Cisco DS-SFP-FC4G-SW Cisco MDS Fibre Channel module / transceiver

Brand: Cisco | Category: Transceivers & Cables

SKU: CSC-DS-SFP-FC4G-SW | Part #: DS-SFP-FC4G-SW | MPN: DS-SFP-FC4G-SW

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The Cisco DS-SFP-FC4G-SW is a compact 4 Gbps Fibre Channel transceiver engineered for deployment in Cisco MDS 9000 Series multilayer SAN switches and directors. At its core, this is an LC duplex SFP module built to the Small Form-factor Pluggable standard—a physical specification that matters more in production than marketing materials typically admit. Network engineers and storage architects know that cable density in modern data centre racks demands components that fit without forcing redesigns or compromising airflow. The DS-SFP-FC4G-SW occupies the standard SFP footprint, allowing dense port configurations on line cards without sacrificing accessibility or thermal management.

Cisco designed this transceiver around a 850 nm VCSEL (Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser) paired with multimode fiber connectivity, positioning it as a cost-effective solution for metropolitan and campus SAN deployments. The module supports auto-negotiation across 1G, 2G, and 4G Fibre Channel speeds, which means it integrates into existing fabrics without requiring manual speed configuration—a practical advantage when you're managing hundreds of ports across multiple directors. Over OM2 50/125 µm fiber, the DS-SFP-FC4G-SW delivers 150 meters of usable reach; OM1 62.5/125 µm fiber supports 70 meters, both distances suitable for intra-rack, room-to-room, and building-to-building SAN extension without the cost of single-mode infrastructure. The LC duplex connector has become the industry standard for SFP modules, and Cisco's implementation is no exception—any network engineer familiar with modern SAN cabling will recognize this interface immediately.

Integration with Cisco MDS platforms is seamless. The transceiver passes Cisco MDS NX-OS and IOS firmware integrity validation, meaning it will not trigger warnings in your switch management console or complicate audit trails during operational compliance reviews. Storage architects who manage large-scale SANs appreciate this—firmware validation is not just a checkbox; it prevents the silent misconfigurations and intermittent failover scenarios that plague mixed-vendor environments. The DS-SFP-FC4G-SW conforms to both SFP MSA (Multi-Source Agreement) standards and the Fibre Channel Physical and Signaling Interface (FC-PI) specification, ensuring long-term compatibility as fabric upgrades occur. Operating across 0°C to 70°C, this module handles standard commercial data centre climates without derating, though most enterprises keep SAN switch rooms tightly controlled anyway.

In practice, the Cisco DS-SFP-FC4G-SW lives in the hands of storage engineers and data centre network teams who are consolidating SANs, refreshing aging directors, or scaling fabric capacity. These professionals need transceiver modules that work without surprises—modules that negotiate properly, validate cleanly, and connect with standard cabling. They also need spare inventory that doesn't lock them into a single vendor ecosystem. The part number DS-SFP-FC4G-SW appears in RFQs, spare-parts procurement cycles, and disaster-recovery stockpiles because it fills a straightforward, repeatable role in Cisco MDS SANs across every size of enterprise.

Omnixon Global stocks the Cisco DS-SFP-FC4G-SW and comparable Fibre Channel transceiver modules for distribution across the GCC, Asia, and Europe. Whether you are provisioning a new SAN fabric, replacing end-of-life modules, or building regional hub sites, we can support your inventory and deployment timelines. Submit an RFQ through our sales team, and we will confirm availability, lead times, and commercial terms for quantities ranging from individual spares to bulk fabric refreshes.

Interface & Connectivity Specifications

• Form Factor: SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable), standard LC duplex connector; fits existing port density without redesign
• Protocol: Fibre Channel with auto-negotiation across 1G, 2G, and 4G speeds for flexible fabric expansion
• Fiber Compatibility: Multimode fiber (OM1 and OM2) with reach up to 150 m on OM2 and 70 m on OM1
• Optical Characteristics: 850 nm VCSEL laser; designed for short-wavelength, short-reach SAN links
• Platform Compatibility: Cisco MDS 9000 Series Multilayer SAN Switches and Directors; firmware validation included
• Standards Compliance: SFP MSA and Fibre Channel FC-PI specifications for long-term interoperability
• Operating Environment: 0°C to 70°C commercial temperature range; suitable for standard data centre climates