SFP Module What is it and how to choose it?

SFP module has been around for more than 20 years, this article will explore these issues: SFP module types and applications and How to choose the right SFP module.

SFP module is a compact, hot-swappable optical transceiver module widely used in telecommunications and data communications. It is also known as Small Form Factor Pluggable or Mini GBIC.SFP transceiver module is not standardized by any official standard body, but rather specified by a Multi-Source Agreement (MSA).

Optical transceivers are widely used to connect network devices:

Such as switches, NICs (Network Interface Cards), and media converters. It makes SFP modules a necessity in fiber optic connections.

What is SFP module?

SFP module is a compact, hot-swappable optical transceiver module widely used in telecommunications and data communications applications. It is also known as Small Form Factor Pluggable or Mini GBIC (Gigabit Interface Converter). Its SFP port accepts optical modules and copper cables, which is why it is developed and supported by many network component vendors. SFP transceiver module is not standardized by any official standard body, but rather specified by a Multi-Source Agreement (MSA).SFP modules also support SONET, Gigabit Ethernet, Fiber Channel, and other communication standards. In addition, SFP has replaced GBIC in most applications due to its small size.

How many types of SFP modules are there?

SFP transceiver modules have various types according to different classification standards. Due to different cable types, we can classify SFP modules into single-mode and multi-mode SFP modules. The transmission rate ranges from 100Mbps to 4Gbps or even higher, and the working distance can range from 500 meters to 100 kilometers. In addition, CWDM SFP modules and DWDM SFP modules can also be used for WDM links. Copper SFP modules allow communication over twisted pair network cables.

SFP modules also have different functions, such as DDM (digital diagnostic monitoring), DOM (digital optical monitoring), and RGD (rugged) grade transceivers.

DDM and DOM allow users to check the real-time parameters of SFP modules, such as input power, output power, and temperature, while RGD is very suitable for industrial network applications, such as manufacturing automation, substations, and intelligent transportation systems.

Typically, SFP used in Ethernet switches Ports, routers, firewalls and network cards. SFP modules connect devices to fiber or copper cables, such as Cat5e. Other types of SFP optical transceivers, such as 3G video SFP and 12G video SFP.

They are also used in HD cameras or surveillance systems.

1.SFP (Small Form Factor Pluggable)

The SFP module is a compact successor to the GBIC module, halving the size and increasing port density. It supports 155M transmission rates, 1.25G, and 2.5G, and mainly uses LC interfaces. You will usually find SFP modules in SONET/SDH networks, Fast Ethernet/Gigabit Ethernet, and other low-speed transmission applications.

2.SFP+

While keeping the same size as SFP, SFP+ modules step up the game with transmission rates of 6G, 8G, and 10G. This type includes 6G/8GFC optical modules, 10G optical modules, 10G electrical modules, 10G DAC high-speed cables, and 10G AOC active optical cables. SFP+ products are your first choice for 10G (10GBASE-SR) Ethernet links in data centers

3.SFP282

Taking performance a step further, SFP28 modules are an enhanced version of SFP+. They keep the same size, but support 25Gb/s single channel rate, by choosing SFP28, you will get an efficient solution for upgrading 10G-25G-100G network to meet the growing needs of next-generation data centers.

Main features and advantages of SFP, SFP+, and SFP28 modules:

Compact size, increased port density;

Support various transmission rates;

Compatibility with SONET/SDH, Ethernet, and other networks;

Efficient network upgrade solution;

Single channel transmission;

4.QSFP+

QSFP+ modules are designed for four-channel transmission, each channel supports a data rate of 10Gbits, and the total transmission rate reaches 40Gbps. Compared with SFP+, QSFP+ modules provide four times the transmission speed. When deploying 40G network, QSFP+ modules can be used directly, effectively saving costs while increasing port density.

5.QSFP28

QSFP28 optical modules came into being to meet the needs of 100G applications. Similar to QSFP+, they support four-channel transmission, but each channel is at 25Gbits Running, the total transmission rate reaches 100Gbps.QSFP28 module is your 100G Ethernet solution (4x25Gbps) and EDR InfiniBand applications.

Main features and benefits of QSFP+ and QSFP28 modules:

Four channels for higher transmission speed

Support 40G and 100G networks

Cost-effective solution for high-density deployments · Compatibility with Ethernet and InfiniBand applications · Multiple channels for increased bandwidth.