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
Optics Type |
Standard |
Data Rate |
Wavelength |
Fiber Type |
Max Distance |
Typical Connector |
SFP |
SFP MSA |
155Mbps |
850nm |
OM1 |
160km |
LC |
SFP+ |
IEE802.3ae |
6Gbps |
850nm |
OM3 |
120km |
LC |
The 10 Port Switch AC-MXNET-SW10:
The 24 Port Switch AC-MXNET-SW24:
The 48 Port Switch AC-MXNET-SW48:
Compatible SFP and SFP+ Transceiver Modules Specifications for MXNet Network Switches
Port Mode |
Specifications |
SFP |
SFP-SX-L transceiver 1000Base-SX SFP (850nm, MMF, 550m) SFP-LX-L transceiver 1000Base-LX SFP (1310nm, SMF, 10km or MMF, 550m) SFP-LX-20-L transceiver 1310nm light wave, 9/125um single mode fiber: 20km SFP-LX-40 transceiver 9/125um single mode fiber: 40km SFP-LH-70-L transceiver 9/125um single mode fiber: 70km SFP-LH-120-L transceiver 9/125um single mode fiber: 120km SFP-1000Base-T Gigabit Ethernet RJ45 SFP Copper Module, 1.25Gb/s, operates on RJ45 cable (Cat5e/ Cat6/ Cat7) spans of up to 100m (328 Ft) in length |
SFP+ |
SFPX-SR transceiver 10GBase-SR SFP+ (850nm, MMF, 550m) SFPX-LR transceiver 10GBase-LR SFP+(1310nm, SMF, 10km) 10Gbase-T Module: 10Gb/s SFP+ to RJ45 Ethernet Copper Transceiver, support links up 30m (98 Ft) over Cat6a/ Cat7 cable. SFF-8431 and SFF-8432 MSA Compliant, IEEE 802.3az Compliant 10Gbase-T Module: 10Gb/s SFP+ to RJ45 Ethernet Copper Transceiver, support links up to 80m (262 Ft) over Cat.6a/ Cat.7/Cat.8 cable. SFF-8431 and SFF-8432 MSA Compliant, IEEE 802.3az Compliant |
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.
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.
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.
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.
SFP Types and Data Rates
SFP28, QSFP+, and QSFP28 Comparison Chart
Optics Type |
Standard |
Data Rate |
Wavelength |
Fiber Type |
Max Distance |
Typical Connector |
SFP28 |
IEEE
802.3by |
25.78Gbps |
850nm |
OM3 |
10km |
LC |
QSFP+ |
IEEE
802.3ba |
41.2Gbps |
850nm |
OM3 |
40km |
LC |
QSFP28 |
IEEE
802.3by7 |
103Gbps |
850nm |
OM3 |
80km |
LC |