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Forum Discussion
Rneal1973
Jul 24, 2024Guide
Cable Issue?
Switch1: GS752TPv2 Switch2: GS724TPv2 I have the above switches connected using SFP ports, and in each port, I have the same module and fiber patch cable from FS.com: SFP Module: https://www...
- Jul 24, 2024
This are MMF (Multi Mode) modules, while the fiber is SMF (single mode). A SMF fiber core is just 9 um (in the 125 um total glass cover), while MMF is 62.5um core (OM1) resp. 50um core (OM2 or better) both in 125 um glass cover. So yes, wrong patch cable.
Rneal1973
Jul 24, 2024Guide
I chatted with FS and they said the same thing.
However, any thoughts on why this seemingly works on two connected GS752TPv2 switches?
Same modules, same cables (just longer, ~1m/3ft). That's why I purchased the same items.
Or is this a case where maybe it's not working like I'd think, and I'm not getting the benefits of LAG but the switch has error correcting to where it's not disrupting normal communications? I don't know, I was just surprised that it appears to be working in two other instances. I've ordered the multimode cables.
schumaku
Jul 25, 2024Guru - Experienced User
Rneal1973 wrote:
However, any thoughts on why this seemingly works on two connected GS752TPv2 switches?
Same modules, same cables (just longer, ~1m/3ft). That's why I purchased the same items.
There are some theories and practical hints about mixing MMF modules and MMF and SMF fibers around. The "trick" is to use longer (I remember having used some 10 meters of SMF) to "focus" the light while reducing reflections from the "outer" mechanical glass carrier. Think bout that both types re built on a 125 um outer carrier glass "tube" holding the effective 9 um (SMF) resp 50/62.5 um inner thin fiber effectively used for the transmission/reception.
The fiber we see is always the complete 125 um diameter glass "tube", while the effective transmission and TX/RX optics is optimized for 9 um resp. 50/62.5 um.
https://community.fs.com/article/single-mode-cabling-cost-vs-multimode-cabling-cost.html shows the effective diameters FWIW.
- Rneal1973Jul 26, 2024Guide
This is just not cooperating, I'm sure it's simple, like the cable lengths.
Here is the current setup, switch 4&5 are *new* to support a security system.
I realize this config is far from optimal (e.g., Switch2 dies we're toast; I want everything in the basement, only a single RJ45 run downstairs, etc.) but just haven't had the time or resources to break up all these failure points, but I digress. Until introducing the new switches, everything had been going along swimmingly. Even from a VLAN, QoS and optimizations, considering my core competency isn't network engineering, we have plenty of bandwidth, Teams video calling is crystal clear, and razor sharp, VoIP calls as well...Basically, trying to illustrate the network is healthy.
Add the new switches with the SFP modules (NETGEAR AGM731F Compatible SFP 1000BASE-SX 850nm 550m DOM Duplex LC/UPC MMF Optical Transceiver) and patch cables (0.5m (1.6ft) LC UPC to LC UPC Duplex OM4 Multimode Riser (OFNR) 2.0mm Fiber Optic), and I just start getting network issues, primarily with devices hanging off Switch1 and then Switch5 will disable the SFP modules. Nothing as of yet is connected to the new switches aside from the LAG. I disconnect one of the two cables from Switch4 and issues with Switch1 clears. You mentioned mixing cables, did you mean literally within the same infrastructure (so in my case, all 5 switches need to be connected with the same cable type)? I realize mixing cables between the same switches would be unwise. Would I really be doing myself a favor if I got rid of the single mode fiber between the GS752TPv2 switches? Or is this just, "Hey dummy, get a 1m cable for the new switches?" Would you recommend orange which is what OM1/OM2?
- Rneal1973Aug 04, 2024Guide
I overlooked enabling spanning tree on the *new* switches, so the LAG was creating a loop. However, when I enabled STP on the new switches, the problem started occurring again. The new switches currently have just a single link on one of the 2 SFP ports. I certainly understand why I had the issue with 2 links and no STP, a broadcast storm/loop with no way to mitigate it. But is the opposite also true if it's enabled and there's not at least 2 physical links between switches? Basically, I was going to enable it, go to the office tomorrow and connect the second link for the LAG. but as soon as I did that, I start getting connectivity issues again.
I've also been reading one of the devices being the root through election. Is switch2 likely to become that based on where it is in the topology? It's also the only switch connected directly to the FW/router.
- Rneal1973Aug 04, 2024Guide
Turns out in the configuration above, the failures start occurring when I try creating a LAG between the two switches with ethernet SFP modules.
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