Ubiquiti UACC-CM-RJ45-1G 1GbE SFP to RJ45 Converter Module
Overview
The Ubiquiti UACC-CM-RJ45-1G is a passive SFP (small form-factor pluggable) to RJ45 copper converter designed for Ubiquiti UniFi equipment that includes SFP module slots. This module bridges fiber-optic ports to standard 1 Gigabit Ethernet (1GbE) copper connectivity, eliminating the need for external media converters and simplifying network topology where a mix of fiber and copper infrastructure coexists.
The compact form factor (3.550 lb) fits directly into UniFi switch SFP cages without additional appliance space. The UACC-CM-RJ45-1G (often searched as UACC CM RJ45 1G) supports up to 1 GBps throughput, making it suitable for link aggregation, failover paths, or extending coverage into spaces where Cat5e or Cat6 cabling is already provisioned.
Key Features
- 1GbE RJ45 Output: Delivers full 1 Gigabit throughput, so you won't lose speed converting from SFP to copper — meaningful when daisy-chaining security equipment or extending access control wiring across a facility without additional fiber runs.
- Passive SFP Module Design: No external power or configuration required — insert into an SFP cage and patch a standard Ethernet cable. Reduces deployment complexity and eliminates a power supply from your bill of materials.
- UniFi Ecosystem Integration: Purpose-built for Ubiquiti UniFi switches and controllers with SFP module support. Works directly without proprietary software or licensing, simplifying procurement for standardized network infrastructure.
- Mixed-Media Deployment Support: Ideal when upgrading existing copper-based cabling in a facility without replacing infrastructure — connects legacy Cat5e/Cat6 runs to modern fiber-backbone switches.
- Compact Form Factor: SFP module footprint means no rack space penalty. Fits seamlessly into switch designs without external housing or mounting brackets.
- Cost-Effective Copper Extension: Avoids the expense of fiber-to-the-endpoint when standard Ethernet reaches the equipment — useful in warehouse automation, security camera PoE distribution, or access control backbone links where fiber termination isn't practical.
Integration & Compatibility
Insert the UACC-CM-RJ45-1G into any available SFP port on a UniFi switch or compatible Ubiquiti device. No driver, firmware update, or configuration is required — the module is plug-and-play. Patch a standard Cat5e or Cat6 cable to the RJ45 connector and assign the port in your network topology (VLAN, aggregation, failover). Works with any standard Ethernet endpoint: IP cameras, access control readers, building automation equipment, or downstream switches. The 1GbE rating ensures compatibility with modern IP security infrastructure.
If you need guidance on network video recorder integration or PoE power budgeting across extended copper runs, consult your switch documentation for maximum link distances and power delivery specifications.
Typical Use Cases
- Fiber-to-Copper Link in Security Networks: Connect a fiber uplink switch to a remote copper-based security appliance or NVR without deploying a separate media converter box.
- Mixed Topology Expansion: Deploy in data centers or larger facilities where some zones have fiber backbone and others rely on existing copper runs — the UACC-CM-RJ45-1G bridges the gap cleanly.
- Backup or Failover Path: Use a second SFP slot on your core switch to add a copper failover connection to a critical access control or video system, simplifying redundancy design.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the UACC-CM-RJ45-1G compatible with non-Ubiquiti switches?
A: The module itself is a passive SFP transceiver and will work with any SFP cage that supports 1GbE RJ45 modules. However, it is designed and tested for Ubiquiti UniFi equipment. Compatibility with third-party switches is not guaranteed — consult your switch vendor before purchasing.
Q: Does the module require power or configuration?
A: No. The UACC-CM-RJ45-1G is passive — it draws no power and requires no setup. Insert it into an SFP slot, plug in a standard Ethernet cable, and it is ready to use.
Q: Can I use this module with Cat5e, or do I need Cat6?
A: Cat5e supports 1GbE over distances up to 100 meters (330 feet) in most cases. Cat6 offers better shielding and higher performance margin. Both work with the UACC-CM-RJ45-1G — choose based on your cable plant and distance requirements.
Q: What is the maximum cable distance between the converter and my endpoint device?
A: Standard Ethernet specifications support 100 meters per segment. Longer runs may require a switch or active repeater. Check your cabling documentation and switch manual for certified performance at your planned distance.
Q: Is this module suitable for outdoor security deployments?
A: The UACC-CM-RJ45-1G itself is an indoor SFP module. If you need to extend copper to outdoor cameras or sensors, use outdoor-rated Ethernet cabling and deploy the converter inside a protected enclosure (such as a switch cabinet or equipment closet).
Q: How does this compare to a stand-alone media converter box?
A: A dedicated converter box occupies rack or shelf space and requires power and cabling overhead. The UACC-CM-RJ45-1G saves space and simplifies the deployment by living inside your switch, with no separate power or management — trade-off is that it is fixed to one SFP slot per module.
Ted PerryPerspective based on aggregated and affiliated engineering team experience.
The UACC-CM-RJ45-1G is a straightforward passive converter — no firmware surprises, no licensing overhead. It's the kind of module you install and forget about, which is exactly what you want in a critical network path. The 1 GBps throughput rating holds up because there's no active processing bottleneck, and the compact SFP footprint means you're not burning rack real estate or power supply capacity on a converter appliance.
Technical Highlights:
- Passive SFP Design: Zero power draw means the module contributes nothing to your switch's thermal load or power budget — a real advantage in high-density deployments where every watt counts.
- 1GbE Full-Duplex Copper Output: Delivers uncompressed 1 Gigabit throughput to standard RJ45 cables, so you won't see throughput degradation converting from fiber to copper at the SFP-to-RJ45 boundary.
- Bare-Metal Integration: No configuration required. Insert into SFP cage, patch Ethernet, and it negotiates autonegotiation like any standard port. Works with VLAN tagging, port aggregation, and Spanning Tree without additional setup.
Deployment Considerations:
- Cable Distance Ceiling: Standard Ethernet maxes out at 100 meters per run. If your copper leg exceeds that, insert an intermediate switch or active repeater — the UACC-CM-RJ45-1G won't extend range beyond standard Ethernet spec.
- Single-Port Commitment: Each module occupies one SFP slot. If your switch has only two SFP ports (common in mid-range UniFi switches), dedicating one to copper conversion leaves you with one fiber uplink — plan your topology accordingly before standardizing on this approach across multiple devices.
- Outdoor Exposure: The module itself is rated for indoor use. If you're running copper to outdoor IP cameras or access readers, house the converter in a protected switch cabinet or controlled environment — don't mount it in conduit exposed to weather.
Best fit: Facilities transitioning from legacy copper infrastructure to fiber backbones without ripping and replacing every cabling run. Deploy in your core switch's spare SFP slot to absorb one or two critical copper endpoints (security system, access control appliance) while modernizing the backbone. Not the right pick if you need to convert dozens of endpoints — that warrants a dedicated multi-port media converter or a rearchitecture toward fiber-to-the-edge.
