SFP Transceivers Vs. SFP+ Transceivers
We have two types of transceivers for the discussion in this
particular article. The SFP and the SFP+ Transceiver. One may not be able to differentiate
between the two on the basis of physical appearance, but technically there are
many factors which can differentiate between the two. Before we start talking
about the differences between the two, we shall first understand these two
transceivers on the basis of definitions.
Definition Of The SFP Transceivers
SFP is the abbreviation for the small form-factor pluggable. this
is defined as a portable hot-pluggable device which can be plugged into the SFP
port of various network switches. The SFP can support various communication
standards like SONET, Fiber Channel, Gigabit Ethernet, etc. The specifications
of the SFPs are based on the SFF-8472 and IEEE802.3. You can expect them to
support speeds that can range till 4.25 Gbps. The gigabit interface converter
(GBIC) which was really big in size has been replaced by the SFPs due to their
small and portable size. This also gives the SFPs another name 'mini-GBIC'.
With the help of different SFP modules, similar electrical ports
can be connected to different wavelengths and fiber types like single mode or
multi mode. Different compatible SFPs are also available in the market. juniper ex-sfp-1ge-sx is one example.
Definition Of The SFP+ Transceivers
The SFP+ transceivers are similar to the SFP transceivers in
physical appearance. The data rates this support are 16Gbps. The 16 Gbps was
introduced in later stages. We can also say that the SFP+ transceivers are the
advanced version of the SFP transceivers. The specs of the SFP+ transceivers
have been formed on the basis of SFF-8431. The applications in present date are
supported by the 8 Gbit/s Fibre Channel, Optical Transport Network standard
OTU2, and 10 Gigabit Ethernet. Earlier there were 10 Gigabit XFP or XENPAK
modules, which were really big in size. The SFP+ modules are smaller in size
and thus are getting more in use and popular in the market.
Difference Between The SFP and SFP+ Transceivers
The most relevant basis of differentiation between the two
transceivers is the data rate. Since the data rate is different the distance of
the transmission and the applications used are also different.
On the hardware basis, the SFP+ module is pluggable into the SFP+
port of the switch and the SFP modules into the SFP ports and also in the SFP+
port.