SFP and SFP+ Transceiver Modules

SFP and SFP+ Transceiver Modules

SFP (small form-factor pluggable) transceivers are compact, hot-pluggable devices that act as an interface between networking equipment (network switches, routers, network cards, etc.) and interconnecting cabling (copper or fiber).

While SFP and SFP+ are both similar in size and appearance, the main difference is that SFP+ can be used in 10 Gigabit Ethernet applications, while SFP is for 100/1000Base applications. SFP+ can also operate at 100/1000Base. SFP complies with standards of IEEE802.3 and SFF-8472 while SFP+ is based on SFF-8431.

MXNet can send many gigabytes of data per second with either copper or fiber connections. Copper connections with RJ-45 are cost-effective, but when security and stability are critical, the SFP module is recommended.

NOTE: The MXNet Network Switches are compatible with most SFP and SFP+ transceivers on the US market. Functionality can be guaranteed with manufacturers 10Gtek® and HiFiber© as these have been tested and verified in-lab at AVPro Edge. The SFP+ ports can also operate at 1GbE speed, meaning that the AC-MXNET-SW48 can operate as a 52 port 1GbE switch, allowing for connections of up to 52 MXNet endpoints (CBOX, Encoders, and Decoders).

SFP and SFP+ Comparison Chart

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SFP and SFP+ Ports on the 1G MXNet Network Switches
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The SW10 network switch has two SFP ports, while the SW48 has four SFP+ ports. The SW24 has both four SFP ports and four 10G SFP+ ports, as shown below.
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The 10 Port Switch AC-MXNET-SW10:

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The 24 Port Switch AC-MXNET-SW24:

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The 48 Port Switch AC-MXNET-SW48:

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Compatible SFP and SFP+ Transceiver Modules Specifications for MXNet Network Switches

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Short Reach (SR) SFP and Long Reach (LR) SFP

Single mode SFP transceivers can transmit anywhere from 2km up to 80km in distance. Standard Single mode SFP’s may transmit up to 10km, while extended single mode SFP’s can be up to 80km.

For shorter distances and more cost-effective options, multimode SFP’s are a great solution. A standard multimode SFP can transmit up to 500m, while an extended multimode SFP can be up to 2km.
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Installing SFP and SFP+ Transceiver Modules

The procedure for installing the SFP/SFP+ transceiver module is shown below:

1. Put on an ESD wrist strap (or antistatic gloves).

2. Insert the SFP/SFP+ transceiver to the guide rail inside the fiber interface line card. Do not put in the SFP/SFP+ transceiver up-side down.

3. Push the SFP/SFP+ transceiver along the guide rail gently until you feel the transceiver snap into place at the bottom of the line card.

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TIP: The SFP/SFP+ transceiver module is hot-swappable, meaning that they can be inserted and unplugged while power is still present in the system.

CAUTION: Do not stare directly at the two fiber bores inside the SFP/SFP+ transceiver module while the Network Switch is operating, as the laser may harm the eyes.

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DAC Cables

A DAC (Direct Attach Copper) cable is a twinaxial copper cable that directly connects the ports between the active devices, such as network switches, routers, servers, and data storage devices within a data network.

Both the SW24 and SW48 Network Switches are stackable, meaning that they can operate as either a standalone unit or stack with other network switches via the four 10G SFP+ ports with DAC cables. The SW10 does not have SFP+ ports and can only send or receive one source on one 1G SFP port.

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SFP Types and Data Rates

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SFP28, QSFP+, and QSFP28 Comparison Chart