Is it possible to use 1Gb RJ45 (Copper) SFP modules with TP-Link T1600G-28TS?

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Is it possible to use 1Gb RJ45 (Copper) SFP modules with TP-Link T1600G-28TS?

This thread has been locked for further replies. You can start a new thread to share your ideas or ask questions.
Is it possible to use 1Gb RJ45 (Copper) SFP modules with TP-Link T1600G-28TS?
Is it possible to use 1Gb RJ45 (Copper) SFP modules with TP-Link T1600G-28TS?
2019-09-19 20:37:56 - last edited 2021-04-19 11:39:07
Hardware Version: V3
Firmware Version: T1600G-28TS(UN)_v3_20190516

Hello

 

 

I recently purchased two T1600G-28TS switches and am trying to figure out if the SFP ports can (or cannot) be used with 1Gb RJ45 (Copper) modules.

I tried using a module that works fine with my EdgRouter 6p.

On the switch, however, when I plug the module, the status light starts blinking like if there is trafic even when there is no cable pluged in yet.

I tried to connect to the port from a PC. I am aware that the SFP ports on TP-Link are not Autonegotiation capable, so I set the LAN on the PC to 1Gb Full Duplex. Still it didn't work.

I called TP-Link support and the person I spoke with said something tha twas a big surprise to me: the SFP ports on any TP-Link switch are not able to auto negotiate  (which I knew already) and can ONLY work with Fiber SFP modules and that 1Gb RJ45 (Copper) modules are NOT supported. And... if I really need 1Gb RG45 SFP connection I shouldl probably return the switch...

This is what surprised me as I did not see this mentioned anywhere in the documentation (or site) regarding this switch.

 

Has somebody had success with using 1Gb RJ45 modules with this switch? 

 

 

Dear @TP-Link team,

 

Why providing SFP ports if the only supported module is the fiber one? The ports are SFP capable only (not SFP+), so why not just integrate the fiber module?!? What else could that SFP port be used for?

 

 

I am still in the return period and trying to figure out if I should keep the switch and forget about the SFP ports (fiber is overkill for my usage and not really feasible for my home use scenario). 

So far I like the switch for what I need it to do ( a few VLANs, no LAGs yet, but planning to have soon), so any advise would help me decide :)

 

 

Thank you all and everyone who can shed some light.

 

 

Regards

 

EDIT: some typos

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Re:Is it possible to use 1Gb RJ45 (Copper) SFP modules with TP-Link T1600G-28TS?
2019-09-20 09:07:07 - last edited 2021-04-19 11:39:07

@eTomcat 

 

As I knew, TP-Link switch doesn't support copprt SFP module. So you may need to change the switch if you must use copper SFP.

And I think they should consider to support SFP module since it's very common.

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#2
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Re:Is it possible to use 1Gb RJ45 (Copper) SFP modules with TP-Link T1600G-28TS?
2019-09-20 14:57:36 - last edited 2021-04-19 11:39:07

Thank you, @Andone.

 

I may need to reconsider then and perhaps go with different brand which is unfortunate as I do like the switch otherwise. Still have a few days to decide.

 

Thanks again for replying

 

 

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Re:Is it possible to use 1Gb RJ45 (Copper) SFP modules with TP-Link T1600G-28TS?
2019-09-21 00:55:02 - last edited 2021-04-19 11:39:07

 

eTomcat wrote

Why providing SFP ports if the only supported module is the fiber one? The ports are SFP capable only (not SFP+), so why not just integrate the fiber module?!? What else could that SFP port be used for?

 

There are indeed copper cables available from TP-Link, but only for SFP+, not for SFP. See here (german website, those products are not listed on international site for unknown reason): https://www.tp-link.com/de/business-networking/accessory/txc432-cu1m/. Those direct attach cables are used to interconnect stackable switches such as the T2700G-28TQ and T3700G-28TQ which have SFP+.

