Tag Archives: SFP-10G-SR

Cisco S-Class vs Non-S-Class Module

Cisco switches and fiber optic transceivers are considered as the benchmarks of the market with a market share more than 50%. With the development of fiber optic network, Cisco has developed a variety of fiber optic transceivers for different applications and has built a system to name each transceiver. For instance, the most commonly used 10G Cisco modules like SFP-10G-SR and SFP-10G-LR have part numbers which can accurately descript their biggest features. SR means “short range” and LR means “long range”. However, customers find the part numbers of some Cisco modules are named with an “S”, like SFP-10G-SR-S and SFP-10G-LR-S. Cisco calls them S-class modules. People might get confused by these Cisco S-class modules. Cisco S-Class vs Non-S-Class module, or SFP 10G SR S vs SFP 10G SR, which one should you choose?

sfp 10g sr s vs sfp 10g sr

Cisco S-Class Module VS Cisco Non-S-Class Module

Cisco only published four 10G S-class SFP+ modules and two 40G S-class QSFP+ modules. The following table listed Cisco S-class modules. Cisco S-class modules seem to have no differences from the non-S-class modules. However, if you read the specification of these modules and the suggestions from Cisco, you will find the differences.

Data Rate S-Class Module Non-S-Class Module Media
10G SFP-10G-SR-S SFP-10G-SR MMF (duplex)
10G SFP-10G-LR-S SFP-10G-LR SMF (duplex)
10G SFP-10G-ER-S SFP-10G-ER SMF (duplex)
10G SFP-10G-ZR-S SFP-10G-ZR SMF (duplex)
40G QSFP-40G-SR4-S QSFP-40G-SR4 MMF (ribbon)
40G QSFP-40G-LR4-S QSFP-40G-LR4 SMF (duplex)

Protocol

The standard non-S-class Cisco modules like SFP-10G-SR and SFP-10G-LR can support three protocols including Ethernet, OTN (Optical Transport Network) and WAN-PHY (Wide Area Network Physics). However, the S-class modules can only support Ethernet protocol.

Temperature Range

Compared with Cisco C-class modules which can be operating with three different temperature ranges, the Cisco S-class modules can only support the commercial temperature ranges which is 0 to 70°C (32 to 158°F).

  • Commercial temperature range (COM): 0 to 70°C (32 to 158°F)
  • Extended temperature range (EXT): -5 to 85°C (23 to 185°F)
  • Industrial temperature range (IND): -40 to 85°C (-40 to 185°F)

Transmission Distance

Cisco has introduced that the S-class modules are suggested to be used in enterprise network. In addition, the operating temperature range is smaller, thus, S-class module is recommended for shorter transmission distance applications compared with other standard modules.

Price

As the performance of Cisco S-class modules are no better than other modules, why did Cisco published these modules? This is because Cisco S-class modules have lower prices, which is also their biggest sale point.

cisco s-class module

Should I Choose Cisco S-Class Module?

In conclusion, S-class can only support Ethernet protocol and has a commercial temperature range, which is suggested to be used in applications that no special long distance, temperature tolerances, or other special features are required. But many people might not select S-class modules, considering about the future use. As Cisco original branded transceivers are expensive, many people will use third party modules which are much cheaper but is compatible with Cisco devices. A Cisco compatible non-S-class module could be much cheaper than a Cisco original brand S-module. But it can provide almost the same performance as the Cisco original branded non-S-class module.

Related Article: Cisco SFP-10G-SR: All You Need to Know

A Comprehensively Understanding of Cisco 10GBASE SFP+ Modules

How to Select 10G SFP+ Modules for Cisco Switches?

10G fiber optic network is being widespread in today’s telecommunication network. A lot of 10G fiber optic devices like switches are being uses, among which Cisco devices are the most commonly used according to statistics. If you choose a Cisco switch, Cisco original brand or Cisco compatible modules like SFP/SFP+ might be needed for transferring between optical signals and electrical signals. This post will offer details about how to select the proper 10G SFP+ module for Cisco switches.cisco compatible modules

Understand 10G IEEE Standards and How Cisco Name Its Modules

10G fiber optic network is mature now, and there is a wide selection of 10G IEEE standards for different 10G networking applications and environments. Before you buy 10G SFP+ modules for your Cisco switches, you should firstly get to know these 10G standards.

10G IEEE Standards

IEEE has defined 10G standards for different transmission distance and transmission media. For instance, there are 10GBASE-SR SFP+ for short distance up to 300 meters over OM3 multimode optical fiber and 10GBASE-LR for long distance up to 10 kilometers over single-mode fiber. There are also standards for 10G transmission over copper cables like 10GBASE-CR and 10GBASE-T. The following table listed the details for the most commonly used 10G standards.

