TP-Link TL-SM331T 1000Base-T RJ45 SFP Module Price in Kenya

The TP-Link TL-SM331T is a copper SFP transceiver designed to convert a compatible SFP slot into a standard Gigabit RJ45 Ethernet port. Instead of connecting an optical fibre cable to the SFP slot, the TL-SM331T allows you to connect standard twisted-pair Ethernet cable.

TP-Link specifies 1000BASE-T operation, one 1000Mbps RJ45 port, a 1.25Gbps SFP data rate and a maximum copper cable distance of 100 metres using Cat5e or better Ethernet cable.

The module is particularly useful when a switch, router or other network device has an unused SFP slot but an additional copper Gigabit Ethernet connection is required.

TP-Link TL-SM331T Specifications

These specifications come from TP-Link's official TL-SM331T documentation. 

What Is the TP-Link TL-SM331T?

The TL-SM331T is an SFP-to-RJ45 copper transceiver.

It allows an SFP port to communicate through standard Ethernet cabling instead of optical fibre.

A typical connection is:

Network Switch SFP Port → TL-SM331T → Cat6 Ethernet Cable → Network Device

The connected device could be another switch, router, access point, IP camera, server or other Gigabit Ethernet device.

What Does 1000Base-T Mean?

1000BASE-T is the Gigabit Ethernet standard commonly used over twisted-pair copper network cable.

It provides:

Up to 1000Mbps / 1Gbps Ethernet

over compatible:

• Cat5e

• Cat6

• Cat6A

network cabling.

TP-Link specifies a maximum distance of 100 metres using Cat5e or above, although actual performance depends on the cable and installation conditions. 

SFP to RJ45 Conversion

One of the main purposes of the TL-SM331T is to turn an available:

SFP Port

into an:

RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet Port

This can be particularly useful when all the normal RJ45 ports on a network switch are already occupied but an unused SFP slot remains available.

Instead of replacing the entire switch, a compatible copper SFP can provide another Ethernet interface.

1Gbps Gigabit Ethernet

The TL-SM331T provides:

1 × 1000Mbps RJ45 port

for Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. 

This makes it suitable for devices such as:

• Gigabit switches

• Routers

• Servers

• Access points

• IP cameras

• NVRs

• Network appliances

1.25Gbps SFP Data Rate

TP-Link specifies the module's SFP-side data rate as:

1.25Gbps. 

This is associated with the Gigabit SFP interface and should not be confused with a 1.25Gbps Ethernet port for end devices.

The RJ45 network interface provides standard Gigabit Ethernet connectivity.

Up to 100 Metres

The TL-SM331T supports copper Ethernet connections of up to:

100 metres

using:

Cat5e or higher cable. 

TP-Link notes that the 100m figure comes from laboratory testing with Cat5e cable and that actual distance may vary. 

Cat5e Cable Support

Cat5e is the minimum cable category specified by TP-Link for the 100m Gigabit connection.

For most modern installations, you can also use:

Cat6

or:

Cat6A

provided the cabling and terminations meet the required Ethernet standards.

Cat6 with TP-Link TL-SM331T

Cat6 is a good choice for new installations using the TL-SM331T.

A typical connection can be:

Switch → TL-SM331T → Cat6 Cable → Router

or:

Switch → TL-SM331T → Cat6 Cable → Access Point

The maximum Ethernet segment should remain within the supported distance.

Watch TP-Link TL-SM331T Video

https://youtu.be/PfqJLzF3l6U

The TP-Link TL-SM331T differs from the optical SFP modules commonly used in fibre networks because its external connection is electrical rather than optical. Instead of LC fibre connectors, the module provides a conventional RJ45 socket for twisted-pair Ethernet cable.

This makes the TL-SM331T useful when a network designer needs to repurpose an SFP interface for copper Ethernet. For example, an available SFP slot on a managed switch can potentially be used to connect another switch, router, wireless access point or other Gigabit Ethernet device.

The module supports cable runs of up to 100 metres with Cat5e or higher cable, is hot-swappable, and uses a metallic enclosure designed for durability, heat handling and reduced electromagnetic interference. 