 

In my opinion, if a SFP-to-RJ45 miniGBIC doesn't work, the SFP probably has the wrong »personality«, i.e. it works only with certain brands. But I have not tested any SFP-to-copper miniGBICs since if I have RJ45 patch cables, I would use one of the 24 ports of my T1600G-28TS.

 

Anyway, only reason I can think of to use SFP-copper or direct attach cables is for very short 10 GBps connections inside a rack from T2700G-28TQ/3700G-28TQ switch to switch which could overdrive or even destroy the optoelectronics if very short fiber cables are used.

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Re:Is it possible to use 1Gb RJ45 (Copper) SFP modules with TP-Link T1600G-28TS?
2019-09-21 04:01:40 - last edited 2021-04-19 11:39:07

Thanks for the Info,  @R1D2

 

Looks like even those are EOL (although they cannot be used with T1600G-28TS anyway). I agree RJ45 does make more sence for SFP+. For SFP perhapse fiber has more usage for longer distance, but support for RJ45 Copper modules will provide 4 extra ports and make the switch even more appealing :)

I am currently using one of the 24 normal ports as uplink between both T1600G-28TS'. I know there is no any real benefit in using SFP in that case, but still these are four extra ports :)

 

Regards,

 

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Re: Is it possible to use 1Gb RJ45 (Copper) SFP modules with TP-Link T1600G-28TS?
2019-09-21 11:58:46 - last edited 2021-04-19 11:39:07

 

eTomcat wrote

I know there is no any real benefit in using SFP in that case, but still these are four extra ports :)

 

And why not use fiber cables then? Big advantages are galvanic isolation, easy installation and very long cable runs. SFPs and fiber cables are affordable nowadays and connecting another switch - for example a priceworthy T1500G-10PS - gives you even 8 more RJ45 ports per SFP port which can even power PoE devices such as APs and VoIP phones.

 

Actually I don't use copper cables anymore for structured cabling even in my home office b/c fiber cables are already suitable for 10 Gbps speed in the future, so I won't have to upgrade older copper cables and wall plates, but just the switches and SFP modules.

 

Did you consider buying SFP interface cards for your servers? Do you know the MC220L media converter?

There are so many choices to make use of T1600G's four SFP ports ... 

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Re: Is it possible to use 1Gb RJ45 (Copper) SFP modules with TP-Link T1600G-28TS?
2019-09-22 23:32:04 - last edited 2021-04-19 11:39:07

@R1D2 

 

Unfortunately it is difficult to properly pass fiber between both endpoints and there is already cat6 cable in place. MC220L is a good option though. Thanks for the info. Will check it out.

 

Anyway, I decided to keep the switches. Even with the limitations in the SFP ports, they work well for what I want them for and I just like them.

 

Thank you all for the comments and @R1D2 for letting me know about the media convertor option. Although it may not be ideal for my use case, it is nice to know the option exists.

 

Regards


 

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Re:Is it possible to use 1Gb RJ45 (Copper) SFP modules with TP-Link T1600G-28TS?
2019-12-27 03:46:22 - last edited 2021-04-19 11:39:07

@eTomcat 

I know this is kinda-old, but will put this here since this pops up on Google.

I just bought some of these SFP adaptors  (below) and they seem to be working with my jetstream smart switch. Feels good to get an extra 2 RJ45 ports. (Mine is connected to a 20m length of 5e cable and can download files at 900mbps from a simple http test with overhead)

 

OPTCORE for TP-Link TL-SM311T

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Re:Is it possible to use 1Gb RJ45 (Copper) SFP modules with TP-Link T1600G-28TS?
2019-12-27 05:20:54 - last edited 2021-04-19 11:39:07

@pickolasCage 

 

Thank you. Will check those out.

 

Regards,

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#9
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Re:Is it possible to use 1Gb RJ45 (Copper) SFP modules with TP-Link T1600G-28TS?
2021-11-02 19:09:23
Hi, Speak to Optcore.net as I have been using their SFP modules for a couple of months with no problems. I'm sure they will be able to help you out.
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