8G SFP+ Transceivers Modules

Overview of 8G Fibre Channel SFP+ Modules

8G SFP+ modules are high-performance optical transceivers designed specifically for 8G Fibre Channel (8GFC) connectivity. They operate at a line rate of 8.5 Gbps and are a core component in building robust, high-speed Storage Area Networks (SANs). For instance, they provide the essential physical link between servers, Fibre Channel switches, and storage arrays. The SFP+ form factor is a well-established standard. As a result, these modules are hot-pluggable, which allows for easy installation and replacement without powering down your equipment.

Furthermore, one of the most significant advantages of 8GFC technology is its backward compatibility. These 8G SFP+ modules can auto-negotiate their speed to work seamlessly with older 4GFC and 2GFC infrastructure. Consequently, this provides a smooth and cost-effective upgrade path for data centers looking to enhance their storage network performance without a complete overhaul. Therefore, they represent a stable and proven solution for mission-critical storage applications.

Key Features and Applications

Our 8G SFP+ Fibre Channel modules are engineered for reliability and broad compatibility. Indeed, their features make them ideal for any SAN environment.

• Proven 8GFC Performance: First and foremost, they deliver a stable 8.5 Gbps data rate, which is perfect for demanding storage and data backup operations.
• Tri-Rate Compatibility: In addition, they are fully backward compatible, supporting auto-negotiation to 4.25 Gbps (4GFC) and 2.125 Gbps (2GFC) speeds.
• Reach Options: We offer both Short Wave (SW) variants for use with multimode fiber over short distances, and Long Wave (LW) variants for single-mode fiber links up to 10km.
• Broad Vendor Compatibility: Because they are MSA-compliant, our modules are guaranteed to work with a wide array of SAN equipment from vendors like Brocade, Cisco MDS, QLogic, and Emulex.

Common Applications:

• Connecting server Host Bus Adapters (HBAs) to a SAN fabric switch.
• Creating Inter-Switch Links (ISLs) between Fibre Channel switches.
• Linking SAN switches to enterprise storage arrays and tape libraries.
• Building high-availability, redundant SAN fabrics.

Specifications

FAQ (Technical & product category Questions)

1. What is an 8G SFP+ module?

An 8G SFP+ module is an optical transceiver used for 8G Fibre Channel applications. It plugs into an SFP+ port on a SAN switch or server HBA to transmit and receive data over a fiber optic cable, forming the backbone of a Storage Area Network.

2. Can I use an 8G SFP+ module in a 10G Ethernet SFP+ port?

No, you cannot. Although they share the same physical SFP+ form factor, the underlying protocols are different. For instance, an 8GFC module is designed for the Fibre Channel protocol, while a 10G SFP+ is typically for Ethernet. They are not interchangeable.

3. Will an 8G SFP+ module work in a 4G SFP port?

Yes, absolutely. A key feature of 8G SFP+ modules is their ability to auto-negotiate speed. When plugged into a port that only supports 4GFC, the module will automatically downshift to operate at 4.25 Gbps, ensuring seamless backward compatibility.

4. What is the difference between 8GFC-SW and 8GFC-LW?

The main difference is the type of fiber they use and the distance they support. SW (Short Wave) modules use lower-cost 850nm lasers with multimode fiber for short distances, typically within a data center rack or room. In contrast, LW (Long Wave) modules use 1310nm lasers with single-mode fiber for much longer distances, up to 10 kilometers.

5. Are these modules compatible with Brocade or Cisco SAN switches?

Yes. Our modules are built to MSA (Multi-Source Agreement) standards. This ensures they function identically to original manufacturer parts and are fully compatible with equipment from all major SAN vendors, including Brocade, Cisco MDS, Dell, HPE, and more.