10G IEEE Standards Description
10GBASE-SR Support 10G transmission over wavelength of 850nm via multimode fiber
in short distances: OM3 (up to 300m) and OM4 (up to 400m).
10GBASE-LR Support 10G transmission over single-mode fiber up to 10km
over wavelength of 1310nm.
10GBASE-LRM Support 10G transmission over standard multimode fiber up to 200m
over wavelength of 1310nm.
10GBASE-ER Operate over 1550nm wavelength and support transmission distance up
to 40km over single-mode fiber. Attenuation is required for transmission
distance shorter than 20km.
10GBASE-ZR Support 10G transmission over 1550nm single-mode fiber optic up to 80km.
For short links, attenuation is required to ensure transmission quality.
10GBASE-BX Support duplex 10G transmission over a single single-mode fiber using
two different wavelengths up to 80km.
10G CWDM/DWDM Support 10G transmission over 1550nm single-mode fiber optic up to 80km.
For short links, attenuation is required to ensure transmission quality.
10GBASE-CR Support 10G transmission over Twinax copper cable in very short distance
and offer a cost-effective way for connections within racks.

Product Name of Cisco 10G SFP+ Modules

The naming system of Cisco 10G SFP+ modules is closely related to the IEEE standards. Here I listed several examples for Cisco SFP+ module to better illustrate how Cisco names its 10G SFP+ modules.

10G IEEE Standards Cisco 10G Modules Product Number Example
10GBASE-SR Cisco SFP-10G-SR
10GBASE-LR Cisco SFP-10G-LR
10GBASE-LRM Cisco SFP-10G-LRM
10GBASE-ER Cisco SFP-10G-ER
10GBASE-ZR Cisco SFP-10G-ZR
10GBASE-BX Cisco SFP-10G-BXD-I & SFP-10G-BXU-I; Cisco SFP-10G-BX40D-I & SFP-10G-BX40U-I
10G CWDM/DWDM Cisco CWDM-SFP10G-1470; Cisco DWDM-SFP10G-61.41
10GBASE-CR Cisco SFP-H10GB-CU1M; Cisco SFP-H10GB-ACU7M

For common 10G SFP+ modules, Cisco uses the key words of the standards to name the responding modules. For special modules, Cisco has built another naming system.

SFP+ module

For a pair of BiDi SFP+ modules, letter “D” and “U” is used to the two modules that are used together on each end of the fiber optic link. For instance, SFP-10G-BXD-I & SFP-10G-BXU-I is a pair of BiDi Modules that can support transmission distance up to 10km. Additional numbers are added to mark the transmission distance of the BiDi modules. SFP-10G-BX40D-I & SFP-10G-BX40U-I is a pair of BiDi SFP+ modules that can support transmission distance up to 40km.

For CWDM 10G SFP+ and DWDM SFP+, the wavelength is added in the part number. For instance, CWDM-SFP10G-1470 is the part number of a CWDM SFP+ that is operated at wavelength of 1470nm. If you want a CWDM SFP+ operating over 1550nm, then the product number of this CWDM module should be CWDM-SFP10G-1550. As all the DWDM SFP+ modules are operated over wavelengths around 1500nm, in the product number of Cisco DWDM SFP+ modules, the first two number 1 and 5 is eliminated. For example, DWDM-SFP10G-61.41 stands for a DWDM SFP+ transceiver with operating wavelength of 1561.41nm.

10G SFP+ DAC

For modules like SFP+ direct attach cable (SFP+ DAC) and SFP+ active optical cable (SFP+ AOC) which contains a length of cables, Cisco combines the characters of IEEE standard and number to name its modules. Cisco SFP-H10GB-CU1M stands for 10G SFP+ direct attach copper cable that is one-meter long. Cisco SFP-10G-AOC2M is a 2-meter long 10G SFP+ active optical cable.

Do You Really Need Cisco Original Brand SFP+ Module?

Except IEEE standard and transmission distance, to select the proper 10G SFP+ module should also considerate several other factors like compatibility and costs.

Although Cisco has a wide selection of switches and 10G SFP+ modules, but not every SFP+ modules can work well on every Cisco switches SFP+ port. Before selecting the SFP+ msodule for your Cisco switch, you must make sure this SFP+ is compatible with your switch.

The second important factor is the costs for the SFP+ modules. Why? SFP+ module is just a small part of the whole fiber optic network, but the use amount of SFP+ module is very large. Cisco Original brand SFP+ modules are usually expensive. Thus, select cost-effective modules are necessary. Actually, Cisco Original brand SFP+ module is not the only choice. There are also many third party modules that it compatible with Cisco switches. Generally, prices of third party fiber optic transceivers are much lower than the original brand ones.

How to Buy Cisco 10G SFP+ Module?

If you have plenty of money, you can directly order the modules from Cisco. However, if you are going to select the third party modules for a cost-effective solution, then the quality and compatibility would be very important. FS.COM is a provider offers a full range of Cisco compatible modules. All its modules are fully tested in original brand switches to ensure the compatibility and quality. What’s more, FS.COM uses the same naming system as Cisco for its Cisco compatible modules and generic fiber optic modules. A list is also offered in the product page of each fiber optic modules showing the compatible switches and platforms. Customer can use the Cisco product number to search Cisco Compatible and generic modules in FS.COM directly.

