SFP, SFP+ or QSFP are types of transceivers used for connecting a switch or other network device to copper or fibre cable. They are mostly used to include fiber ports. Which SFP transceiver you select depends upon the cable type, application, needed optical range for the network and the required data transmission rate

?What's an SFP

An SFP, or small form-factor pluggable, is a concise, hot-swappable transceiver made to support 100/1000Mbps Ethernet, Fibre Channel and SONET, among other communication standards. SFP transceivers support speeds up to 4.25Gbps and so are commonly found in telecommunications and data communications applications. SFP ports are located in a variety of devices, from Ethernet switches to routers, NIC cards and firewalls. Small form-factor pluggable specification is founded on IEEE802.3 and SFF-8472

SFP vs SFP+

SFP and SFP+ transceivers are practically identical in proportions and appearance. The principal difference can be that SFP+ can be an updated version that supports higher boosts to 10Gbps. The difference in data rate also makes up about a notable difference in transmission distance-SFP typically includes a longer transmission distance. SFP+ specifications are based on SFF-8431. In conditions of SFP vs SFP+ compatibility, SFP+ ports often accept SFP optics but at a lower life expectancy speed of 1Gbps. Take note, however, that you cannot plug an 10g SFP+ transceiver into an SFP port because SFP+ will not support speeds significantly less than 1Gbps

?Exactly what is a QSFP Port

QSFP, or quad small form-factor pluggable, is a different type of compact, hot-swappable transceiver. It supports Ethernet, Fiber Channel, InfiniBand and SONET/SDH standards with different data rate options. QSFP modules are generally available in a number of different types: 4x1Gbps QSFP, 4x10Gbps QSFP+, 4x28Gbps QSFP28

QSFP+ and QSFP28 will be the latest versions, which support numerous 40Gbps and 100Gbps applications. Both QSFP+ and QSFP28 modules integrate 4 transmit and 4 receiver channels. While QSFP+ supports 4x10Gbps or 1x40Gbps, QSFP28 can do 4x25Gbps, 2x50Gbps or 1x100Gbps, depending on the transceiver used. The specifications for QSFP derive from SFF-8436

?How to Choose SFP Transceivers

Furthermore to SFP vs SFP+ vs QSFP, you’ll also have to consider the application form. SFP transceivers can be found in various types based on what they'll be used for, for example, single-mode vs multimode SFP. Single-mode SFP transceiversuse single-mode fiber, whereas multimode SFPs are appropriate for multimode fiber. Additionally, there are long-reach WDM SFP transceivers for multiplexing, simplex SFPs for single fiber applications, video SFP transceivers for transmission of high-definition video, and PON SFP transceivers for fiber-based access networks. SFPs can be found in commercial and extended operating temperature ranges, with or without extended diagnostics capabilities

SFP Compatibility

Small form-factor pluggable specifications are posted in the SFP Multi-Source Agreement, which allows you to combine and match components from different vendors. However, some IT tools manufacturers sell network devices that support only vendor-specific SFPs. To make sure compatibility, review the vendor’s optics testing centeror ask your vendor to verify compatibility.Such as for example oemfibers.com