Plug-and-Play Installation

TP-Link markets the TL-SM331T as a plug-and-play module. 

A typical installation involves:

1. Insert the TL-SM331T into the compatible SFP slot.

2. Connect a Cat5e, Cat6 or suitable higher-category Ethernet cable.

3. Connect the other end to the Gigabit Ethernet device.

4. Configure the host SFP port if required.

The final step matters because not every host port automatically configures itself for a 1G copper SFP.

Hot-Swappable SFP Module

The TL-SM331T supports:

Hot-swappable operation. 

This makes network maintenance easier because a supported module can be inserted or removed without replacing the entire switch.

Always follow the host equipment manufacturer's recommendations when installing or replacing SFP modules.

Fully Metallic Enclosure

TP-Link uses a:

Fully metallic enclosure

for the TL-SM331T.

The metal casing helps with:

• Mechanical durability

• Heat dissipation

• EMI reduction

• Stable operation

Copper SFP modules can generate more heat than many low-power optical modules, making proper thermal management important.

Low Power Consumption

TP-Link specifies approximately:

0.5W typical

and:

0.8W maximum

power dissipation for the TL-SM331T. 

This is useful when planning switches containing multiple SFP modules, since the host device has a finite power and thermal budget.

3.3V Power Supply

The TL-SM331T operates from a:

3.3V

SFP electrical supply. 

TP-Link's detailed datasheet gives a recommended input voltage range of approximately 3.13V to 3.47V.

TX Disable Support

The TL-SM331T supports:

TX Disable

functionality. 

This is part of the module's SFP-side control functionality.

TP-Link TL-SM331T Compatibility

TP-Link states that the TL-SM331T is compatible with equipment from several networking vendors, subject to the specific compatibility list.

The manufacturer gives examples including:

• TP-Link

• Cisco

• Huawei

• Ubiquiti

• D-Link

• Netgear

• MikroTik 

Compatibility should still be verified for the exact switch/router model and software version before purchasing multiple modules.

TL-SM331T with TP-Link Switches

The module is particularly useful with compatible TP-Link switches equipped with Gigabit SFP interfaces.

For example:

TP-Link Switch SFP Port
↓
TL-SM331T
↓
Cat6 Cable
↓
Gigabit Network Device

This gives network installers more flexibility when designing copper and fibre connectivity from the same switch.

TL-SM331T with Omada Switches

TP-Link also markets the newer SM331T under its Omada business networking range.

The current SM331T product page describes it as an SFP module that converts an SFP interface into an RJ45 connection for high-speed Ethernet networking. 

Always check compatibility with the exact Omada switch model.

Compatibility with Cisco, Huawei and Ubiquiti

TP-Link lists cross-vendor compatibility with equipment from several manufacturers, but this should not be interpreted as universal compatibility with every product from those brands. 

Some switches may:

• Reject third-party modules

• Generate compatibility warnings

• Require manual port configuration

• Restrict supported link speeds

Therefore, check the TP-Link compatibility list and the host equipment documentation.

Using TL-SM331T in 2.5G, 10G or 25G SFP Ports

This requires particular attention.

TP-Link notes that when TL-SM331T is inserted into certain 2.5G, 10G or 25G fibre ports, additional configuration may be required to set the port's data rate appropriately.

The module itself should still be treated as a Gigabit copper SFP, not a 2.5G, 10G or 25G transceiver.

Is TL-SM331T a Fibre Optic Module?

No.

Although it uses the SFP form factor, the external connection is:

Copper RJ45 Ethernet

rather than an optical fibre connector.

There is:

• No LC optical connector

• No fibre wavelength

• No single-mode fibre

• No multimode fibre

This distinction is important because some third-party product listings incorrectly mix optical SFP specifications with the TL-SM331T.

Does TL-SM331T Have a Wavelength?

No optical wavelength applies to its RJ45 copper connection.

The TL-SM331T is a 1000BASE-T copper transceiver, not an 850nm, 1310nm or 1550nm optical module.

For example, one current Kenyan retailer listing incorrectly describes the TL-SM331T with 850nm optical-fibre specifications despite identifying the product as the RJ45 SFP model. Those optical claims conflict with TP-Link's official documentation and should not be used for network design. 

