Cisco 10G SFP+ modules are mainstream 10G optical modules, Cisco SFP-10G-SR in particular, according to the sales volume in 2017. As a basis component for upgrading higher network, SFP+ module is still a playing predominant role in fiber optic network. This article would provide a comprehensively introduction to Cisco 10G SFP+.

Cisco 10G SFP+ Overview

Cisco 10G SFP+ modules are optical devices intended for 10 Gigabit Ethernet deployments in diverse networking environments. They offer customers a wide variety of 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity options for data center, enterprise wiring closet, and service provider transport applications. With digital optical monitoring capability, Cisco 10gb sfp+ transceiver module provides a high performance on short- and longhaul transmission. Different Cisco 10Gb SFP+ modules are designed for various usages. The detailed specification of every Cisco 10 gig SFP transceiver is shown in below table.

*30 meters via 10Gbps, 50 meters via 5Gbps and 2.5Gbps, 100 meters via 1000Mbps.

How to Choose Cisco 10G SFP+ for Ideal Distance?

The selection of the optimum transmission distance of Cisco 10G SFP+ module matters. The following section would divide the transmission distance of Cisco 10 gig SFP into three parts, Cisco 10GBASE-T, Cisco 10G multimode SFP+, and Cisco singlemode SFP+ 10G transceiver modules.

Cisco 10GBASE-T SFP+ Transceiver: ?30m

The Cisco 10GBASE-T SFP+ is a hot-swappable input/output device which allows a 10 Gigabit Ethernet port to link. It interfaces with RJ-45 connector, so you can use cat6a or cat7 network cable to connect. The transmission distance varies under different transmission speed. Under 10Gbp/s, the maximum transmission distance is 30m. It can arrive up to 50m for 5Gbps and 2.5Gbps. The transmission distance can be up to 100m under 1000Mbps.

Cisco 10G Multimode SFP+ Transceiver:

100m~400m

The Cisco SFP-10G-SR module uses 2000 MHz*km multimode fiber (OM3) to transmit data, and the transmission distance of this Cisco 10G multimode SFP+ can be up to 300m. About other information about Cisco SFP-10G-SR, you can learn more in the SFP-10G-SR datasheet. The Cisco 10GBASE-LRM module supports link lengths of 220m on standard Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) grade Multimode Fiber

(MMF). The maximum transmission distance can be 300m on standard singlemode fiber (SMF, G.652).

Cisco SFP-10G-SR-X, however, can achieve transmission distance of 400m on multimode fiber.

Cisco Singlemode SFP+ 10G Transceiver:

10km~80km

For very long span 10GbE deployment, e.g. connectivity between two buildings, mostly beyond 10km, Cisco singlemode SFP+ modules are the preferred option defined by IEEE. Cisco 10GBASE-LR module supports link lengths of 10 km on standard singlemode fiber (SMF, G.652). Cisco 10GBASE-ER SFP+ supports up to 40 km on SMF. And Cisco 10GBASE-ZR module achieves up to 80 kilometers on standard SMF(G.652). For detailed information about Cisco 10GBASE-LR-S, SFP-10G-LR-X, Cisco SFP-10G-ER-S, SFP-10G-ZRS, you can check the above table.

FAQ About Cisco 10G SFP+

Q: What do -S and -X signify, as in SFP-10G-SRS and SFP-10G-SR-X?

A: -S in SFP-10G-SR-S means S-class, the S-class is different from Non-class in temperature range, networking environment and cost. -X in SFP-10G-SR-X signifies the extended ability for temperature. The module could be operated under wider temperature variation, from -40? to 85? (-40? to 365?).

Q: Can we use SFP+ optical module in SFP slots?

A: The answer is NO. As a rule of thumb, the SFP optical module can be operated in the SFP+ slot, but the SFP+ optical module can’t run in the SFP slot. When you insert a SFP+ module on a SFP port, the speed of this port is 1G instead of 10G.

Q: Can Cisco SFP+ transceivers be used in other brands equipment?

A: No, Cisco SFP+ transceivers are not encouraged to use in other brands equipment because the codes from different vendors might be unmatched. However, some optical switches from certain vendors can be matched with any other brands devices.

Q: What is the difference between SFP-10G-LR and SFP-10G-LRM?

A: The Cisco 10GBASE-LRM module supports link lengths of 220m on multimode fiber and 300m on singlemode fiber, while Cisco 10GBASE-LR supports 10km on standard singlemode fiber. The price of Cisco SFP-10G-LR is a little bit higher than Cisco SFP-10G-LRM.

Q: Can 10GBASE-T down-support 10/100/1000Mbps?

A: In most cases, 10GBASE-T SFP+ can auto-negotiate to 10/100/1000Mbps data rate, but it might vary according to different vendors. A 10GBASE-T transceiver from HPE, MikroTik, FS.COM can down-support 10/100/1000Mbps. Cisco 10gbase-t SFP+ can operate at 10, 100, or 1000 Mbps on some Cisco devices.

Q: Can I use Cisco compatible SFP+ modules in any Cisco switch w/ SFP+ port?

A: Theoretically, Cisco compatible SFP+ modules cannot be used in any Cisco switches as different Cisco switches have distinct requirement for codes and hardware. For example, Cisco SFP/SFP+ is not certified to work with Cisco Meraki products. For Cisco 10G transceiver module compatible switches, you can refer to Cisco 10-Gigabit Ethernet transceiver modules compatibility matrix and Cisco 10-Gigabit Ethernet transceiver modules datasheet.

FS.COM Cisco 10G SFP+ Solution

In recent years, using non-OEM optical transceivers in fiber optic network is a new trend. More and more MSOs and service providers prefer to utilize third-party pluggable optics as they are assured to be fully compatible with the original brand hardware. Moreover, third-party optics have absolute advantage on price. The follow table shows the large price gap between Cisco 10G SFP+ modules and FS.COM 3-rd party optics.

In addition to the huge price discrepancy between OEM and third-party Cisco 10G SFP+ modules, the branded optical transceivers seem to have fairly short warranty periods. At FS.COM, we offer lifetime warranty and limited warranty for different products varying on the materials, workmanship, usage rate, and the availability of the spare parts for each product. FS.COM truly understands the value of compatibility and interoperability to each optics. FS.COM third-party optics must run through programming and an extensive series of platform diagnostic tests to prove its performance and compatibility. In addition, our Cisco compatible modules can be customized according to customers’ individual needs—connector, wavelength, transmission distance and temperature.

Conclusion

Definitely, 40G and 100G optical transceivers are increasingly becoming popular. However, SFP+ module is still a dominant choice for optical networking connections. Because its reduced pricing and stable technology.

Related article: Use Direct Attach Cable Assemblies for Data Center Interconnection

Tags: CIsco 10G SFP+, optical module, transceiver module