need 3Com compatible GBIC transceivers or Cisco compatible GBIC transceivers, please contact us.