1.25G BIDI SFP LX 1550Tx 1310Rx 40km

Differences between SFP Ports and RJ45 Ports

While both SFP ports and RJ45 ports boast a maximum transmission rate of 1000Mbps, there are subtle distinctions between the two.

Application Variations

For instance, on a switch, an SFP port requires an accompanying SFP optical module and fiber patch cord for data transmission; conversely, an RJ45 port on a switch can directly facilitate data transfer via an Ethernet cable.

Difference in Transmission Distance

RJ45 ports primarily transmit data through Ethernet cables, with their maximum transmission distance capped at the cable’s limit, typically 100 meters. In contrast, SFP ports leverage SFP optical modules and fiber jumpers for transmission, where the maximum distance is determined by the SFP module’s capabilities, often reaching up to 160 meters.

Note: When using single-mode fiber (SMF) for shorter distances, an optical attenuator may be required in the link to prevent receiver overload.

Furthermore, in terms of flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness—both at the port level and in networking equipment like switches—SFP offers advantages over RJ45.

Q、Can an SFP port connect to an RJ45 port?

A: Yes. To illustrate, connecting a 1G SFP switch to a 1G RJ45 switch can be achieved by employing a Gigabit Ethernet Copper Module on the 1G SFP switch side. This module features one end with an SFP interface designed to plug into the 1G SFP switch, and the other end with an RJ45 connector. Simply connect the module’s RJ45 side to the RJ45 port of the 1G RJ45 switch using an Ethernet cable.