SOPHOS ITFZTCHLX Long-range 1000BASE-LX SFP fibre transceiver for Sophos firewalls and ethernet switches, 1Gbps, 10KM

The Sophos ITFZTCHLX is a long-range 1000BASE-LX SFP fibre transceiver designed to add reliable 1Gbps optical connectivity to compatible Sophos firewalls and network appliances. Supporting single-mode fibre links of up to 10 kilometres, it is ideal for connecting buildings, data centres, communications rooms and geographically separated network infrastructure.

Sophos ITFZTCHLX 1000BASE-LX long-range SFP transceiver

The ITFZTCHLX provides a Gigabit Ethernet connection over duplex single-mode fibre. It operates at a 1310nm wavelength and uses a duplex LC optical connector, providing significantly greater transmission distances than copper Ethernet or short-range multimode fibre.

Its compact, hot-pluggable SFP form factor allows the module to be inserted into a compatible Sophos 1GbE SFP port without opening the appliance. This makes it a convenient option for extending firewall uplinks, connecting distribution switches or integrating Sophos equipment into an existing fibre network.

Long-range Gigabit Ethernet over single-mode fibre

With a maximum supported link distance of up to 10 kilometres, the Sophos ITFZTCHLX is designed for network connections that extend beyond the 100-metre limitation of standard copper Ethernet.

Typical applications include:

• Connecting network infrastructure in separate buildings
• Linking a Sophos firewall to a remote or centrally located switch
• Providing a fibre uplink between equipment rooms
• Integrating Sophos appliances into a data centre fibre network
• Extending network connectivity across campuses and industrial sites
• Creating electrically isolated Ethernet links between locations

Actual transmission distance depends on the fibre quality, connector condition, splices and total optical loss across the link.

Sophos ITFZTCHLX key features

• 1000BASE-LX Gigabit Ethernet transceiver
• Up to 1Gbps network connectivity
• Designed for long-range optical network links
• Supports distances of up to 10 kilometres
• Operates over single-mode fibre
• 1310nm optical wavelength
• Duplex LC fibre connector
• Compact SFP/mini-GBIC form factor
• Hot-pluggable installation
• Suitable for compatible Sophos SFP ports
• Provides immunity to electromagnetic interference
• Useful for inter-building, campus and data centre connections

Fibre connectivity for Sophos firewalls and network appliances

Fibre connectivity provides several advantages for firewall and network deployments. Unlike copper cabling, optical fibre does not conduct electricity and is unaffected by electromagnetic interference. This makes the ITFZTCHLX particularly useful for links between buildings or through environments containing electrical equipment, motors and other potential sources of interference.

The module is identified by Sophos as a 1000BASE-LX fibre transceiver. Compatibility depends on the Sophos appliance model and the capabilities of its SFP port, so the Sophos transceiver compatibility list should be checked before deployment.

Sophos ITFZTCHLX technical specifications

Single-mode fibre and cabling requirements

The ITFZTCHLX requires an appropriate duplex LC single-mode fibre patch lead. One fibre strand carries transmitted data while the second carries received data.

The transceiver installed at the opposite end of the link must also support 1000BASE-LX, operate at 1310nm and use a compatible optical interface. Fibre polarity must be correctly arranged so that the transmit connection at each end links to the receive connection at the other.

Sophos SFP compatibility considerations

Before ordering, confirm that the target Sophos firewall, switch or network appliance supports the ITFZTCHLX and 1Gbps SFP operation. An SFP module should not be confused with an SFP+ module: the ITFZTCHLX operates at Gigabit Ethernet speed and is not a 10Gbps transceiver.

Both ends of the connection must use compatible optics, and the fibre link must remain within the optical-loss limits of the transceivers.