SFP vs SFP+ vs QSFP vs QSFP+: A Detailed Comparison of Network Transceivers

 SFP, SFP+, QSFP, & QSFP+

Here’s a detailed comparison of SFP, SFP+, QSFP, and QSFP+ transceiver modules, all used in networking equipment to connect switches, routers, and servers to fiber-optic or copper cables.

1. SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable)

• Speed: Up to 1 Gbps
• Use Case: Common in Gigabit Ethernet and Fibre Channel applications.
• Compatibility: Works with both fiber optic and copper cables.
• Distance: Varies based on cable type (up to 80 km with single-mode fiber).
• Hot-swappable: Yes
• Physical Size: Small, fits into SFP ports on switches and routers.

2. SFP+ (Enhanced SFP)

• Speed: Up to 10 Gbps
• Use Case: Used in 10 Gigabit Ethernet, 8G/16G Fibre Channel, and SONET.
• Compatibility: Same physical size as SFP, but not backward-compatible in terms of speed.
• Distance: Up to 10 km (single-mode fiber); shorter with copper.
• Hot-swappable: Yes
• Power Consumption: Slightly higher than SFP due to increased speed.

3. QSFP (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable)

• Speed: Up to 4 Gbps per channel, total 4 x 1 Gbps = 4 Gbps
• Use Case: Originally designed for InfiniBand, Gigabit Ethernet, and Fiber Channel.
• Channels: 4 independent channels
• Compatibility: Larger than SFP/SFP+, fits QSFP ports.
• Hot-swappable: Yes

4. QSFP+ (Enhanced QSFP)

• Speed: Up to 10 Gbps per channel, total 4 x 10 Gbps = 40 Gbps
• Use Case: Common in 40 Gigabit Ethernet, InfiniBand, and data center interconnects.
• Channels: 4 channels, can be split into 4 x SFP+ using breakout cables.
• Compatibility: Not backward-compatible with QSFP in terms of speed.
• Distance: Up to 10 km (fiber); shorter with copper.
• Hot-swappable: Yes

Summary Comparison Table