I am trying to plan for a new setup of a network that currently uses D-Link switches. I am not sure whether the fibre modules of the D-Link switch (using SC-type connectors) will communicate with a Cisco switch using fibre GBICs. The fibre is MM and both switches are using SC-type connections.
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This is a question that you will need to ask D-Link Support. You can try talking to Cisco TAC but without a support agreement, I don’t think you will get very far. Even with a SmartNet agreement, I would expect the response to be “This is an unsupported configuration.” While theoretically possible (like it is theoretically possible to link a Dell switch to a Cisco switch via GBICs), you may want to do some testing before going very far down this path.
There are several things that you will need to look into before trying to do this kind of connection:
Make sure that both switches are on the latest respective firmware, to help eliminate firmware issues as a possible problem. Cisco has three type of GBICs for their switches – SX, LX, and ZX. If you haven’t worked with Cisco GBICs before, the SX is used for short-haul connections, LX for longer-range connections and ZX for really long connections. Consult the specs for exact specs on how long a distance you can expect the GBICs to respond. Take those distances with a grain of salt. I have had LXes work at over a mile on multi-mode when Cisco tells you that it wont work under any conditions. That range was without using the normally required conditioning cables used with LX GBICs.
Check the specs on D-Link’s Web site to see exactly what kind of fibre connectivity the D-Link has to offer. The last D-Link devices I saw had the SC connectors but only support 100-MB fibre connections. You will need to match the type of fibre connection at each end for the connection to have a chance to work.
If you can get things working, you may find that some of the features you may expect to work between the switches may not work at all or just sporadically. Features like distributed VLANs or packet storm control functionality may either not work or may operate in ways that you wouldnt expect. This is a configuration that I would not suggest except under extenuating circumstances when you are trying to get something to work on a temporary basis until the failed equipment can be replaced.
You may find things easier to have the same brand of switches when trying to interconnect them via fibre or other means. The fewer variables you have to fight will make things easier in the long run.
What do you think? Discuss the user’s question – and Nutter’s answer.
