Blog, Networking Device, Optical Transceiver
Compatible SFP/SFP+/QSFP Module for Cisco Catalyst 4500 Switches
Jun
The Cisco Catalyst 4500 switch was introduced in 2002. This switch supports Layer 2-4 switching functions. It ideally fits the needs of borderless, unified wired and wireless networks. Hence, the switch not only improves network scalability but also gives users a better experience. This switch offers robust features, providing business resiliency for enterprises, Metro Ethernet customers, and small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs).
Compared to the Cisco Nexus 5672UP, the Catalyst 4000 may not be so handy. However, it connects multiple devices at fast speeds and fits the needs of modern offices. To bring out the best in the Catalyst 4000 switch, users should choose compatible SFP, SFP+, and QSFP modules. This article explains the definition, use cases, and transceivers of this switch to help you make a wise decision.
Table of contents
Cisco Catalyst 4500 Switch Overview
The Cisco Catalyst 4500 Switch can enhance control of converged networks further. It provides four chassis options and four supervisor-engine options, running reliably with continuous packet forwarding. In contrast to the Juniper EX4500, the Catalyst 4500, whose price is higher, offers a broader range of modules and features, such as a stateful firewall and NAT (which require additional licensing). In terms of scalability, Juniper EX4500 is superior. Let’s review some key features of Catalyst 4500.
Layer 2-4 Switching: It stacks up to 8 members for the 12 and 24-port models, offering 40Gbps QSFP uplinks with the network module on the 24-port model.
Port Density: The Catalyst 4500 has 10 Gigabit Ethernet uplinks and supports Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) and Universal PoE (UPOE). Network future-proofing is available to customers.
Cisco IOS XE Support: The In-Service Software Upgrade (ISSU) process helps to update Cisco IOS XE software. Besides, IOS XE allows for Flexible NetFlow and Embedded Event Manager and supports newer supervisor engines.
Unified Wire and Wireless Management: This switch permits CLI for detailed configuration and Cisco Prime infrastructure. Using Cisco Prime infrastructure, end-to-end application and service assurance visibility, it is possible to troubleshoot performance issues rapidly. REST-based APIs are also beneficial for service organizations to collect and distribute network data for operational purposes.
Use Cases for Cisco Catalyst 4500 Switch
Equipped with a centralized forwarding architecture, the Catalyst 4500 simplifies operations to achieve collaboration, virtualization, and operational manageability. The Cisco 4500E switch can also satisfy the growing needs of organizations due to its high deployment flexibility. Here is a detailed introduction to the use cases of Catalyst 4500 switches.
Enterprise Network: Due to its high bandwidth connectivity, this switch is suitable for large campus networks and data-intensive environments. Its support of PoE+ and UPOE greatly eases the deployment of IP phones, wireless access points, and IoT devices.
SMBs: Thanks to a wide range of modules and features available, larger SMBs are better to use Catalyst 4500 for business expansion. If some SMBs want a more affordable switch, they can consider the Catalyst 2960-X/XR as a replacement.
Metro Ethernet: This switch is a perfect fit for Metro Ethernet settings. Firstly, it converges data from many sites, including campuses and branch offices. Secondly, it provides 1G, 10G, and 40G uplinks for fiber-based Metro Ethernet backhaul. Thirdly, it provides secure Metro Ethernet services using ACLs and MACsec encryption.
Cisco Catalyst 4500 Switch Models
Many models can be used on Cisco Catalyst 4500 switches. The following list will offer concrete information on these models for your reference.
| Model | Description |
| WS-C4503-E | Cisco Catalyst E-Series 4503 switch (3-slot chassis), fan, no power supply |
| WS-C4506-E | Cisco Catalyst E-Series 4506 switch (6-slot chassis), fan, no power supply |
| WS-C4507R+E | Cisco Catalyst E-Series 4507R+E switch (7-slot chassis), fan, no power supply, redundant supervisor capable |
| WS-C4510R+E | Cisco Catalyst E-Series 4510R+E switch (10-slot chassis), fan, no power supply; redundant supervisor capable |
| PWR-C45-1000AC | Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series 1000W AC power supply (data only) |
| PWR-C45-1400AC | Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series 1400W AC power supply (data only) |
| PWR-C45-1300ACV | Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series 1300W AC power supply (with integrated PoE) |
| PWR-C45-2800ACV | Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series 2800W AC power supply (with integrated PoE) |
| PWR-C45-4200ACV | Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series 4200W AC power supply (with integrated PoE) |
| PWR-C45-6000ACV | Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series 6000W AC power supply (with integrated PoE) |
| PWR-C45-9000ACV | Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series 9000W AC power supply (with integrated PoE) |
| PWR-C45-1400DC-P | Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series 1400W DC power supply with integrated power entry module (PEM) |
| PWR-C45-1400DC | Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series triple input 1400W DC power supply (data only) |
| WS-X4516-10GE | Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series Supervisor Engine V-10GE |
| WS-X45-Sup6-E | Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series Supervisor Engine 6-E |
| WS-X45-Sup6L-E | Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series Supervisor Engine 6L-E |
| WS-X45-Sup7-E | Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series Supervisor Engine 7-E |
| WS-X45-Sup7L-E | Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series Supervisor Engine 7L-E |
| WS-X45-Sup8-E | Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series Supervisor Engine 8-E |
Note: Catalyst 4500 switches have an end-of-sale date of October 30, 2020. Don’t worry, and you can still buy these switches from third-party providers. As of October 31, 2025, these switches will no longer receive support from Cisco.
