SFP Module Types

What is an SFP Module and its Function?

An SFP module, also known as a Small Form-factor Pluggable module, is a compact device that fits into the SFP port of an Ethernet switch. It is also called an SFP transceiver and is mainly used to convert Ethernet signals into optical signals. This facilitates seamless data communication between switches and other critical network components.

Types of SFP Modules

SFP modules come in different types depending on various configurations. Here, we've categorized the different types of SFP transceivers based on factors such as:

• Version
• Cable Type
• Transmission Range
• Data Transfer Rate
• Application

Standard SFP Module

The Standard SFP is a basic version that is compatible with copper cables, including UTP, as well as fiber optic cables such as OM1, OM2, OS1, and OS2. This transceiver supports transmission ranges of 100m to 500m in multimode networks and 2km to 200km in single-mode networks. It comply with SFP MSA Standards.

It offers a data transfer rate of up to 4.25 Gbps. RJ-45 connectors are utilized for copper-based Ethernet cables, while LC and SC connectors are employed to connect fiber optic cables to SFP ports.

The Standard SFP module is commonly used for HD audio and video file transmission, fiber distributed data interface, and point-to-point networking (PON).

SFP+ Module

The SFP+ represents an advanced version compatible with both Ethernet copper cables and fiber optic cables like OM1, OM2, OS1, and OS2. It supports transmission ranges up to 120 km. SFP+ modules are designed to IEE802.3ae, SFF-8431, and SFF-8432 standards.

Depending on whether the network is single mode or multimode and the distance involved, it offers transfer rates ranging between 10 Gbps and 25 Gbps. Like the Standard SFP, RJ-45 and LC connectors are utilized for copper and fiber optic cables, respectively.

The SFP+ module finds applications in OTU-2, parallel optics networks, and SONET.

XFP Module

XFP transceivers, a type of SFP module, are designed for 10 Gigabit Ethernet and fiber optic networks. They offer superior features and flexibility compared to SFP+ modules, albeit being larger in size. Conforming to standards like IEE802.3ae and XFP MSA, XFP transceivers share similarities with SFP+ modules, but the latter generally hold advantages over XFP.

Similar to SFP+, XFP transceivers support fiber optic cable connector types OM3, OM4, OS1, and OS2, with a transmission range extending up to 120km of geographical distance. The data transfer rate provided by XFP transceivers ranges from 6 to 10 Gbps, depending on factors such as distance, signal strength, and network type. LC connectors are predominantly used as the fiber optic connector type for XFP transceivers.

XFP transceivers find application in various areas such as SONET (synchronous optical networking), 10 Gbit/s Optical Transport Network (OTN) OTU-2, parallel optics networks, and 10-Gigabit Ethernet. They are also inter-compatible with SFP+ modules.

QSFP Module

QSFP transceivers, short for Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable, support high data rates and are utilized in applications requiring high-speed internet connectivity. They represent the quad form of SFP transceivers and support 10-Gigabit Ethernet and Infiniband. QSFP adheres to standards such as IEEE 802.3bm, QSFP28 MSA, SFF-8665, and SFF-8636.

These transceivers accommodate both copper and fiber optic cables, supporting fiber optic cable types OM3, OM4, OS1, and OS2. The geographical transmission range with QSFP transceivers extends up to 80 km, offering data transfer rates of 103 and 112 Gbps depending on the network type and signal strength.

LC and MTP/MPO-12 are the recommended connector types for QSFP transceivers. Widely deployed in data centers and complex, high-speed networking environments, they find application in fiber channel storage areas, data center interconnects, 40/100 Gigabit Ethernet, and InfiniBand.

QSFP+ Module

QSFP+ transceivers, an enhanced version of QSFP, offer support for substantial bandwidths while reducing power consumption. They possess the capability to replace four standard SFP transceivers, leading to improved port density and cost savings. Commonly deployed in data centers for 40 Gigabit Ethernet and high-performance computing applications, QSFP+ transceivers adhere to standards such as IEEE 802.3ba, QSFP+ MSA, SFF-8436, SFF-8636, and Infiniband 40G QDR.

Compatible with fiber optic cables including OM3, OM4, OS1, and OS2, QSFP+ transceivers also accommodate MTP/MTO cables with similar connector types and optical fibers. They support a geographical transmission range of up to 40 km and offer data rates ranging from 40Gbps to 100Gbps.

LC and MTP/MPO connectors are the preferred connector types for QSFP+ transceivers. As an advanced iteration of QSFP, QSFP+ transceivers find application in high-speed computing environments such as HPC (high-performance computing), where computing nodes communicate at very high speeds. These application areas encompass scientific research, simulations, data analysis, and more, particularly in segments involving 40/100 Gigabit Ethernet and InfiniBand.