Cisco 10GBASE SFP+ Transceivers: The Ultimate Guide

Cisco 10GBASE SFP+ transceivers are small form-factor pluggable (SFP+) optical modules designed to provide high-speed data connectivity over fiber-optic or copper networks.  They are part of Cisco’s 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) networking solution product range. These transceivers are hot-swappable and can link various types of network equipment such as switches, routers, and servers

Important Factors about Cisco 10GBASE SFP+ transceivers

Here are some important factors to remember regarding Cisco 10GBASE SFP+ transceivers:

Data Rate: The transceivers handle a data rate of 10 Gigabits per second (Gbps), allowing for fast data transmission in current networks.

Cisco 10GBASE SFP+ transceivers employ the SFP+ form factor, which is a small design that enables for simple installation and removal without interfering with network operations.

Connectivity: They are available in a variety of versions that accept various types of connections, such as multi-mode fiber (MMF), single-mode fiber (SMF), and copper cables. The type of transceiver required will be determined by your network requirements and the distance between network devices.

The range of these transceivers varies depending on the kind and quality of fiber or copper cables utilized. They can often handle lengths ranging from a few meters to several kilometers.

Compatibility: Cisco 10GBASE SFP+ transceivers are intended to work with Cisco networking equipment and follow industry standards, making them interoperable with devices from other vendors that implement the same standards.

Protocols: These transceivers are commonly used in networking protocols such as 10 Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and SONET/SDH.

Identification: Each Cisco SFP+ transceiver has a unique component number and ID, which aids networking equipment in correctly recognizing and configuring the transceiver.

Advantages and features

The following capabilities and benefits are provided by Cisco SFP+ modules.

• The industry’s smallest 10G form factor allows for the most density per chassis.
• Hot-swappable input/output device that connects into a Cisco switch’s Ethernet SFP+ port (no need to power down while installing or replacing)
• Supports the “pay-as-you-populate” paradigm for investment protection and technology migration simplicity.
• Digital optical monitoring capability for advanced diagnostics
• On the same connection, optical interoperability with 10GBASE XENPAK, 10GBASE X2, and 10GBASE XFP interfaces.
• The Cisco quality Identification (ID) function allows a Cisco platform to determine whether or not a module has been approved and verified by Cisco.

Types of Cisco 10GBASE SFP+ transceivers

Cisco SFP-10G-SR-S (S-Class) module

On standard Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI)-grade Multimode Fiber (MMF), the Cisco 10GBASE-SR module supports a connection length of 26 meters. Link lengths of up to 300 meters are feasible when using 2000 MHz*km MMF (OM3). Link lengths of up to 400 meters are feasible when using 4700 MHz*km MMF (OM4). FCoE is not supported by the SFP-10G-SR-S.

Cisco SFP-10G-SR module

On standard Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI)-grade Multimode Fiber (MMF), the Cisco 10GBASE-SR Module enables a connection length of 26m. Link lengths of up to 300m are feasible when using 2000MHz*km MMF (OM3). Link lengths of up to 400m are feasible when using 4700MHz*km MMF (OM4).

Cisco SFP-10G-SR-X module

The Cisco SFP-10G-SR-X is a 10GBASE-SR, 10GBASE-SW, and OTU2/OTU2e multirate* module with an expanded working temperature range. On standard Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI)-grade Multimode Fiber (MMF), it supports a connection length of 26m. Link lengths of up to 300m are feasible when using 2000MHz*km MMF (OM3). Link lengths of up to 400m are feasible when using 4700MHz*km MMF (OM4).

Cisco SFP-10G-LRM module

On standard Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) grade Multimode Fiber (MMF), the Cisco 10GBASE-LRM Module allows connection lengths of 220m. The transmitter should be connected through a mode conditioning patch cable to ensure that standards are satisfied across FDDI-grade, OM1 and OM2 fibers. For uses above OM3 or OM4, no mode conditioning patch cable is required. 

Cisco SFP-10G-LR-S (S-Class) module

On standard Single-Mode Fiber (SMF) (G.652), the Cisco 10GBASE-LR module enables a connection length of 10 kilometers. FCoE is not supported by the SFP-10G-LR-S.

SFP-10G-LR Cisco module

On standard Single-Mode Fiber (SMF, G.652), the Cisco 10GBASE-LR Module enables a connection length of 10 kilometers.

Cisco SFP+ Twinax copper cables

Cisco SFP+ Copper Twinax direct-attach cables are ideal for connecting within racks and between adjacent racks over extremely short distances. Cisco provides passive Twinax cables in 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, and 5 meter lengths, as well as active Twinax cables in 7 and 10 meter lengths.

Platform support

Cisco SFP+ modules are supported on a wide range of Cisco switches and routers:

Product specifications

Cabling specifications

The below table provides cabling specifications for the Cisco SFP+ modules

Dimensions

Dimensions (H x W x D): 8.5 x 13.4 x 56.5mm. Cisco SFP+ connectors typically weigh 75 grams or less.

Environmental Conditions and Power Requirements

Operating temperature range:

•   Commercial temperature range (COM): 0 to 70°C (32 to 158°F)
•   Extended temperature range (EXT): -5 to 85°C (23 to 185°F)
•   Industrial temperature range (IND): -40 to 85°C (-40 to 185°F)
•   Storage temperature range: -40 to 85°C (-40 to 185°F)

Warranty

Standard warranty: 1 year

Extended warranty (optional): Cisco SFP+ modules can be covered in a Cisco SMARTnet® Service support contract for the Cisco switch or router chassis

Ordering information

Regulatory and standards compliance

Standards:

•   GR-20-CORE: Generic Requirements for Optical Fiber and Optical Fiber Cable
•   GR-326-CORE: Generic Requirements for Single-Mode Optical Connectors and Jumper Assemblies
•   GR-1435-CORE: Generic Requirements for Multifiber Optical Connectors
•   IEEE 802.3: 10-Gigabit Ethernet
•   ITU-T G.709: Interfaces for the Optical Transport Network
•   ITU-T G.975: GFEC
•   ITU-T G.975.1: EFEC
•   SFP+ MSA SFF-8431 (Optical Modules, Active Optical Cables, and Passive Twinax cables)
•   SFP+ MSA SFF-8461 (Active Twinax cables)

Safety:

•   Laser Class 1 21CFR-1040 LN#50 7/2001
•   Laser Class 1 IEC60825-1
•   Cable jacket of SFP+ copper modules is UL #E116441 Compliant
•   All length SFP+ copper cables are ELV and RoHS Compliant