Eaton N286-01GLC-TE – 1G RJ45 SFP Transceiver

Overview

The Eaton N286-01GLC-TE is a pluggable SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) transceiver designed to enable Gigabit Ethernet connectivity over copper cabling. It is deployed by network engineers to integrate RJ45-based Ethernet links into SFP ports on switches, routers, and servers, eliminating the need for fiber in short-range connections.

The module supports 10/100/1000Base-T operation with a maximum data rate of 1.25 Gbps and transmission distance up to 100 meters over Cat5e or Cat6 twisted-pair cabling. It features an auto-negotiating RJ45 interface with automatic MDI/MDI-X detection, ensuring compatibility with standard Ethernet network configurations.

This transceiver is typically deployed in access layer switches, top-of-rack (ToR) architectures, and branch network environments where copper infrastructure is already in place. It is commonly used to connect switches to patch panels or extend network access ports without requiring fiber optics.

The N286-01GLC-TE is MSA-compliant and functionally compatible with Cisco GLC-TE modules, allowing integration into mixed-vendor environments while maintaining interoperability with Cisco-based switching platforms.

In a practical deployment, it is used to convert an SFP uplink port on a switch into a standard RJ45 Ethernet port, enabling direct connection to structured cabling systems in office or edge deployments without additional media converters.

This module should not be used in long-distance or high-interference environments where fiber is required. It is also unsuitable for 10GbE or higher-speed networks, as it is limited to Gigabit Ethernet performance.

Key Features

• 10/100/1000Base-T support over RJ45 interface
• Up to 100 m transmission over Cat5e/Cat6 cabling
• Hot-swappable SFP form factor for live insertion
• Auto-negotiation with MDI/MDI-X detection
• Cisco GLC-TE compatible (MSA compliant)