The difference between SFP+ and SFP28 Transceiver

With the introduction of new technologies and economic drivers, many companies’ data center landscapes are moving toward higher speeds, higher scalability and higher performance levels. As we all know, a broader technology shift requires more networks. bandwidth. Therefore, more and more organizations are adopting the upgrade from 10GbE to 25GbE technology. This article gives a brief overview of 10GbE and 25 Gigabit Ethernet (25GbE) technologies, focusing on the SFP+ optical modules and SFP28 optical modules used in it, providing some practical information. This helps Cio, IT and network directors and managers understand the difference between these two optical modules.

10GbE Basics

10 Gigabit Ethernet (10 GbE, 10 GE or 10 GigE) is a disruptive telecommunications technology that transmits packets over Ethernet at a rate of 10 billion bits per second. This innovation extends the reach of traditional and familiar Ethernet in local area networks (LANs) to a wider range of network applications, including high-speed storage area networks (SANs), wide area networks (WANs), and metropolitan area networks (MANs). It provides a more efficient and cheaper way to move data over the backbone connections between networks. The IEEE 802.3ae standard allows for a distance of up to 100 kilometers between physical locations on a single mode fiber. Both single-mode and multimode fiber systems can be used with 10 GbE applications.

What is SFP28 transceiver?

SFP28 stands for Small Form-Factor Pluggable 28. It is the third generation of the SFP interconnect systems designed for 25G performance per the IEEE 802.3by specification (25GBASE-CR). The SFP28 is an enhanced version of SFP+, but is designed for 25G signal transmission. The SFP28 has the same common form factor as the SFP+, but supports 25Gbps electrical interfaces per channel.

What is SFP+ transceiver?

SFP+ is an enhanced version of SFP. The SFP+ specification is based on the SFF-8431. In most applications today, SFP+ modules typically support 8 Gbit/s or 16 Gbit/s Fibre Channel, 10 Gigabit Ethernet. SFP+ modules are smaller than earlier 10 Gigabit Ethernet XENPAK or XFP modules. Become the most popular 10 Gigabit Ethernet module on the market.

Can I use SFP28 Transceivers in SFP+ ports?

The answer is yes, because SFP28 is backward compatible with SFP+ ports and can be fully functional. SFP+ optical modules and SFP+ cables can be plugged into the SFP28 port, but not supports 25Gb / s data rate.

SFP28 vs SFP+ Comparison , What is the difference?

SFP+ and SFP28 transceiver has the same pinouts and they are mating compatible. However, SFP+ is designed to operate at 10 Gb/s whereas SFP28 is designed to operate at 25 Gb/s. SFP28 has increased bandwidth, superior impedance control, and less crosstalk than the SFP+ solution. Also, the SFP28 transceiver and SFP28 copper cable has significantly greater bandwidth and lower loss when compared to the SFP+ version.

Key benefits of 25GbE SFP Transceiver

  • Run business applications and services faster with 5x throughput, with similar economic benefits to 10GbE
  • Future-proof infrastructure, backward compatible with 10GbE, easier to migrate to 100GbE
  • Economical advantages of cost and revenue generation using an open network architecture
  • It runs on a pair of cables like 10GbE, so switching to 25GbE does not require any cabling infrastructure upgrades – it is fully compatible with the existing 10GbE infrastructure.
  • Reduce capital and operating expenses: Deploying SFP28 to build 25GbE networks enables organizations to significantly reduce the number of switches and cables required and reduce the cost of facilities associated with space, power and cooling compared to 10GbE and 40GbE technologies