Cisco DS-SFP-FC16G-LW Compatible SFP+ 16G Fibre Channel 1310nm 10km DOM Duplex LC/UPC SMF Optical Transceiver Module

Overview

This is a high-performance optical transceiver module, fully compatible with the Cisco DS-SFP-FC16G-LW. It is designed specifically for high-speed Storage Area Network (SAN) applications. This module provides a robust and cost-effective solution for connecting Fibre Channel switches, directors, and host bus adapters (HBAs). It reliably delivers 16G Fibre Channel Long Wavelength (LW) connectivity over single-mode fiber infrastructure.

Engineered for enterprise-grade performance, this 16G FC SFP+ transceiver supports data transfer up to 10km. It also offers backward compatibility with 8G and 4G Fibre Channel speeds, ensuring seamless integration into existing SAN environments. This flexibility makes it an ideal choice for both upgrading current infrastructure and deploying new high-speed storage networks, protecting your investment while boosting performance.

Key Features

• 100% compatible with equipment coded for Cisco DS-SFP-FC16G-LW.
• Supports multi-rate Fibre Channel speeds: 14.025 Gbps (16G), 8.5 Gbps (8G), and 4.25 Gbps (4G).
• Long Wavelength (LW) operation using a high-performance 1310nm DFB laser.
• Transmission distance up to 10km over Single-Mode Fiber (SMF).
• Standard Duplex LC connector for common fiber patch cables.
• Hot-swappable SFP+ footprint allows for easy installation without interrupting service.
• Built-in Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM/DDM) for real-time diagnostics.
• Low power consumption and excellent EMI performance for high-density deployments.

Applications

The primary application for the DS-SFP-FC16G-LW compatible module is within enterprise data centers and Storage Area Networks. It is perfectly suited for creating reliable links between servers and storage arrays, connecting SAN switches, or for inter-switch links (ISLs) in a SAN fabric. Its 10km reach makes it ideal for building campus-wide storage networks or connecting distributed data center facilities, ensuring high-speed, low-latency access to critical data.

Specifications

Cross-Platform Compatibility

In addition to being a perfect alternative for the Cisco DS-SFP-FC16G-LW, this versatile module is engineered based on Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) standards. This ensures broad interoperability with a wide range of equipment from other major SAN equipment manufacturers. Below is a list of potential equivalent part numbers this module can replace:

Advantages

Implementing this 16G Fibre Channel SFP+ transceiver delivers significant advantages. The most immediate benefit is the substantial cost savings compared to expensive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) optics, without any sacrifice in performance or reliability. This allows network administrators to expand or upgrade their SAN infrastructure within a tighter budget.

Furthermore, its multi-rate support provides excellent investment protection and deployment flexibility. You can deploy this module in an 8G FC environment today, confident that it will support a future upgrade to 16G speeds. The hot-swappable nature and integrated DOM diagnostics simplify network maintenance, reduce downtime, and empower proactive management of your critical storage network links.

FAQ (Technical & Product Questions)

1. What is the DS-SFP-FC16G-LW compatible module?

It is an SFP+ optical transceiver designed for 16G Fibre Channel applications. This module operates over single-mode fiber up to 10km and is a cost-effective alternative to the original Cisco part, offering identical performance and compatibility with Cisco SAN switches.

2. Can the DS-SFP-FC16G-LW module operate at 8G speeds?

Yes, this 16G FC SFP+ transceiver supports auto-negotiation and is fully backward compatible with both 8G and 4G Fibre Channel data rates, allowing for flexible deployment in mixed-speed SAN environments.

3. What is the difference between 16G LW and SW SFP+ modules?

The main difference is the fiber type and distance. An LW (Long Wavelength) module like this one uses a 1310nm laser for long distances (up to 10km) over Single-Mode Fiber (SMF). An SW (Short Wavelength) module uses an 850nm laser for shorter distances over Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF).

4. What type of fiber cable is needed for this 16G FC module?

This transceiver requires a standard single-mode fiber (SMF) patch cable, typically OS1 or OS2, terminated with Duplex LC/UPC connectors to achieve its maximum reach of 10km.

5. Is this transceiver compatible with Cisco MDS switches?

Absolutely. This module is specifically programmed and tested to ensure seamless compatibility and functionality with the Cisco MDS series of SAN switches and other platforms that support the DS-SFP-FC16G-LW part number.

6. What does LW mean in Fibre Channel optics?

LW stands for Long Wavelength. It refers to optical transceivers that operate at wavelengths suitable for long-distance transmission over single-mode fiber, such as the 1310nm wavelength used in this module.

7. What is DOM support in a Fibre Channel SFP+?

DOM (Digital Optical Monitoring) is a feature that provides real-time access to the device’s operating parameters. For this 10km Fibre Channel SFP+, it allows you to monitor transmit/receive power, temperature, and voltage, which is crucial for troubleshooting SAN links.

8. Is this 16G Fibre Channel SFP+ module hot-swappable?

Yes, this SFP+ module is hot-swappable. This means you can install or remove it from a compatible switch or device port without needing to power down the system, which is essential for maintaining uptime in critical SAN environments.