StarTech.com HP JD118B Compatible SFP Transceiver Module - 1000BASE-SX~HPE JD118B Compatible SFP Module - 1000BASE-SX - 1GbE Multi Mode Fiber Optic Transceiver - 1GE Gigabit Ethernet SFP - LC 550m - 850nm - DDM HPE 5900, 12500, 5500

Product Overview

AI-generated summary

At £33.34 ex-VAT, this StarTech-compatible SFP is the kind of “keep the network running” part that makes sense when you’re dealing with older HPE switches and you just need the port back in service without paying HPE list pricing. The fact it’s a multi‑mode, 1GbE SX LC module with DDM is the practical bit: it gives you sensible diagnostics in most environments, and it’s a straightforward swap for like-for-like 1G SX multimode links. If you’re running your wiring distances within the usual multimode range, it’ll do the job and you’re unlikely to notice anything beyond it working reliably.

That said, I’d only buy it if you’ve confirmed two things first: (1) your switch platform/slot is actually happy with compatible optics (not all “compatible” parts behave identically across firmware revisions), and (2) your fibre type and run length match what the link expects. If you’re unsure on either, it’s not “plug and pray”—you can end up with flaky link negotiations or admin headaches that cost more time than the £ savings. For straightforward, documented multimode 1GbE replacements on HPE 5900/12500/5500-class kit, though, it’s good value and a sensible purchase.