Small Form-factor Pluggable transceivers facilitate data transmission by connecting switches, network interface cards, and routers to cables. As data transmission needs have evolved, so too have transceivers. Understanding your options for SFP transceiver types allows you to choose products that best meet your data transmission needs.
SFP Transceiver Types
There are several types of SFP transceivers for different applications. All SFP transceivers follow IEEE802.3 and SFF-8472 specifications, with factors such as transmission distance, rate, and cabling affecting their suitability for different applications.Â
Standard SFP Transceiver
A standard SFP transceiver can transmit data at rates of up to 4.25 Gbps, although some may have lower limits closer to 1 Gbps. You can use them with both copper and fiber optic cabling, although the choice will impact the maximum range.
With copper Cat5e or Cat 6 ethernet cables, standard SFP transceivers have a transmission range of about 100 meters. That can extend to 10 kilometers or more when using single-mode fiber optics.
Common applications include telecommunications and data transmission. They connect a wide range of devices including routers, firewalls, and ethernet switches for 100/10Mbps Ethernet.
Enhanced SFP Transceiver
The demand for higher data transfer speeds led to SFP+ transceivers which support data transfer rates of 10 Gbps. These enhanced SFP transceivers are very similar to their predecessors but they have a limited compatibility. SFP+ ports can accept standard SFP transceivers, though only at reduced data rates of up to 1 Gbps, while standard SFP ports cannot accept SFP+ transceivers.
Most applications for SFP+ transceivers use fiber optic cabling; however, they are compatible with copper ethernet cables for shorter distances of around 30 meters. SFP+ transceivers are suitable for data transmission of 300 meters using standard multi-mode fiber and several kilometers using single-mode fiber. They can reach data transmission distances of 50 kilometers or more when using extended-range single-mode fiber optic cables.
SFP28
SFP28 transceivers have the same external physical characteristics as standard and enhanced SFP modules, but they support higher transmission rates of up to 25Gbps. They primarily use single-mode and multimode fiber cabling. Applications typically include 25G and 100G Ethernet connections in data centers.
Quad SFP Transceiver
There are several variants of QSFP transceivers, including QSFP+ and QSFP28. These provide higher data rates over longer distances.
QSFP modules support data rates of 40 Gbps, with QSFP28 capable of rates reaching 100 Gbps. They primarily use fiber optics, but they are compatible with copper cabling for shorter distances.
Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable transceivers support various standards, including Ethernet, Fibre Channel, InfiniBand, and SONET/SDH, at different data transmission rates. Common types of QSFP modules include:
- 4x1Gbps QSFP
- 4x10Gbps QSFP+
- 4x28Gbps QSFP28
Applications for these transceivers include high-speed networking and ethernet links. They are commonly used in data centers.
Quad SFP Double Density Transceiver
Another QSFP variant is the Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable Double Density. They feature a small case that promotes flexibility in system designs. QSFP-DD modules are backward compatible with other QSFP technology.
QSFP-DD modules support data transmission rates between 200 Gbps and 1600 Gbps. They are ideal for hyperscale data centers and other high-bandwidth applications. Continued development aims to keep pace with growing demands of data centers while adhering to networking requirements.
Bidirectional SFP Transceiver
BiDi SFP transceivers enable bi-directional communication through a single optical fiber. Using Wavelength-Division Multiplexing, BiDi modules split wavelengths into different light paths, each of which can carry a separate data stream. This maximized cable and other physical network resources.
There is a single port on BiDi SFP transceivers because they do not need separate cables for receiving and sending data. Combined with lower cabling needs, this makes BiDi SFP transceivers a cost-effective solution for expanding data centers and other network infrastructure.
Bidirectional transceivers work optimally on single-mode fiber cabling, where they can easily reach transmission distances of 100 kilometers or greater. However, they can accommodate multi-mode fiber if the existing system configuration demands it. In that case, ideal maximum transmission distances are 300 meters or less.
Industrial SFP Transceiver
Industrial SFP transceivers are designed to withstand extreme conditions. They operate in a wide range of temperatures and have special cases to minimize electromagnetic interference and power dissipation. Depending on the technology used industrial SFP modules can support data transfer rates of up to approximately 10 Gbps. Applications for industrial SFP transceivers include military communications, industrial ethernet systems, and outdoor networking.
Connector Types for SFP Transceivers
You must select optical transceivers with compatible connections for your existing hardware. Common connectors used in SFP transceiver types include:
- LC
- MPO
- MPO-12
- MPO-16
- MTP/MPO
- RJ-45
- SC
Equipment brand and configuration will determine which connector types you need for SFP transceivers. Our specialists can help determine the best option for your system during a comprehensive consultation.
Single Mode Vs. Multi-Mode
Another consideration when choosing SFP transceiver types is whether they operate on single-mode or multimode fiber. Distance is the key factor in determining which one is best-suited for your needs. Multimode fiber optics are ideal for high-speed data transfer over short distances, while single-mode fiber can reach far greater distances. This will play a larger role in some situations than others.
Many network connections that utilize SFP transceivers utilize short connector cables of 30 meters or less. Either type of cable works well for this use in most situations. However, you should always check compatibility when selecting SFP modules.
Multimode transceivers work well for ranges up to approximately 500 meters. MM cabling is thicker and less expensive than single-mode fiber, but its lack of flexibility can make installation more cumbersome.
Single-mode transceivers can transmit data over 100 kilometers or more, making them excellent for telecommunications and larger networking applications such as on a college campus. Additionally, SMF is thinner, lighter, and more flexible. SM transceivers tend to be more expensive compared to multimode versions.
Shop Common OEM-Compatible SFP Transceiver Types
Equal Optics carries a full line of state of the art networking components, including multiple SFP transceiver types to fit virtually any applications. We work with government offices, healthcare facilities, educational institutions and other data center operators to provide OEM-compatible components for brands including Cisco, Dell, and Intel. Contact us for solutions to your networking needs.