Compatible SFP/SFP+/QSFP Module for Cisco Catalyst 4500 Switch
SFP/SFP+/QSFP transceivers are compatible with the Catalyst 4500 switch. OPTCORE is a one-stop store for fiber optic solutions. We will offer a wide selection of compatible SFP, SFP+, and QSFP modules with high quality and competitive pricing. Below is a list of compatible modules for your quick reference.
| OEM Part Number | Description |
| Gigabit SFP Module | |
| GLC-T | 1000BASE-T Copper SFP Module, 100m, RJ-45 Connector |
| SFP-GE-T | 1000BASE-T Copper SFP Module,100m,RJ-45 Connector, Extended temperature |
| GLC-SX-MM | 1000BASE-SX SFP Module, MMF, 850nm, 550m |
| GLC-LH-SM | 1000BASE-LX SFP Module, SMF, 1310nm, 10km |
| GLC-ZX-SM | 1000BASE-ZX SFP Module, SMF, 1550nm, 70km |
| GLC-SX-MMD | 1000BASE-SX SFP Module, MMF, 850nm, 550m, with DOM, Extended temperature |
| GLC-LH-SMD | 1000BASE-LX SFP Module, SMF, 1310nm, 10km, with DOM, Extended temperature |
| GLC-EX-SMD | 1000BASE-EX SFP Module, SMF, 1310nm, 40km, with DOM, Extended temperature |
| GLC-ZX-SMD | 1000BASE-ZX SFP Module, SMF, 1550nm, 70km, with DOM, Extended temperature |
| SFP-GE-S | 1000BASE-SX SFP Module, MMF, 850nm, 550m, with DOM, Extended temperature |
| SFP-GE-L | 1000BASE-LX SFP Module, SMF, 1310nm, 10km, with DOM, Extended temperature |
| SFP-GE-Z | 1000BASE-ZX SFP Module, SMF, 1550nm, 70km, with DOM, Extended temperature |
| GLC-BX-D | 1000BASE-BX-D BIDI SFP Module, TX:1490/RX:1310nm, SMF, 10km |
| GLC-BX-U | 1000BASE-BX-U BIDI SFP Module, TX:1310/RX:1490nm, SMF, 10km |
| CWDM SFP | 1000BASE-CWDM SFP Module, 1470nm~1610nm, SMF, 80km |
| DWDM SFP | 1000BASE-DWDM SFP Module, 1470nm~1610nm, SMF, 80km |
| 10G SFP+ Module | |
| SFP-10G-SR | 10GBASE-SR SFP+ Module for MMF S-Class |
| SFP-10G-SR-X | 10GBASE-SR SFP+ Module for MMF |
| SFP-10G-SR-S | multirate 10GBASE-SR, 10GBASE-SW and OTU2e SFP+ Module for MMF, extended temperature range |
| SFP-10G-LR | 10GBASE-LRM SFP+ Module for MMF and SMF |
| SFP-10G-LR-X | 10GBASE-LR SFP+ Module for SMF S-Class |
| SFP-10G-LR-S | 10GBASE-LR SFP+ Module for SMF |
| SFP-10G-LRM | multirate 10GBASE-LR, 10GBASE-LW and OTU2e SFP+ Module for SMF, extended temperature range |
| SFP-10G-ER | 10GBASE-ER SFP+ Module for SMF S-Class |
| SFP-10G-ER-S | 10GBASE-ER SFP+ Module for SMF |
| SFP-10G-ZR | 10GBASE-ZR SFP+ Module for SMF S-Class |
| SFP-10G-ZR-S | Multirate 10GBASE-ZR, 10GBASE-ZW and OTU2e SFP+ Module for SMF |
| SFP-10G-BXD-I | Cisco 10GBASE-BX10-D Bidirectional for 10km |
| SFP-10G-BXU-I | Cisco 10GBASE-BX10-U Bidirectional for 10km |
| SFP-10G-BX40D-I | Cisco 10GBASE-BX40-D Bidirectional for 40km |
| SFP-10G-BX40U-I | Cisco 10GBASE-BX40-U Bidirectional for 40km |
| 10G SFP+ CWDM/DWDM Module | |
| CWDM-SFP10G-1470 | 10GBAS-CWDM 1470nm SFP+ 40km Transceiver Module |
