Everything You Should Know About the Difference Between SFP+ vs. XFP

In fiber optic networking, optical modules serve as crucial components, facilitating smooth data transmission. Despite newer technologies, 10G fiber optic transceivers, such as 10G XFP and 10G SFP+, continue to maintain popularity in the market. This article will show the difference between XFP and SFP+ modules, including their divergent features, functionalities, and inter-compatibility.

 

Definition of XFP and SFP+

 

XFP (10 Gigabit Small Form Factor Pluggable) is a widely recognized standard for high-speed networking and telecommunications optical modules. The module offers many advantages, such as hot-swappable capabilities, protocol independence, and versatility for a variety of applications. XFP modules typically operate in the near-infrared wavelength range, including 850nm, 1310nm, and 1550nm, and can use dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) technology to optimize data transmission, thereby increasing data capacity and transmission efficiency. Its main applications include SONET OC-192, SDH STM-64, 10 Gbps Optical Transport Network (OTN) OTU-2, and parallel optical links, enabling reliable high-speed data transmission up to 10 Gbps over optical fiber.

 

SFP+ (enhanced small form-factor pluggable) modules are an upgraded version of SFP transceivers that support data rates up to 16 Gbps. These 10G SFP+ modules are widely used in multiple fields, including SONET OC-192, SDH STM-64, OTN G.709, CPRI wireless communications, 16G Fibre Channel, and emerging 32G Fibre Channel applications. As a compact, hot-swappable optical module, SFP+ can achieve stable and efficient data transmission through optical fiber connection, providing a reliable solution for high-speed networks.

 

Figure 1: SFP+ vs. XFP

 

Specification Comparison Between XFP and SFP+

 

XFP and SFP+ modules are commonly employed in 10G fiber optic networking; there are specific differences between 10G XFP transceivers and 10G SFP+ optics regarding specifications. The following table provides a detailed comparison of these variations.

 

Module Type	XFP	SFP+
Standard	IEE802.3ae; XFP MSA	IEE802.3ae; SFF-8431; SFF-8432
Appear	2002	2006
Dimension	Bigger	Smaller
Data Rate	6Gbps; 8.5Gbps; 10Gbps	6Gbps; 8.5Gbps; 10Gbps
Wavelength	850nm; 1310nm; 1550nm; CWDM; DWDM; BIDI; Tunable; Copper	850nm; 1310nm; 1550nm; CWDM; DWDM; BIDI; Tunable; Copper
Fiber Type	OM3; OM4; OS1; OS2	OM3; OM4; OS1; OS2
Typical Connector	LC	LC
Max Distance	120km	120km
Cost	Higher	Lower

 

When comparing XFP and SFP+, it becomes evident that SFP+ holds certain advantages over XFP. One notable benefit is its smaller footprint, enabling greater port density. This size advantage results from SFP+ transceivers leaving some circuitry to be implemented on the motherboard, reducing internal components. As a more cost-effective option, 10G SFP+ modules have gained substantial market share, whereas XFP, being relatively older and more expensive, faces some limitations in comparison. Overall, SFP+'s space-efficient and affordable nature of SFP+ has contributed to its increasing popularity in the market, outpacing the adoption of XFP technology. The following table shows the common Cisco-compatible price difference between XFP vs SFP+.

 

	XFP Model	XFP Price	SFP+ Model	SFP+ Price
SR-300m	XFP-10G-MM-SR	$27	SFP-10G-SR-S	$9.9
LR-10km	XFP-10GLR-OC192SR	$27	SFP-10G-LR-S	$14.9

 

Application Scenarios of XFP vs. SFP+

 

XFP optics are viable connectivity options for data centers, enterprise wiring closets, and service provider transport applications. On the other hand, 10G SFP+ Transceivers find widespread usage in 10G switches, routers, servers, NICs, and various transmission equipment. These SFP+ modules offer high-speed data transmission with low power consumption, making them suitable for deployment in data centers, enterprise wiring closets, and other relevant environments. Due to their small size, SFP+ modules are widely used in the high-density transmission scenarios mentioned before.

 

Moreover, it's worth noting that 10G XFP and SFP+ transceivers can achieve inter-compatibility within the same Ethernet network under certain conditions. This requires that their protocols are consistent and operate on the same wavelength and signaling rate, as depicted in the figure below. Such compatibility allows for flexibility in configuring mixed optical networks.

 

Figure 2: XFP vs SFP+: Interconnection Application

 

FAQ

 

Q: Can an XFP module be connected with an SFP+ transceiver?

 

A: The XFP connector and SFP+ connector share the same LC duplex interface. This means XFP 10G 1310nm transceivers can communicate with SFP+ 10G 1310nm modules using LC duplex fiber optic cables. The diagram below illustrates a standard interconnection setup involving XFP and SFP+ modules.

 

Q: Can I insert an SFP+ module into the XFP slot?

 

A: No, it is impossible to use an SFP+ module in an XFP slot, and vice versa, due to the significant size difference between the two formats. It is essential to identify the specific port type the switch is equipped with, and it's crucial to note that XFP and SFP+ optical transceivers are not interchangeable.

 

Figure 3: The SFP+ Module Can't be Connected to XFP Slot

 

Q: What is the difference between XFP vs SFP+ vs SFP?

 

A: SFP and SFP+ modules are the same form factor but have distinct speed and compatibility characteristics. While XFP and SFP+ are employed in 10GbE applications, SFP is used for 100BASE or 1000BASE applications. SFP+ ports can accommodate SFP optics at a reduced speed of 1 Gbit/s, but an SFP+ transceiver cannot be inserted into an SFP port.

 

Q: What are the investment prospects of XFP and SFP+ modules?

 

A: Despite the quest for higher bandwidth, 10GbE continues to hold its ground in various scenarios. SFP+ transceivers remain a prevalent and mainstream choice, providing advantages like compact size, lower power consumption, and cost-effectiveness. While not as widely favored as SFP+, 10G XFP modules still maintain their significance in specific 10G network applications, serving an indispensable role.

 

Conclusion

 

In conclusion, there are many differences between XFP and SFP+; the size, power consumption, cost, port density, and application of these different packages of 10G modules are different. They each occupy an irreplaceable position in the communication industry. 10G SFP+ optical modules are more cost-effective, making them more popular. Choosing a suitable optical module according to specific needs and network scale is essential. If you want more information about XFP vs. SFP+, don't hesitate to contact [email protected].