TL-SM331T vs TL-SM311LS

TL-SM331T vs TL-SM311LM

TL-SM331T vs TL-SM321A/B

TL-SM331T vs Standard RJ45 Switch Port

Functionally, both provide Gigabit copper Ethernet connectivity.

The difference is that the TL-SM331T:

occupies an SFP slot

whereas a normal RJ45 port is:

built directly into the switch.

The module is therefore useful when you need additional copper flexibility from an available SFP interface.

TL-SM331T vs Fibre SFP Module

A fibre SFP is usually better when you need:

• Long-distance connectivity

• Building-to-building connections

• Electrical isolation

• EMI immunity

• Fibre backbone connectivity

The TL-SM331T is more suitable when:

• The route is within 100m

• Copper Ethernet is already installed

• The destination has RJ45

• An unused SFP slot is available

TL-SM331T for IP Cameras

The module can provide Ethernet connectivity to an IP camera or CCTV network equipment, as TP-Link itself illustrates IP-camera connectivity among possible use cases. 

However, an important distinction is:

TL-SM331T does not itself provide PoE.

If the connected IP camera requires PoE, a suitable PoE source or injector is still required.

TL-SM331T for Wireless Access Points

The module can also connect an Ethernet access point to a compatible switch.

Example:

SFP Switch → TL-SM331T → Cat6 → Access Point

Again, the module should not be assumed to supply PoE.

TL-SM331T for IP Phones

TP-Link also illustrates IP phones among potential Ethernet devices connected through the module. 

Power requirements must be handled separately where PoE is needed.

TL-SM331T for Servers

The module can be useful where a switch has available SFP ports but the server uses a standard Gigabit RJ45 network interface.

Example:

Managed Switch → TL-SM331T → Cat6 → Server NIC

TL-SM331T for Routers

It can also be used to connect compatible switches to routers with RJ45 Gigabit Ethernet ports.

This can be useful in:

• Enterprise LANs

• Server rooms

• ISP networks

• CCTV networks

• Campus networks

• Office networks

Maximum Cable Distance

TP-Link's maximum specified cable distance is:

100m with Cat5e or above. 

Actual distance can vary depending on:

• Cable quality

• Cable category

• Termination quality

• Interference

• Patch panels

• Connectors

• Installation conditions

Cat5e vs Cat6 for TL-SM331T

Does TL-SM331T Support 10/100/1000Mbps?

This depends on the specific generation.

The older TL-SM331T documentation specifies 1000BASE-T operation. 

TP-Link's newer SM331T V3 documentation lists support for 10/100/1000Base-T operation in host systems. 

Therefore, do not automatically apply the newer SM331T V3 multi-speed specification to every older TL-SM331T revision.

Is TL-SM331T a 2.5G Module?

No.

The TL-SM331T should be treated as a Gigabit copper SFP.

For 2.5Gbps Ethernet, choose a transceiver specifically designed and approved for that speed and host device.

Is TL-SM331T a 10G Module?

No.

A 10Gbps copper transceiver requires a compatible 10GBASE-T SFP+ solution.

Operating Temperature

TP-Link specifies an operating range of:

0°C to 70°C

and storage temperatures of:

-40°C to 85°C.

This is a commercial-temperature module.

TL-SM331T Dimensions

The TL-SM331T measures approximately:

67.4 × 13.75 × 13.8mm. 

The newer SM331T V3 page lists a slightly different width of 13.4mm, illustrating minor revision differences. 

TP-Link TL-SM331T Price in Kenya

The TP-Link TL-SM331T price in Kenya varies depending on supplier, VAT, hardware revision and availability.

A current Senetic Kenya listing shows approximately:

KES 2,802 excluding VAT

or:

KES 3,251 including VAT. 

A newer SM331T listing from the same supplier is approximately:

KES 2,815 net

or:

KES 3,265 gross. 

Approximate TL-SM331T Prices in Kenya

These are third-party market references and not fixed Fiber Optics Kenya prices. Prices can change with VAT, stock, hardware revision and supplier.