| CWDM-SFP10G-1490 | 10GBAS-CWDM 1490nm SFP+ 40km Transceiver Module |
| CWDM-SFP10G-1510 | 10GBAS-CWDM 1510nm SFP+ 40km Transceiver Module |
| CWDM-SFP10G-1530 | 10GBAS-CWDM 1530nm SFP+ 40km Transceiver Module |
| CWDM-SFP10G-1550 | 10GBAS-CWDM 1550nm SFP+ 40km Transceiver Module |
| CWDM-SFP10G-1570 | 10GBAS-CWDM 1570nm SFP+ 40km Transceiver Module |
| CWDM-SFP10G-1590 | 10GBAS-CWDM 1590nm SFP+ 40km Transceiver Module |
| CWDM-SFP10G-1610 | 10GBAS-CWDM 1610nm SFP+ 40km Transceiver Module |
| DWDM-SFP10G-ER | 10GBASE-DWDM SFP+ (100-GHz ITU grid) 40km Transceiver Module |
| 10G SFP+ Copper Cables | |
| SFP-H10GB-CU1M | 10GBASE-CU SFP+ Cable 1 Meter, passive |
| SFP-H10GB-CU1-5M | 10GBASE-CU SFP+ Cable 1.5 Meter, passive |
| SFP-H10GB-CU2M | 10GBASE-CU SFP+ Cable 2 Meter, Passive |
| SFP-H10GB-CU2-5M | 10GBASE-CU SFP+ Cable 2.5 Meter, Passive |
| SFP-H10GB-CU3M | 10GBASE-CU SFP+ Cable 3 Meter, passive |
| SFP-H10GB-CU5M | 10GBASE-CU SFP+ Cable 5 Meter, passive |
| SFP-H10GB-ACU7M | 10GBASE-CU SFP+ Cable 7 Meter, active |
| SFP-H10GB-ACU10M | 10GBASE-CU SFP+ Cable 10 Meter, active |
| 10G SFP+ Active Optical Cables | |
| SFP-10G-AOC1M | 10GBASE-AOC SFP+ Optical Cable, 1 Meter |
| SFP-10G-AOC2M | 10GBASE-AOC SFP+ Optical Cable, 2 Meter |
| SFP-10G-AOC3M | 10GBASE-AOC SFP+ Optical Cable, 3 Meter |
| SFP-10G-AOC5M | 10GBASE-AOC SFP+ Optical Cable, 5 Meter |
| SFP-10G-AOC7M | 10GBASE-AOC SFP+ Optical Cable, 7 Meter |
| SFP-10G-AOC10M | 10GBASE-AOC SFP+ Optical Cable, 10 Meter |
| Fiber Optic Patch Cables | |
| LC-LC-OM2-DxM | Multimode 50/125μm OM2 Duplex LC/LC Fiber Cable (1m-50m or Custom Length) |
| LC-LC-OM3-DxM | Multimode 50/125μm 10G OM3 Duplex LC/LC Fiber Cable (1m-50m or Custom Length) |
| LC-LC-OM4-DxM | Multimode 50/125μm 10G/40G OM4 Duplex LC/LC Fiber Cable (1m-50m or Custom Length) |
| LC-LC-OS2-DxM | Singlemode 9/125μm OS2 Duplex LC/LC Fiber Cable (1m-50m or Custom Length) |
| LC-LC-OS2-SxM | Singlemode 9/125μm OS2 Simplex LC/LC Fiber Cable (1m-50m or Custom Length) |
Conclusion
The Cisco Catalyst 4500 switch has advanced security, integrated resiliency, and robust PoE+ capabilities. Therefore, it is popular among small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs), data centers, and campuses.
While further expanding your company, you need to find more affordable, compatible SFP/SFP+/QSFP replacements for network upgrades. Then, why not explore our extensive product portfolio featuring competitive pricing? We will offer high-quality products and thoughtful services.
Note: All the trademarks, products, and company names belong to their respective owners and are used for comparative purposes only. All the recommended transceivers and cables are from 3rd Party. They are NOT OEM products, nor are they certified or endorsed by the OEM.
