StarTech 10050-ST 1000BASE-T Copper SFP Transceiver Module

Overview

The StarTech 10050-ST is a 1 Gbps copper SFP transceiver engineered as a drop-in compatible replacement for Extreme Networks 10050 SFP slots. Where fiber optic modules require dedicated infrastructure, this RJ-45 copper module lets you connect directly to standard Cat5e/Cat6 cabling — no fiber patch panels, no media converters, no extra budget. If you're expanding an Extreme Networks switch deployment and need to bring in copper-connected endpoints within 100 meters, the 10050-ST is the straightforward answer (often searched as 10050 ST).

Key Features

• 1 Gbps Full-Duplex Throughput: Runs IEEE 802.3 1000BASE-T at full wire speed with no half-duplex bottlenecks — critical for high-bitrate video streams, NAS transfers, or uplink aggregation where bandwidth headroom matters.
• RJ-45 Copper Interface: Plugs directly into standard Cat5e or Cat6 structured cabling. This eliminates the cost of fiber runs to individual devices, making it practical for short in-rack or inter-closet copper segments already in place.
• 100-Meter Reach: Covers the full standard Ethernet copper distance — enough for most in-building runs from IDF closets to workstations, IP cameras, or access control panels without repeaters.
• Extreme Networks 10050 Compatibility: Designed specifically to match the Extreme Networks 10050 SFP specification, so it inserts and negotiates without manual configuration workarounds or firmware exceptions on compliant hardware.
• MTBF of 510,469,759 Hours: That figure translates to a statistically projected service life measured in decades — relevant if you're deploying these in network closets where swap-outs mean downtime and a truck roll.
• Compact SFP Form Factor (0.5 in H x 2.7 in W x 0.5 in D): Standard SFP footprint fits any 1G SFP cage. At 0.5 oz, it won't stress cage retention clips or add measurable weight to high-density patch scenarios.

Integration and Compatibility

The 10050-ST is tested for compatibility with Extreme Networks equipment using the 10050 SFP specification. IEEE 802.3 1000BASE-T compliance means it also operates within the broader standard, but if your switch enforces strict third-party module restrictions via firmware, verify your platform's transceiver policy before ordering. This module is a copper-type SFP — it is not interchangeable with fiber SFP slots requiring LC or SC optical interfaces. Pair it with network switches or edge devices that expose standard 1G SFP cages and support copper 1000BASE-T negotiation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What cable type does the 10050-ST require?

A: The 10050-ST uses an RJ-45 interface and runs over standard Cat5e or Cat6 copper cabling up to 100 meters — no fiber is needed.

Q: Will the 10050-ST work in non-Extreme Networks switches?

A: The module is designed and coded for Extreme Networks 10050 SFP slots. Other switches that enforce OEM transceiver checks may reject third-party modules — verify your platform's transceiver compatibility policy before deploying in non-Extreme hardware.

Q: What is the maximum link distance for the 10050-ST?

A: Maximum reach is 100 meters over copper, consistent with the IEEE 802.3 1000BASE-T standard.

Q: Does the 10050-ST support half-duplex operation?

A: No. The 10050-ST operates in full-duplex mode only, which is standard practice for 1000BASE-T Gigabit Ethernet links.

Q: What is the MTBF rating for the 10050-ST?

A: StarTech rates the 10050-ST at an MTBF of 510,469,759 hours — a reliability figure that reflects its suitability for always-on network infrastructure roles.

Karl Wilson

The spec that stands out to me on the 10050-ST is the MTBF of 510,469,759 hours. For a transceiver module sitting in a closet switch running 24/7, that kind of reliability projection means you're not scheduling preventive replacements or carrying spares just to sleep at night — it's the right number for infrastructure that needs to be invisible once installed.

Technical Highlights:

• 1 Gbps Full-Duplex: Full wire-speed 1000BASE-T with no half-duplex fallback — you get the full 1 Gbps symmetrical bandwidth that 1GbE was designed to deliver, with no surprises in throughput-sensitive deployments.
• 100m Copper Reach: Hits the full IEEE 802.3 copper distance limit, covering virtually any in-building horizontal run from a network closet to an endpoint without needing a midspan repeater.
• Compact 0.5 oz Form Factor: At 0.5 in high and 2.7 in wide, it's a standard SFP footprint that installs in seconds and won't interfere with adjacent cage slots in high-density switch panels.

Deployment Considerations:

• The 10050-ST is coded for Extreme Networks 10050 SFP slots — if your switch platform uses strict transceiver authentication, test one unit before committing to a bulk deployment to confirm negotiation succeeds without firmware exceptions.
• This is a copper-only module with an RJ-45 interface — it cannot be substituted into fiber SFP cages expecting an optical signal. Confirm your target SFP slot is copper-capable before ordering.

For Extreme Networks deployments where you need to bring copper-connected devices — IP cameras, access control readers, or workstations — into 1G SFP switch ports without running fiber, the 10050-ST handles that job cleanly and reliably.