Contact Fiber Optics Kenya for the current TP-Link TL-SM331T price and availability.

TL-SM331T Product Lifecycle

There is an important version distinction.

TP-Link's US page currently marks the older TL-SM331T as End of Life. 

However, TP-Link also lists the newer SM331T V3 in its Omada range, with updated standards and 10/100/1000Base-T host-system support. 

Therefore, when buying this product, check whether the supplied item is:

TL-SM331T

or the newer:

SM331T

and verify the exact hardware revision.

How to Choose the Correct RJ45 SFP Module

Before purchasing the TL-SM331T, confirm:

1. Your device has a compatible SFP port.

2. You require a Gigabit RJ45 copper connection.

3. Your cable run is within 100m.

4. You are using Cat5e or higher cable.

5. Your host switch supports copper SFP modules.

6. The SFP port can operate at the required 1G rate.

7. PoE is not expected directly from the module.

8. The hardware revision provides the features you require.

Recommended Accessories

Frequently Asked Questions About TP-Link TL-SM331T

What is the TP-Link TL-SM331T?

It is a 1000BASE-T RJ45 SFP module that converts a compatible SFP interface into a Gigabit copper Ethernet port. 

Is TL-SM331T a fibre SFP?

No. It is a copper RJ45 SFP.

What connector does it use?

RJ45.

Does it have an LC connector?

No.

What speed does it support?

The TL-SM331T provides a 1000Mbps RJ45 Ethernet port. 

What is the SFP data rate?

1.25Gbps. 

What cable does TL-SM331T use?

Cat5e or higher twisted-pair Ethernet cable.

Can I use Cat5e?

Yes.

Can I use Cat6?

Yes.

Can I use Cat6A?

Yes.

What is the maximum cable distance?

Up to 100m according to TP-Link. 

Can TL-SM331T work over 200m?

Not as a standard single copper Ethernet segment. The module is rated for up to 100m.

Can it work over fibre?

No. Use an optical SFP for fibre.

Does TL-SM331T have a wavelength?

No optical wavelength applies because it uses copper RJ45 Ethernet.

Is it an 850nm module?

No.

Is it a 1310nm module?

No.

Is it a 1550nm module?

No.

Does it use single-mode fibre?

No.

Does it use multimode fibre?

No.

Is it 1000BASE-T?

Yes. 

Is it Gigabit Ethernet?

Yes.

Can it convert an SFP port into RJ45?

Yes. That is its primary purpose. 

Is TL-SM331T hot-swappable?

Yes. 

Does it support TX Disable?

Yes. 

What voltage does it use?

3.3V. 

How much power does it consume?

TP-Link specifies approximately 0.5W typical and 0.8W maximum. 

Does it have a metal enclosure?

Yes. 

Why is the metal enclosure useful?

It helps with durability, heat handling and reduced electromagnetic interference.

What is the operating temperature?

0°C to 70°C. 

What is the storage temperature?

-40°C to 85°C. 

Can it work with TP-Link switches?

Yes, with compatible TP-Link SFP ports.

Can it work with Omada switches?

Yes, subject to the exact switch compatibility.

Can it work with Cisco switches?

TP-Link lists Cisco among vendors represented in its compatibility information, but exact model compatibility should be checked. 

Can it work with Huawei equipment?

TP-Link lists Huawei among supported vendor examples, subject to compatibility verification. 

Can it work with Ubiquiti?

TP-Link lists Ubiquiti among compatibility examples. Check the exact host device. 

Can it work with MikroTik?

TP-Link lists MikroTik among compatibility examples. 

Can it work with D-Link?

TP-Link lists D-Link among compatibility examples. 

Can it work with Netgear?

TP-Link lists Netgear among compatibility examples. 

Can I install it in an SFP+ port?

Potentially, if the host SFP+ port supports 1G SFP operation and the module. Check the host documentation.

Can I install it in a 10G port?

TP-Link notes that additional port-speed configuration may be required when using the module in some higher-speed fibre ports. 

Does that make it 10Gbps?

No. It remains a Gigabit copper module.

