Compatible Transceiver modules, how to reduce your Capex and retain reliability.

You can use any combination of SFP transceiver modules that your device supports. The only restrictions are that each port must match the wavelength specifications on the other end of the cable and that the cable must not exceed the stipulated cable length for reliable communications.

With the development of end user networks moving from 1G to 10G or 40G and 100G or above for data centres, there has been an ever growing development away from vendor branded expensive SFP/SFP+/QSFP28 to lower cost, but just as reliable OEM compatible transceiver modules. However, there are still some doubts and worries about the compatibility and interoperability of SFP transceiver modules.

To understand the SFP compatibility, it must be understood that none of the major network vendors manufacture their own ‘branded’ transceivers. They purchase them from major OEM manufactures and add an extremely high mark-up on the price. We can offer 100% compatible transceivers due to the international multi-source agreement (MSA). MSA is the agreement between all transceiver manufacturers to make standardized products. It defines transceiver modules including the size, connectors, and signalling to assure SFP modules are compatible with branded devices. The MSA standards cover all optical transceivers like SFP+, XFP, QSFP.

All our transceivers meet the SFP Compatibility requirement and are compatible across a range of telecoms vendors’ hardware.

Why has the market for compatible SFP's developed?

The major manufacturers like Cisco, HP, Juniper, Dell etc, advertise that only the SFP modules with their brand can work with their devices. Using official SFP module is often made as purchases coincide with the purchase of the original device. This is usually quick and easy and can be a preferred option, the only issue is often price. If the cost of commissioning the network is an important factor then saving up to 90% of the budget on compatible transceivers becomes compelling, especially as all vendors allow compatible transceivers within their devices.

The compatible SFP has the identical function with the official hardware, which is compatible with different telecoms vendors’ devices. So, using compatible SFP means that you can save your budget and have no concerns regarding warranty on your devices and with our SFPs as we offer lifetime warranty.

How to Use a Compatible SFP Module?

Ideally identify the vendor original part number recommended for the device. Once this is identified you can contact us or search our website for a 100% compatible option. It really is that simple.

Check your transceiver module and device port.

Some transceiver modules are physically similar in appearances. For example, SFP and SFP+. SFP delivers 1Gbps of data and SFP+ supports the data rates up to 10 Gbps but these SFP and SFP+ are the same size, an SFP module can fit seamlessly into the SFP+ port on the switch and vice versa. If you insert an SFP+ module into an SFP port, they will still work but the transmission speed will be limited at 1 Gbps. On the contrary, there will be no connection when an SFP module is inserted into an SFP+ port.

Ensure that the SFP modules have the identical wavelength at either end

Transceiver's work by converting electrical data into optical transmission, the process is that the electrical signals from one side are converted into optical signals, then the lights are transmitted through the fibre and can be converted into electrical signals on the other end of the SFP module. To ensure this process, the SFP modules at either end should have an identical wavelength and for most application have the same vendor coding within the transceiver, which is why we support over 10,500 vendor part numbers so if you cannot find the specific part you need please contact us.