10G SFP 100km refers to a type of SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) transceiver module capable of transmitting data at a speed of 10 gigabits per second over a distance of 100 kilometers. These modules are commonly used in high-speed network equipment, such as switches and routers, to connect over long distances.

What is an SFP Transceiver Modules

An SFP, Small form-factor pluggable, is a compact and hot-swappable transceiver used to connect a switch or other network device to copper or fiber cable. SFP replaces the formerly common gigabit interface converter (GBIC), and SFP is also called Mini-GBIC. The SFP ports on a switch and SFP modules enable the switch to connect to fiber and Ethernet cables of different types and speeds. The small formfactor pluggable, SFP, specification is based on IEEE802.3 and SFF-8472. Almost all enterprise-class switches include two or more SFP ports, enabling them to become part of a ring- or star-based network topology spread among different buildings, floors or areas, connected via fiber optic cabling.

How does an SFP port work?

An SFP port connection enables the transfer of data between two devices via an SFP transceiver and appropriate cabling. In other words, the port and its corresponding SFP transceiver allow the two devices to communicate with each other over an extended distance.

How to Choose an Ethernet SFP Module?

Choose SFP Copper or Fiber Module?

SFP module comes in various types on the basis of different classification standards. It works with copper Ethernet cables or fiber optical cables.

On the fiber optics side, there are single mode SFP module and multimode SFP module, which allows users to select the appropriate transceiver according to the required optical range for the network. Operation wavelength ranges from 850nm to 1550nm. Commonly, 850nm SFP can reach up to 550 meters with multimode fiber optics, and the 1550nm SFP supports up to a maximum of 160km via single mode fiber cables. On the other hand, copper SFP modules primarily are 1000BASE-T SFP and 1000BASE-TX SFP modules, which are excellent used in gigabit Ethernet networking within 100 meters.

Choose SFP or Advanced SFP+?

SFP and SFP+ are applied at different transmission speeds. SFP module supports 1Gb data rate, and the SFP type includes 1000base-T/TX, 1000base-SX, 1000base-LX/LX10, 1000base-BX10, 1000base-LX/LH, 1000base-EX, 1000base-ZX and so on.

SFP+ is used in 10-gigabit Ethernet applications but shares the same form factor with SFP. In the SFP+ family, there are primarily SFP+ SR, SFP+ LR, and SFP+ ZR modules for 10 Gigabit ethernet networking.

Choose an MSA Compatible SFP or Not?

Compatibility is often the most important parameter users care about when buying an MSA SFP module. MSA (multi-source agreement) is an agreement supported by a number of manufacturers who came together to collaborate and standardize the fit-form and try to provide a reliable mean of mixing and matching SFP brands successfully. Third-party companies also have developed their own tools to program SFP modules to be compatible with the OEM. So, the MSA compatibility Gigabit SFP module can be used successfully in most networks.

SFP vs. SFP+

Here is a table of comparison between SFP and SFP+

What is an SFP cable/Direct Attach Cable (DAC)?

Direct attach cables are Twinax cables with transceiver connections on both ends. Used for connections between networking equipment in a server room, DACs are meant for connecting across very short distances. A popular alternative to an SFP transceiver, they are convenient because they offer a complete solution as opposed to having separate components (a transceiver and cable). DACs also offer a lower price, less maintenance, lower power consumption and are plug and play. They provide similar transfer rates to SFP transceivers and are available in SFP, SFP+ and QSFP+.

What about Third-Party SFP Compatibility?

When it comes to purchasing an SFP, compatibility with your network switch is critical. Many customers are under the impression this means that you have to buy the OEM SFPs to ensure compatibility. While this is always an option, OEM SFPs often carry high price tags and provide less variety. This is where third-party SFPs fill the gap to provide multiple compatible options at considerably lower price points. Many third-party SFP manufacturers not only guarantee compatibility with OEM switches but also meet or exceed OEM transceivers in performance, reliability and warranty.

What are MSA standards?

Third-party manufacturers are able to assure compatibility with OEM equipment with the help of Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) standards. MSA standards help to create an open market for SFP transceiver modules. They ensure competing manufacturers are able to build SFPs that are compatible across multiple brands. All elements of SFPs, mechanical and electrical, are specified by a Multi-Source Agreement. With MSA standards, customers can feel confident that SFP modules sold by third-party vendors are manufactured to the same standards and are identical in form factor and functionality to top OEM brands.

What are Vendor Lock-in Practices?

Certain large industry manufacturers participate in “vendor lock-in” practices, which intentionally prevent third-party SFP transceivers from working in their devices. Through settings in firmware, hardware and/or EEPROM, certain OEM switches detect when a third-party transceiver is installed and block it from working with the device. Thankfully, to the benefit of the customer, many third-party SFPs are equipped with the latest innovations and have been able to maintain compatibility, regardless of vendor lock-in practices, to provide customers with more options.

Anti-competitive laws are also in place to prohibit OEM manufacturers from voiding equipment warranties due to the use of third party transceivers. Customers can confidently purchase the SFP that is right for their system and budget without being concerned with warranty or compatibility issues.

The world of networking and SFPs can be confusing and overwhelming – but it doesn’t have to be. Depending on the needs of your team or business, connectivity and networking choices will vary. The good news is that there are plenty of options available to customers depending on budget, distance and speed requirements.

Third-party alternatives are becoming more common and provide a reliable and cost saving alternative to pricier OEM transceivers. If you do decide to use third-party SFPs, make sure they check off the following:

• Meet or exceed MSA standards

• Are compatible with OEM equipment

• Provide a reliable warranty

• Are purchased from a trusted manufacturer