Difference between SFP, SFP+ and XFP

SFP, SFP+ and XFP, all refer to a type of transceiver that is plugged into a special port on aswitch or to some network device. These transceivers are used in the field of telecommunicationand data communication. XFP stands for 10 gigabit small form factor pluggable. They usuallyoperate at optical wavelengths (colors) of 850nm, 1310nm or 1550nm. XFP complies with theagreement known as XFP MSA agreement. SFP protocol specifications are based on IEEE802.3,SFF-8472. SFP+ modules are smaller than XFP. SFP+ fiber optic transceivers comply with theprotocol based on IEEE 802.3ae, SFF-8431 and SFF-8432.

XFP (10 Gigabit Small Form Factor Pluggable) is a standard for the transceivers. This type oftransceiver is not dependent on the protocol. Generally, it operates at optical wavelenghtscorresponding to 850nm, 1310nm or 1550nm. The modules belonging to the XFP are hotswappable which means that the function of replacing the computer system components can beperformed without shutting down the system. The specifications of XPF were developed by theXFP Multi Source Agreement Group.

SFP stands for “Small Form-factor Pluggable.” It is most often used for Fast Ethernet ofGigabit Ethernet applications. They are capable of supporting speeds upto 4.25 Gbps. Itinterfaces a network device motherboard (for a switch, router, media converter or similar device)to a fiber optic or copper networking cable. It is specified by the SFP transceiver multi-sourceagreement.

SFP+ can be referred to as an expansion of the SFP standard. It has the capability to supportspeeds of 10 Gbps or even higher over fiber. The SFP+ product family includes cages, connectors,and copper cable assemblies. It is also similar to the performance requirements of SFF-8431 and

also supports 8G Fiber Channel and 10G Ethernet applications. SPF+ comes with variousadvantages.It is a more compact factor package than compared to that of XFP. The cost of SFP+ is also lessthan that to the XFP.

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