
2 Network Planning
Remote Connections with Fiber Cable
Fiber optic technology allows for longer cabling than any other media type. A 1000BASE-SX (MMF) link can connect to a site up to 550 meters away, a 1000BASE-LX (SMF) link up to 5 km, and a 1000BASE-ZX link up to 100 km. This allows a switch to serve as a collapsed backbone, providing direct connectivity for a widespread LAN.
A1000BASE-SX SFP transceiver can be used for a high-speed connection between floors in the same building and a 1000BASE-LX SFP transceiver can be used for core connections between buildings in a campus setting. And for long-haul connections, a 1000BASE-ZX SFP transceiver can be used to reach another site up to 100 kilometers away.
The figure below illustrates the switch connecting multiple segments with fiber cable.
Headquarters
Warehouse
1000BASE-LX SMF (5 kilometers)
|   | 1000BASE-SX MMF | ... | 
|   | (500 meters) | 
| Server Farm | 1000BASE-LX SMF | 
|   |   | 
|   |   | (5 kilometers) | 
| Remote Switch | Remote Switch |   | 
|   |   | Research & Development | 
|   | 10/100/1000 Mbps Segments |   | 
| ... | ... |   | 
...
Figure 2-3 Remote Connections with Fiber Cable