QSFP+ (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable Plus) supports data rates of up to 40 gigabits per second (Gbps) per port, or 4 lanes at 10 Gbps each.

How to Choose SFP Transceivers?

In addition to SFP vs SFP+ vs QSFP, you’ll also need to consider the application. SFP transceivers are available in different types depending on what they will be used for, for example single-mode vs multimode SFP. Single-mode SFP transceivers work with single-mode fibre, whereas multimode SFPs are compatible with multimode fibre. Additionally, there are long-reach WDM SFP transceivers for multiplexing, simplex SFPs for single fibre applications, video SFP transceivers for transmission of high-definition video, and PON SFP transceivers for fibre-based access networks. SFPs are available in commercial and extended operating temperature ranges, with or without extended diagnostics capabilities.

What is an SFP?

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

SFP vs SFP+

SFP and SFP+ transceivers are virtually identical in size and appearance. The primary difference is that SFP+ is an updated version that supports higher speeds up to 10Gbps. The difference in data rate also accounts for a difference in transmission distance—SFP typically has a longer transmission distance. SFP+ specifications are based on SFF-8431. In terms of SFP vs SFP+ compatibility, SFP+ ports often accept SFP optics but at a reduced speed of 1Gbps. Be aware, however, that you cannot plug an SFP+ transceiver into an SFP port because SFP+ does not support speeds less than 1Gbps.

GBIC vs SFP

Prior to SFP and SFP+, the most common transceivers were gigabit interface converters, or GBICs. SFP, sometimes called mini-GBIC, replaces GBIC because of its smaller size.