WHAT DOES SFP STAND FOR AND UNDERSTANDING THE SFP MODULE TYPES?
Posted by Travis Gaerke on
An SFP (small form-factor pluggable) module is a small pluggable network interface module that can be easily replace or interchanged if needed. SFPs are primarily used telecommunication and data communication hardware applications. They have the capability to send and receive data and come as pluggable ports for already existing network infrastructure. SFP modules are called “hot-pluggable” due to their ability to act as an easy-to-use interface between networking devices and the connecting cabling.
SFP modules come in a wide variety of types, ranging in distance, cable mediums and uses. Let’s take a look at some of the salient features of SFP modules and their uses.
FEATURES OF SFP MODULES
SFP modules have standardized compatibility with different kinds of networking hardware, following are some of the main features of SFP modules;
• They support communications standards such as Gigabit Ethernet, SONET, fiber optic channel, etc.
• Ethernet port of a switch can be used for SFP modules to fit in, whereby the SFP module converts the Ethernet signal to an optical signal and allows for transferring and receiving of data.
• They have the ability to work at high speeds providing communication between switches and network components.
• Fiber optic and copper cables can be used with the SFP modules.
• Duplex and simplex communication are possible with the SFP modules.
• It provides compatibility with single-mode and multi-mode fiber optic cables.
TYPES OF SFP MODULES
There are various types of SFP modules that vary in speed and mode of communication and have specific transmitter and receiver specifications. SFP modules work with copper and fiber optic cabling and are classified for various types accordingly.
Fiber optics communication is carried out by the single-mode SFP modules and multi-mode SFP modules. The single-mode SFPs work with single-mode fiber optic cables and the multi-mode SFPs work with multi-mode fiber optic cables.
SHORT DISTANCE
Multi-mode SFP modules are used for short-range fiber optic communication networks. They can provide 850nm wavelengths for up to 550 meters that can be extended to a maximum transmission distance of 2 Kilometers with 1310nm wavelengths. The multi-mode SFP modules provide a cheaper solution for applications that do not involve coverage of longer distances for communication.
LONG DISTANCE
Single-mode SFP modules are used for long-range fiber optic communication networks. Due to their smaller core and narrow wavelength, they carry data at a higher rate and reach longer transmission distances. They range from 1310 nm wavelengths to 1550 nm wavelengths and provide a range of distances ranging from 2 Kilometers to 120 Kilometers. This mode of transmission is expensive as compared to the multi-mode.
The Ethernet copper-based SFP modules are 1000BASE-T and 1000BASE-TX. They are used in gigabit Ethernet networking for a range within and up to 100 meters and use a copper RJ45 interface. The copper-based SFP modules operate on CAT 5 UTP cable with lengths up to 100m distances.
BENEFITS OF SFP MODULES
SFP modules due to their “hot swappable” and pluggable features offer easy integration with existing networks. In addition to this, it also offers a wide range of options to extend a network over a large distance. Following are some of the main benefits of SFP modules;
• SFP modules support communications standards such as Gigabit Ethernet, SONET, fiber optic channel, etc.
• Using the SFP modules eliminates the need for redesigning of cabling infrastructure and any additional networking switches.
• SFP modules have a compact and small size that fits perfectly with the network switches/routers.
• It works efficiently in areas where accessibility is an issue and provides faster speeds in tighter networking spaces, thereby saving space.
• They have the ability to be flexible towards any design modification of the network and adapt to any phased changes in the network.
• It allows for easy upgradation of the network as its design is compact which allows it to be easily replaced.
• SFP modules allow operation for both long and short distances with a variety of options in the shape of single-mode SFPs and multi-mode SFPs.
• A feature called digital optical monitoring (DOM) helps customers monitor the operational status of the SFP modules making it a great way of controlling the operations.
• In addition to longer distances of operation, SFP modules provide very high speeds of up to 10Gbps with versions such as SFP+.
CONCLUSION
SFP modules provide networks the ability to convert Ethernet signals to fiber optic signals without having to change the networking switch or router. It saves the customers the need to replace or upgrade any networking or cabling infrastructure. SFP modules have the ability to transfer data over short as well as long distances with faster data transmission speeds. It is compatible with both copper and fiber optic cables.