SFP, SFP+ Optical Transceivers modules │EtherWAN

Document

Overview

SFP ports support Ethernet switches to connect to a wide variety of Ethernet cables and connectors in order to extend functionality in the network. As a hot-pluggable / hot-swappable I/O device, it supports both RJ45 and fiber type modules, extending the flexibility beyond RJ45 and fixed fiber ports in practical applications. Additionally, further distances can be achieved through SFP selections from existing fixed ports.

Module type

SFP Transceivers

The small form-factor pluggable (SFP) defined in IEEE 802.3 and SFF-8472 is a compact, hot-pluggable network interface module used for both telecommunication and data communications applications. An SFP interface on networking hardware is a modular (plug-and-play) slot for a media-specific transceiver in order to connect a fiber-optic cable or sometimes a copper cable.
Note: SFP (Mini-GBIC) is a new generation GBIC, almost half the size and gaining in popularity

Check EtherWAN Ethernet switches with SFP/SFP+

SFP+ Transceivers

The SFP+ (enhanced small form-factor pluggable) defined by IEEE 802.3ae, SFF-8431 and SFF-8432 is an enhanced version of the SFP that supports data rates up to 16 Gbit/s. It supports 8 Gbit/s Fiber Channel, 10 Gigabit Ethernet and Optical Transport Network standard OTU2. It is a popular industry format supported by many network component vendors.
Note: SFP+ works like XFP, but is smaller and with lower cost, rapidly becoming mainstream

Check EtherWAN SFP/SFP+ availability

Connector type

Among the various types of fiber connector, SC (Square Connector / Subscriber Connector) and LC (Little Connector / Lucent Connector) are two of the most commonly used connectors.

LC Connector

High-density connections, SFP and SFP+ transceivers, XFP transceivers-LC connector uses a 1.25mm ferrule with a retaining tab mechanism.

FC Connector

Datacom, telecom, measurement equipment, single-mode lasers - The FC is designed for durable connections, and can be used in high-vibration environments.

SC Connector

Datacom and telecom; GPON; EPON; GBIC; MADI - SC connectors use a round 2.5mm ferrule and come with a locking tab that enables push-pull off mating mechanism to offer quick insertion and removal.

ST Connector

Datacom - ST connector utilizes a 2.5mm ferrule with a round plastic or metal body. The connector stays in place with the help of a “twist-on/twist-off” bayonet-style lock mechanism.

RJ45 Connector

Datacom, RJ45 is utilized to connect two switches with copper interface over Cat5 or higher cable, commonly used for transmitting data in a short distance.

Cable type & Performance

Ethernet cable

Cat.5 or higher for 100Base, Cat.5e or higher for Gigabit, Cat.6A or higher for 10G.
There are two common types of Ethernet cable: Unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable and Shielded twisted-pair (STP) cable. Generally speaking, STP cable is a twisted pair cable confined in foil or mesh shield that guards the cable against electromagnetic interference, making it highly recommended for networking environments.

Optical Fiber

There are two main types of material used for optical fibers: glass and plastic. They offer widely different characteristics and find uses in very different applications. Generally, plastic fiber is used for very short-range and consumer applications, whereas glass fiber is used for short/medium-range (multi-mode) and long-range (single-mode) telecommunications.
Based on TIA-598C standard definition, for non-military applications, single mode cable is coated with a yellow jacket, and multimode fiber is coated with orange or aqua.

Optical Fiber Core Diameters