QSFPTek SFP and SFP+ Transceivers - Fiber and Copper

A quick overview of various types of QSFPTek SFP+ and SFP transceivers. We discuss the different types of fiber versions, such as Long Range and Short Range models, as well as the copper RJ45 type that allow you to use a standard ethernet cable.
MFG's Links:
MFG's LInks:
SFP-10G-SR Transceiver （www.qsfptek.com/product/30953...
SFP-1G-SX Transceiver (www.qsfptek.com/product/4933....)
LC-LC Duplex OM3 Fiber Optic Patch Cable (www.qsfptek.com/product/99660...)
To purchase the products, please use my amazon affiliate links below. As an affiliate, I earn a small commission from your purchase without affecting your cost.
QSFPTEK 10G SFP+ Module 10GBASE-LR 1310nm: amzn.to/3OVpKdd
QSFPTEK 10G SFP+ Module 10GBASE-SR 850nm 300M: amzn.to/3Qn3HgZ
QSFPTEK Gigabit SFP Module 1000BASE-LX/LH 1310nm 10km: amzn.to/3JqClUV
QSFPTEK OM3 Patch cable: amzn.to/3zo8V4U
QSFPTEK 10G SFP+ DAC Cable, 1m (3ft) Passive Direct Attach Copper: amzn.to/3vEcdzZ
QSFPTEK Gigabit SFP Copper RJ45 Module, 10/100/1000BASE-T: amzn.to/3BEMBXy
QSFPTEK 10G SFP+ RJ45 Module 10GBASET: amzn.to/3QgXMdg

[@AinzOoalG0wn]

missed this video. thx for sharing this covered exactly what i needed to know. this video is certainly worth 1k+ likes considering the useful info for beginners getting into sfp+ the first time. None of the other videos by others i've covered it this well.

[@MikeFaucher]

Thanks.

[@jules.marshall]

Thank you, I'm planning my move from 1G copper to 1G fibre and then onto 10G, this video was helpful.

[@MikeFaucher]

Glad it was helpful and thanks for the feedback.

[@jules.marshall]

@@MikeFaucher Do manufacturers code their SFP to work only in their hardware and then QSFPTek make generic ones which work in all hardware?

[@MikeFaucher]

@@jules.marshall Typically, they are supposed to be universal and not tied to a specific MFG.

[@michaelflamingsword3131]

@@jules.marshall and Mike Faucher Some SFP and SFP+ have different microcodes. Like Dell, Intel, D-Link, Netgear, Zyxel, Mikrotik, Meraki, Ubiquity, Cisco, IBM, Qnap, etc usually for DAC they are compatible, but the Fibre ones can have other types of Microcode needed, such as Mellanox, HP Pro Curve, Extreme Brocade, Juniper, Arista, HP Aruba, etc. If you have a special network card or switch, contact the SFP, SFP+, QSFP+, QSFP28, AOC, DAC manufacturers and discuss your needs so they can put the microcodes of the brands into the Transceivers for youor give the right cable. There are many companies, but 10Gtek, Startech, Ubiquity, Ipolex, QSFPTEK, Cisco, Elfcam, H!Fiber are the most common ones that you can order online from. If not sure, send email or give them a call for your needs, lengths and hardware you have for compatibility issues to prevent in your setups.

[@Sky_Gazer1]

Very nice explanation 👍

[@MikeFaucher]

Thank you. Appreciate it.

[@AinzOoalG0wn]

Hei Mike, i managed to upgrade to sfp+ 10g. Your video helped me a lot. i particularly watched how you inserted the fiber optic multi mode om3 cable into the transceiver. so that helped.

[@MikeFaucher]

Great to hear. Thanks for the feedback.

[@d00dEEE]

DAC > fiber > RJ-45 transceiver for "local" connections, i.e., where you can find a DAC cable of the proper length. DAC is cheaper, lower power and more compatible than any transceivers.

[@MikeFaucher]

You are right it is cheaper and they do use less power but they are a bit less flexible. As I change my configuration all the time I prefer to fiber but that's just me. That said, you are absolutely right. Thanks for the feedback.

[@dereksnider7148]

@@MikeFaucher what do you mean by less flexible? Like that the physical DAC cable itself is thick and cannot be bent as sharply as a fiber cable?

[@MikeFaucher]

@@dereksnider7148 More general. DAC cables are stiffer, SFP+ to SFP+ mainly. It was more of a subjective comment on personal preference as I am not a real fan of DAC. Good point though. Appreciate you calling that out.

[@TheRTM]

Do the fiber transceivers run cooler than the Rj45 counter parts?

[@MikeFaucher]

Yes, they sure do. They draw much less power.

[@pcb7377]

Good afternoon You are doing a great job! thereby making life easier for the engineer! Thank you! I have an unusual case, I want to make a small board that connects 2 DAC passive cables at 100GB speed. But I can't get the host system to work through my board and 2 DAC passive cables. The DAC cable is 50cm long. The lines on the board are 15 cm long; there is an overlap of RX TX signals on the board. Tell me where to look? Who did something like this?

[@MikeFaucher]

Interesting question. I am not aware of anyone doing this but I might suggest you try and reach out to the SFP MFGs to see if they could point you in the right direction. Sorry I could not be more help.

[@pcb7377]

@@MikeFaucher Thanks. What will happen if you sew into the eeprom DAC cable the information that it is 2 times longer (the cable is 1m - we sew up that it is 2m). Will it work? Will there be communication between NIC ports?

[@MikeFaucher]

@@pcb7377 These are areas of experimenting I have not done.

[@rswow]

So with the Ethernet cable plugged into the transceiver as at 3:17, can that cable then simply go to an Ethernet switch?

[@MikeFaucher]

Yes but the speed must match at both ends. Great question.

[@rswow]

@@MikeFaucher Hmm. So 10gb connection at the server, can't go to a 1gb max ethernet switch?

[@MikeFaucher]

@@rswow if it is SFP it has to match so you have to use a 1G transceiver on each end. If it is RJ45 it will auto negotiate.

[@attilavidacs24]

Are these compatible with Cisco Catalyst switches?

[@MikeFaucher]

Yes, but you need to use the 1G or 10G versions based on which model you have.

[@Notmy00000]

can give you an explanation about db db/m for fiber

[@MikeFaucher]

That is a lengthy topic but in essence, each of the transceivers puts out a certain amount of power based on its distance rating such as SR or LR. The longer the fiber the more signal losses you have which is why LR modules output a bit more power. Typical loss for OM4 fiber is 0.003dB per meter. Not sure it that helps but great question.

[@Notmy00000]

if you have an os2 cable of 30m how much attenuation do you need if the sfp is 10km

[@MikeFaucher]

@@Notmy00000 Not sure. Standard LR should be fine out the box.