1G to 16G FC & 10G Ethernet SFP+ transceivers

What is SFP+?

SFP+ transceivers are focused on SAN protocols ranging from 1G up to 16G while also supporting other protocols such as Ethernet. SFP+ offers the versatility to be used in everything from Ethernet-based networks and broadband networks to SAN applications. 

What is SFP+?

SFP+ (Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus) is a compact, hot-pluggable optical transceiver optimized for high-speed storage and networking applications. It is widely used in enterprise storage networks, data center connectivity and mobile backhaul. Supporting data rates from 1G to 16G Fibre Channel (FC) and up to 10G Ethernet (10GbE), SFP+ offers a cost-efficient, scalable solution for both short and long-distance optical transport.

Smartoptics SFP+ transceivers approved for Brocade and Cisco

Smartoptics provides Brocade-approved SFP+ transceivers, tested for seamless interoperability with Fibre Channel storage networks. These transceivers support a range of FC speeds, ensuring reliable performance in Brocade environments. Additionally, Smartoptics SFP+ transceivers tested and approved for Cisco offer full compatibility with Cisco switches and storage platforms, making them a trusted choice for high-performance SAN and networking applications.

Smartoptics range of SFP+ transceivers

Smartoptics offers a comprehensive selection of SFP+ transceivers for a variety of networking environments, including:

• FC SFP+ for SAN – Available in multi-service (1G–11.3G FC) and FC-only (4G–16G FC) versions, designed for data center storage networking, from top-of-rack to inter-data center links. 
• Ethernet SFP+ for 10G and mobile – The standard for 4G and 5G mobile backhaul and fronthaul, delivering low-latency 10G Ethernet connectivity for enterprise and carrier networks. 
• Extended reach SFP+ – Multimode and single-mode fiber transceivers with CWDM and DWDM options for metro and regional optical transport over long distances.

With broad interoperability and multi-protocol support, Smartoptics SFP+ transceivers ensure seamless integration into existing networking infrastructure, enabling scalable and cost-efficient connectivity.

Selected benefits of Smartoptics SFP+ transceivers

• Tested and approved by Brocade and Cisco 
• Optimized for mobile backhaul and fronthaul in 4G & 5G networks 
• Multimode and single-mode fiber 
• Enhanced digital diagnostic information via I2C interface 
• Extended temperature versions available for harsh environments  
• Easily reprogrammable for additional uses 
• Rigorously tested for maximum reliability in demanding applications 
• Dedicated 24/7 in-house support 
• Multi-source agreement (MSA) compliant for seamless compatibility

Connecting SFP+ to RJ45 (copper Ethernet)

For short-distance copper Ethernet connections, Smartoptics SFP+ to RJ45 transceivers allow seamless 10GBASE-T Ethernet connectivity over standard CAT6A or CAT7 copper cabling. This enables data centers and enterprise networks to integrate high-speed copper links without additional fiber infrastructure, offering a cost-effective alternative for shorter runs.

SFP+ vs. SFP28 – Key differences

Many organizations compare SFP+ vs. SFP28 when planning high-speed network upgrades. While both SFP28 and SFP+ are multi-protocol optical modules supporting Ethernet and Fibre Channel with similar compact sizes, there are key differences:

SFP+ remains a widely adopted and power-efficient choice for 10G Ethernet and 16G FC networks. However, for networks requiring higher speeds and greater efficiency, Smartoptics SFP28 transceivers offer a natural upgrade path.