Related Article:

Cisco SFP-10G-SR: All You Need to Know

A Comprehensively Understanding of Cisco 10GBASE SFP+ Modules

How to Connect Cisco Nexus 9396PX to 40G Network

Both devices and network architecture should be considered during data center upgrade. With the driven of applications like Cloud, Internet of Things, and virtual data center, it is clear that 10G can no longer satisfy the application needs. Migrating to 40/100G is an urgent problem. Cisco Nexus 9396PX switch, as one of the first member of Cisco Nexus 9000 series platform, can support 40G transmission with flexibility and high density. However, the problem is that many customers do not know how to get there to make full use of these devices. This post will give a detailed description about how to connecting Cisco Nexus 9396PX switch to optimized network architecture.

spine-leaf architecture vs 3-tier architecture

Optimized Network Architecture—Spine-Leaf Architecture

The traditional network usually used a three tier network architecture. However, with the migration of 40/100G, a new architecture is taking place of the traditional one with great advantages. This is known as spine-leaf architecture. Compare with the traditional three tier network architecture, spine-leaf uses a two-tier mode as shown in the above picture. Several most obvious advantages of spine-leaf architecture are list as following:

  • spine-leaf network is more adaptable to the continuous change of data center. This is because an additional Spine switch may be added and uplinks may be extended to every Leaf switch, resulting in the addition of interlayer bandwidth and reduction of the oversubscription.
  • Spine-leaf network can create high density cabling environments depending on the scale of the network.
  • Using a two-tier mode, spine-leaf network can reduce the overall signal latency through the elimination of a switching layer.

Cisco Nexus 9396PX ports information

Connecting Cisco Nexus 9396PX to 40G Spine-Leaf Network

To make full use of the given source, spine-leaf architecture is suggested. As shown in the above picture, the Cisco Nexus 9396PX is a 2RU non-blocking Layer 2 and 3 fixed switch offering 48 ports of 1G SFP/10G SFP+ and 12 ports of 40G QSFP+. Cisco Nexus 9396PX switch is suggested to be used as the leaf switch in 40G spine-leaf network. Cisco Nexus 9396PX is suggested to be used as leaf switch in 40G spine-leaf network. In spine-leaf network architecture for 40G application, the connections between the spine switches and leaf switches are 40G, while connections between the leaf switches and servers are usually 1/10G. Thus these 40G QSFP+ ports can be used to connect the spine switch and the 1G SFP/10G SFP+ are suggested to connect servers and routers. To accomplish the whole spine-leaf connection, optics and cables or DAC (direct attach cable) should be used. The following picture shows a 40G spine-leaf architecture with Cisco Nexus 9396PX being used in the leaf layer and the fiber cabling choice for Cisco Nexus 9396PX switch in this architecture.

Cisco Nexus 9396PX spine-leaf connection solution

Cisco Nexus 9396PX Cabling Solution

Using the fixed switch Cisco Nexus 9396PX with spine-leaf architecture can greatly increase the network scaling capability and adaptability. Detailed information about modules and cables that can be used with Cisco Nexus 9396PX are listed in the following chart.

Connection Option 1: Optics & Cable Option 2: DAC
Spine to leaf
(40G connection)
QSFP-40G-SR4 MMF, OM3/OM4, MPO patch cable QSFP-H40G-AOC (1m to 10m are available)
QSFP-H40G-CU (1m to 5m are available)
QSFP-H40G-ACU (7m to 10m are available)
QSFP-40G-SR4-S
QSFP-40G-CSR4
QSFP-40GE-LR4 SMF, LC duplex patch cable
QSFP-40G-LR4
WSP-Q40GLR4L
QSFP-40G-LR4-S
QSFP-40G-ER4
Leaf to server
(1/10G connection)
SFP+ Optics SFP-10G-AOC (1m to 10m are available)
SFP-H10GB-CU (1m to 5m are available)
SFP-10G-SR MMF, LC duplex patch cable
SFP-10G-SR-S
SFP-10G-LR SMF, LC duplex patch cable
SFP-10G-LR-S
SFP-10G-ER
SFP-10G-ER-S
SFP-10G-ZR
DWDM SFP+
SFP Optics
GLC-T (1000BASE-T) RJ-45, Cat 5
SFP-GE-T
GLC-SX-MMD MMF, LC duplex patch cable
GLC-SX-MM
GLC-LH-SMD SMF, LC duplex patch cable
GLC-EX-SMD
GLC-LH-SM

All the products mention in this chart can be customized according to your applications in Fiberstore (FS.COM). They will be fully tested in Fiberstore Test Center before they go to the market. Kindly contact sales@fs.com for more details.