10G DWDM XFP ZR CH17~CH61 80km

Q: What are the differences between 10G SFP+ and 10G XFP optical modules?

A:

• The 10G SFP+ optical module is an updated version of the SFP module, based on the SFP form factor, whereas the 10G XFP optical module adheres to the XFP encapsulation standard.
• The 10G SFP+ optical module is physically smaller compared to the 10G XFP module, thus meeting the space requirements of high-density circuit boards. Conversely, the larger 10G XFP module provides better heat dissipation.
• The 10G SFP+ module has offloaded functions such as signal modulation, serialization/deserialization, MAC, clock and data recovery (CDR), and electronic dispersion compensation (EDC) from the module to the mainboard, whereas the 10G XFP module retains these functionalities onboard. Therefore, when a switch/router’s motherboard lacks the functionalities required by 10G SFP+ modules, a 10G XFP module would be used to fill that gap.
• The 10G SFP+ module is less costly than the 10G XFP module and is interoperable with other types of 10G optical modules.
• For 10G communication, direct attach cables (DACs) can be utilized, which have two built-in 10G SFP+ optical module ends, eliminating the need to purchase separate 10G SFP+ modules; this option is not available with 10G XFP modules.
• In switches, a 10G SFP+ port can accommodate SFP modules, whereas a 10G XFP port is compatible exclusively with 10G XFP optical modules.

Q: Can XFP and SFP+ optical modules be interconnected?

A: As long as the transmission rate, transmission distance, and wavelength match, they can be interconnected using optical fibers. For example, a 10G XFP optical module with a wavelength of 1310nm and a transmission distance of 10KM can be interconnected with a 10G SFP+ optical module of the same wavelength and distance. Although the market has seen optical module transmission speeds increase to 200G, this does not mean that 10G optical modules will be phased out; currently, 10G optical modules remain prevalent. Due to differences in size, structure, and compatibility, 10G XFP and 10G SFP+ optical modules cannot replace each other.