SFP and SFP+ are transceivers that connect a switch or other network device to a copper or fiber cable, commonly used to add fiber ports. SFP transceivers vary with applications and industrial requirements like range, transmission rate, and more. To understand them correctly, let’s look into a detailed comparison between SFP vs. SFP+.
A Detailed Comparison: SFP vs. SFP+
SFP ports are present in various devices, including Ethernet switches, routers, NIC cards, and firewalls. However, it’s hard to distinguish between SFP and SFP+ as both have the same size and appearance. Nevertheless, they have some significant differences, as highlighted in the section below.
SFP vs. SFP+: Connector
Both SFP & SFP+ are hot-swappable, small pluggable form factors. They support 100/1000 Mbps speed on fiber channel, ethernet and other communication standard.
SFP vs. SFP+: Specification
Small Form Factor Pluggable (SFP) specification is based on the IEEE 802.3 standard, which specifies ethernet networking requirements. In contrast, SFP+ also adheres to the IEEE 802.3 but is designed to support higher data rates.
SFP vs. SFP+: Range
The transmission range of SFP is 160 Km, while the SFP+ has a range of only 120 km.
SFP vs. SFP+: Ports
The physical appearance and form factor of both SFP and SFP+ transceivers is the same. It allows enterprises to use SFP in SFP+ port to save operational costs and optimize speed.
SFP vs. SFP+: Cabling Support
SFP supports single and multi-mode dual-fiber, Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP), multiplexer, coarse wave division cable, and more. In contrast, SFP+ supports all types of fiber cables except UTP.
SFP vs. SFP+: Speed
The primary difference between SFP and SFP+ is speed. SFP+ supports speeds up to 10Gbps, while SFP transceivers support speeds up to 4.25Gbps. Both find common usage in telecommunications and data communications applications.
SFP vs. SFP+: Compatibility
The transceiver port accepts both SFP+ and SFP but with a significant difference. The speed of SFP is reduced when connected to the SFP+ port. However, you cannot plug an SFP+ transceiver into an SFP port because it only supports speeds of 1Gbps.
SFP vs. SFP+: Application/Uses
The applicational usage of transceivers varies with their different modes. SFP comes in two modes, single and multimode, and each supports only specific fiber cables. Moreover, SFP is used in 100Base or 1000Base applications, while SFP+ is for Gigabit ethernet-based applications.
SFP vs. SFP+: Cost
SFP+ is usually more expensive than SFP as it provides a 10G transmission with faster speed. Also, the power consumption of SFP+ is generally more significant than SFP modules, increasing costs.
SFP vs. SFP+: What to Choose?
It’s essential to consider the requirements before buying any one transceiver. SFP provides the best range, while SFP+ has a more incredible transmission speed. Considering every factor will allow you to make the best choice. To ease the decision-making process, Computing Worlds has listed some famous network transceivers for sale here.
Popular SFP Transceivers for Sale:
Popular SFP+ Transceivers for Sale:
You can also request a bulk quote online for the required transceivers.
Frequently Ask Questions:
Are SFP and SFP+ interchangeable?
Yes & no, SFP can be interchangeable with SFP+ as it is backward compatible, but not SFP+ with SFP.
How do I know if my SFP is SFP+?
SFP and SFP+ differ in connection speed. SFP supports 1G, while SFP+ supports 10G.
In conclusion, SFP and SFP+ are both transceivers that connect a switch or other network device to a copper or fiber cable. Both have significant differences in terms of speed, range, cabling support, and cost. However, lower-quality switches may prevent faster speeds despite using SFP+ transceivers. To mitigate this, enterprises buy networking devices of the latest models. In the end, choosing a suitable transceiver for a particular application requires consideration of your needs and budget.
Stay tuned to the Computing Worlds blog for more detailed comparisons.
