The Cisco TwinGig Converter Module (model CVR-X2-SFP), also known as a converter module, is a hot-swappable input/output (I/O) device that slides into a 10-Gigabit Ethernet X2 slot on a switch. It converts the 10-Gigabit X2 interface into a dual SFP interface. It was developed for the Catalyst 3560-E switch but is supported on other platforms.

Figure 1 Cisco TwinGig Converter Module

The converter module supports up to two small-form factor pluggable (SFP) modules. These modules plug into the converter module slots to establish fiber-optic and copper connections to network devices. Table 1 lists the SFP modules that the converter module supports.

Note Use only Cisco SFP modules in the converter module. Each Cisco module has an internal serial EEPROM that is encoded with security information. This encoding provides a way for Cisco to identify and validate that the module meets the requirements for the switch.

Table 2 lists the fiber-optic cabling specifications for the SFP modules that you install in the converter module. Each port must match the wavelength specifications on the other end of the cable, and the cable must not exceed the stipulated cable length. The SFP modules using fiber-optic connections need fiber-optic cables with LC/PC or LC/UPC connectors. The SFP modules using copper connections need Category 5E cables with RJ-45 connectors. Copper 1000 BASE-T SFP modules use standard four twisted pair category 5E cable at lengths up to 328 feet (100 meters).