Is TL-SM331T an SFP+ module?

No. It is an SFP module.

Does TL-SM331T support 2.5Gbps?

The TL-SM331T is specified as a Gigabit module.

Does it support 10/100/1000?

The newer SM331T V3 lists 10/100/1000Base-T host-system support, while older TL-SM331T documentation specifies 1000BASE-T. Check the hardware revision. 

Can I connect an IP camera?

Yes, but the module itself should not be assumed to supply PoE.

Can I connect an access point?

Yes, provided power requirements are handled separately.

Can I connect an IP phone?

Yes, subject to Ethernet and power requirements.

Can I connect a server?

Yes.

Can I connect a router?

Yes.

Can I connect another switch?

Yes.

Does TL-SM331T provide PoE?

No PoE output is specified by TP-Link for the module.

Can it power a PoE camera?

Not by itself. Use a PoE switch, injector or another suitable power source.

Is TL-SM331T better than a fibre SFP?

Neither is universally better. TL-SM331T is useful for local copper connections, while fibre SFPs are better for longer optical links.

What is the difference between TL-SM331T and TL-SM311LS?

TL-SM331T uses RJ45 copper up to 100m, while TL-SM311LS uses single-mode fibre for much longer distances.

What is the difference between TL-SM331T and TL-SM311LM?

TL-SM331T uses copper Ethernet, while TL-SM311LM uses 850nm multimode fibre.

What is the difference between TL-SM331T and TL-SM321A?

TL-SM331T is a copper RJ45 module, while TL-SM321A is a single-fibre WDM BiDi optical module.

Is the TL-SM331T discontinued?

TP-Link's US page currently marks the older TL-SM331T as End of Life. 

Is there a newer TP-Link version?

Yes. TP-Link currently lists the newer SM331T V3 under Omada. 

What is the TP-Link TL-SM331T price in Kenya?

A current Kenyan market example is approximately KES 2,802 excluding VAT or KES 3,251 including VAT. 

Is that Fiber Optics Kenya's exact price?

No. It is a third-party market reference. Contact Fiber Optics Kenya for the current selling price.

Do you supply RJ45 SFP modules?

Yes, subject to stock availability.

Do you supply optical SFP modules?

Yes.

Do you supply single-mode SFPs?

Yes.

Do you supply multimode SFPs?

Yes.

Do you supply BiDi SFP modules?

Yes.

Do you supply Cat6 cable?

Yes.

Do you supply RJ45 connectors and patch cords?

Yes.

Can businesses order in bulk?

Yes. Bulk orders are suitable for enterprises, ISPs, CCTV installers, network integrators, data centres and contractors.

Do you deliver outside Nairobi?

Yes. Fiber Optics Kenya supplies networking and fibre optic equipment throughout Kenya.

Why Buy TP-Link TL-SM331T from Fiber Optics Kenya?

Contact Fiber Optics Kenya

Fiber Optics Kenya
Lyric House, 7th Floor Room S9
Kimathi Street, Nairobi

Phone: +254 704 991 492
Email: info@fibreopticskenya.co.ke

The TP-Link TL-SM331T 1000Base-T RJ45 SFP Module provides a convenient way to convert a compatible SFP interface into a standard Gigabit RJ45 Ethernet connection. TP-Link specifies 1000BASE-T operation, a 1.25Gbps SFP data rate, Cat5e-or-better cabling up to 100 metres, 3.3V operation and hot-swappable installation. 

Unlike the TL-SM311LS, TL-SM311LM and TL-SM321 series, the TL-SM331T is not an optical fibre transceiver. It is designed for copper Ethernet, making it particularly useful for switches, routers, servers, CCTV equipment, access points and other applications where an available SFP slot needs to provide an RJ45 Gigabit connection.

A current Kenyan market reference places the module at approximately KES 2,802 excluding VAT or KES 3,251 including VAT, although supplier prices and availability can change. 

Contact Fiber Optics Kenya for the current TP-Link TL-SM331T price in Kenya, RJ45 SFP modules, optical SFP modules, Cat6 cable, RJ45 patch cords, networking accessories, bulk orders and nationwide delivery.