What Is SFP+ Module, And How to Choose?

Date 03/10/2025

The SFP+ module, which has been developed for more than ten years, is currently the market's most widely used industry standard for modules. The SFP+ module is utilized in various applications, including SONET and 10 Gigabit Ethernet. This article will tell you what is SFP+ and how to classify them.

Even after decades, the SFP+ module remains a widely used form factor among manufacturers and providers worldwide. It has been a dependable workhorse in numerous network applications, including SONET, 10G Ethernet, Fibre Channel, PON, and other communication standards. This article presents a comprehensive guide to the SFP+ module, including its definition, working principle, categorized types, and applications to show you what an SFP+ module is.

What Is an SFP+ Module?

The SFP+, meaning Small form-factor pluggable plus, an enhanced version of the SFP, is an acronym for a small modular transceiver that can be plugged into an SFP+ port on a network switch or server. It has become the preferred option over SFP modules in many applications due to its higher transmit rate than SFP, and it has a smaller appearance than XENPAK or XFP modules, which allows SFP+ fiber to be used in tight networking spaces and facilitates high-speed communication between switches and critical networking components. Furthermore, what is SFP+? It is a hot-pluggable, backward-compatible, convenient solution for modifying existing networks without requiring a complete overhaul of the cable infrastructure. An SFP+ fiber module usually comprises a cage, PCBA, chip, and TOSA+ROSA components (and occasionally BOSA for BiDi transceivers).

How to Choose Between SFP+ Copper vs. Fiber Module?

SFP+ modules can be divided into two categories: fiber and copper, which are suitable for different network requirements. Fiber SFP+ modules are divided into singlemode and multimode: multimode fiber is usually paired with 850nm transceivers, which can reach up to 300 meters on OM3 multimode fiber; singlemode fiber uses 1310nm transceivers, which can reach up to 20 kilometers when using OS2 singlemode fiber. The 10GBASE-T copper SFP+ module supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet over unshielded twisted pair (UTP) up to 100 meters and is compatible with 100M/1GbE networks, providing high adaptability and flexibility.

How to Choose Between SFP vs. Advanced SFP+?

In the current market, the 1Gb SFP module is widely used and offers different transmission speeds, including 1000base-T/TX, 1000base-SX, 1000base-LX/LX10, 1000base-BX10, 1000base-LX/LH, 1000base-EX, and 1000base-ZX.

As networks grow and the demand for higher bandwidth increases, 10G SFP+ is also becoming more popular in commercial applications and 10G Ethernet and is gradually replacing 1G SFPs. It's a newer version of the same form factor but offers faster speeds. The SFP+ family includes SFP+ SR, SFP+ LR, and SFP+ ZR modules used for 10 Gigabit Ethernet networking.

Can I Plug SFP Module into SFP+ Slots Directly?

An SFP+ port can usually use SFP optics, but the speed will be capped at 1G rather than 10G, even though the maximum is 10G. On the other hand, the SFP+ module can't be used in an SFP port because the SFP+ standard does not support speeds lower than 1G. Most SFP+ ports on Cisco switches support SFP optics, while many SFP+ ports on other switches only support SFP+ optics.

What is an MSA Compatible SFP+?

Compatibility is a key factor when purchasing MSA SFP+ modules.MSA (Multi-Source Agreement) is an industry-standard protocol that makes different brands of SFP+ modules compatible with each other for easy mix-and-match use. Third-party vendors have developed programming tools to make SFP+ optical modules compatible with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) equipment. Therefore, choosing MSA-compliant SFP+ modules ensures their stable operation in various network environments.

How to Categorize Different Types of SFP+ Modules?

It might be quite difficult for many people to differentiate between the vast array of SFP+ fiber module models available. The following section will categorize SFP+ modules based on various criteria to make things easier.

By SFP Media Type

Model	Copper	Multimode Fiber	Single-mode Fiber
Transmit Cable	Network or DAC cables	OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, and OM5.	OS2 9/125 single-mode fiber
Advantage	No need to change the existing infrastructure	Performance improved with a higher fiber grade	Maximum link distance

By SFP Transceiver Distance

Model	T	SR	LR	ER	ZR
Common Model	10GBASE-T	10GBASE-SR	10GBASE-LR	10GBASE-ER	10GBASE-ZR
Standard	IEEE 802.3an, IEEE 802.3az, SFP+ MSA, SFF-8431	IEEE 802.3ae, SFF-8472, SFF-8431, SFF-8432	IEEE 802.3ae, SFF-8472, SFF-8431, SFF-8432	IEEE 802.3ae, SFF-8472, SFF-8431, SFF-8432	IEEE 802.3ae, SFF-8472, SFF-8431, SFF-8432
Maximum Distance	100m	300m	10km	40km	80km
Media	Cat6a/Cat7	OM3/OM4 Multimode Fiber	OS2 Single-mode Fiber	OS2 Single-mode Fiber	OS2 Single-mode Fiber

By Application

Application	Most commonly transceiver	CWDM transmission	DWDM transmission	Bi-directional optical link	SDH/SONET platform	Fibre Channel SFP+	Video transmission	FTTX application	High-Speed Cable
Media	Duplex fiber	One fiber	Duplex single-mode fiber	Simplex fiber	Single-mode fiber	Multiple Fiber Optics	Multiple Fiber Optics	OLT	Direct attached cable with two SFP connector ends
Advantage	Suitable for most situations	Improve the bandwidth	Save fiber resources and maximize the bandwidth	Save fiber resources by combining two transmission fibers into one	Easy demultiplexing, allows transmission of all traffic types	Provides unordered, lossless transfer of raw block data	Support HD-SDI/3G-SDI/6G-SDI/12G-SDI	Include the GPON and EPON, standards and support Passive optical networking	Short length Lower-cost solution

By Operating Temperature

Model	Commercial grade	Industrial grade	Extended grade
Operating Temperature	0°C~70°C	-40°C~85°C	-10°C~85°C

What Factors Should You Consider When Selecting The Right SFP+ Module?

Begin by verifying the supported speed of your switch or other network devices' ports and then matching the appropriate SFP+ module. Additionally, you should be aware of the types of cabling already in use within your network. If you have a multimode fiber cabling structure, choose a multimode SFP+ module, but if you have a single-mode fiber cabling structure, then a single-mode transceiver is the only option.

Next, make a decision based on the target link distance and budget. It is recommended to select a module that supports more than the expected transmission distance to avoid link failures due to cable quality or endface contamination.

Consider the operating temperature as well. A commercial-grade transceiver will suffice for most typical indoor environments, but in rugged outdoor applications, it's better to use an industrial-grade transceiver.

Finally, before placing your order, check the compatibility of the SFP+ module with your supplier. Choosing an incompatible transceiver can result in a waste of both money and valuable time, as your switch won't recognize it. Always select a proven and compatible transceiver.

Conclusion

After introducing the SFP module, you may want to find a reliable vendor supplier. QSFPTEK can provide most of the SFP+ models mentioned above, which deliver both high performance and affordability, we are a supplier with more than ten years of experience, and we can provide you with solutions, using the QSFPTEK SFP+ module to establish a reliable link solution, If you're unsure which SFP+ modules to choose, our engineers are available 24/7 to provide you with free consulting services. For more information about the SFP+ module, contact us at [email protected].