# GE-2 SFP I/O Modules Overview

The ERX1440 router and the ERX310 routers both support the GE-2 SFP I/O module. Other E Series routers do not support the GE-2 SFP I/O module. The GE-2 SFP I/O module was previously called the 2XGE APS I/O module.

The GE-2 SFP I/O module pairs with the GE-2 line module and the GE-HDE line module. You can install the GE-2 line module or the GE-HDE line module and its corresponding GE-2 SFP I/O module in slot 1 or slot 2 of an ERX310 router or in any slot of an ERX1440 router.

The GE-2 SFP I/O module can use either fiber-optic or copper SFPs. The I/O module accepts up to two pairs (Tx/Rx) of LC-style fiber-optic connectors that support different optical modes and cabling distances. Alternatively, the I/O module supports up to two pairs of copper SFPs.

## Ports on GE-2 SFP I/O Module

The GE-2 SFP I/O module has four ports: two ports (port 0 and port 1) are active (also known as primary), and the other two ports (port 0R and port 1R) are redundant. If an active port fails, its corresponding redundant port automatically becomes active.

You can configure only port 0 and port 1 for a Gigabit Ethernet interface; you cannot configure redundant ports 0R and 1R. Cabling an active port and its corresponding redundant port (that is, port 0 and port 0R, or port 1 and port 1R) provides a redundant path to the Gigabit Ethernet interface.

## Bandwidth and Line Rate Considerations

When the GE-2 line module or the GE-HDE line module is installed in the ERX1440 router, it delivers full bandwidth of 2 Gbps per port only when installed in slot 2 or slot 4, and when the SRP-40G+ module is used in the router. When the module is installed in any other ERX1440 slot, it delivers a maximum bandwidth of 2 Gbps per line module (1 Gbps maximum at the ingress and 1 Gbps maximum at the egress). Therefore, of the maximum 24 possible ports for the module in an ERX1440 chassis (that is, two ports in each of 12 slots), full bandwidth is delivered only on a maximum of four ports (those in slots 2 and 4).

When the GE-2 line module or the GE-HDE line module is installed in either the ERX1440 router or the ERX310 router and both ports are active, line rate performance is achieved only with packets that are 174 bytes or larger. The module might not achieve line rate with packets that are smaller than 174 bytes.

#### Related Documentation

- Gigabit Ethernet I/O Modules and IOAs Overview
- GE I/O Modules Overview
- GE-8 I/O Modules Overview
- OC3-2 GE APS I/O Modules Overview
- ES2-S1 GE-4 IOAs Overview
- ES2-S1 GE-8 IOAs Overview
- ES2-S3 GE-20 IOAs Overview