Both SFP-10G-SR and SFP-10G-SR-S are 10Gbps short-range SFP+ transceivers that use multimode fiber for transmission. The key difference between the two is their reach and power consumption.
 
SFP-10G-SR is designed for a maximum reach of 300m over multimode fiber and requires a minimum of 0.5W power consumption. It supports data rates from 1Gbps to 10Gbps.
 
On the other hand, SFP-10G-SR-S is an enhanced version of SFP-10G-SR and is designed for a maximum reach of 400m over multimode fiber. It also has a lower power consumption of 0.3W. Like SFP-10G-SR, it supports data rates from 1Gbps to 10Gbps.  
In summary, SFP-10G-SR is suitable for short-range applications that require power optimization, while SFP-10G-SR-S is a more powerful variant with slightly longer transmission distances.
 

What is sfp 10g sr?

The SFP-10G-SR is a 10GBASE-SR SP+ module, which can reach up to 300 meters matched with OM3 Multimode Fiber (MMF), known as the lowest-cost, lowest-power modules implemented with a VCSEL. The SFP-10G-LR is a 10GBASE-LR SP+ module that adopts Distributed Feedback Laser (DFB).
 

What is SFP-10G-SR-S?

The Cisco 10G multimode SFP+ transceiver is a hot-swappable, input/output device that allows easy replacement and addition to the network without having to shut down or reboot the entire system. A small form factor and compact size allow this device to fit easily into complex networks.
 

SFP-10G-SR-S vs SFP-10G-SR, Why Choose One Over the Other?

SFP-10G-SR is a popular 10G SFP+ optical transceiver in terms of quantity used. It is considered as the mainstream form factor of the 2017 market due to its matured technology and reduced price, even although 40G/100G optical modules are on the very top trend for enterprise and data center for the interconnection. But two years ago, Cisco introduced S-class optics such as SFP-10G-SR-S for enterprise and data center applications. For some web searchers, he will be recommended with SFP-10G-SR-S rather than SFP-10G-SR. But they almost share the same characteristics, so SFP-10G-SR-S vs SFP-10G-SR, why choose one over the other? Hope this post may give some clue.

SFP-10G-SR-S vs SFP-10G-SR: Similarity

Seemingly and technically, they don’t have much difference. SFP-10G-SR-S shares the same product specification with SFP-10G-SR. SFP-10G-SR is compliant with 10GBASE-SR standard. The Cisco 10GBASE-SR module supports a link length of 26m on standard Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI)-grade multimode fiber, up to 300m link lengths over OM3 and 400m link lengths over OM4 cables.
Cisco SFP-10G-SR transceiver is hot-swappable input/output device which allows a 10 Gigabit Ethernet port to link with a fiber optic network. Because it is hot-swappable and MSA compliant, the Cisco SFP-10G-SR transceiver can be plugged directly into any Cisco SFP+ based transceiver port, without the need to power down the host network system. This capability makes moves, add-ons and exchanges quick and painless.

SFP-10G-SR-S vs SFP-10G-SR: Difference

According to Cisco, S-class optics are intended for enterprise and data center 10G and 40G applications This new set of optics does not display several unnecessary features for these applications, bringing about a more attractive price. That explains why SFP-10G-SR-S price is lower than SFP-10G-SR price.
Except the price, there are some other differences. SFP-10G-SR-S optics aren’t TAA certified. However, the non-S-class optics such as SFP-10G-SR are all compliant to TAA. SFP-10G-SR-S optics only have COM (Commercial temperature range: 0~70℃). However, the temperature range of SFP-10G-SR can be EXT (Extended temperature range: -5~85℃), IND (Industrial temperature range: -40~85℃) and Storage temperature range (-40~85℃). In terms of protocols, SFP-10G-SR-S optics use Ethernet only, they cannot use OTN (Optical Transport Network) or WAN-PHY (Wide Area Network Physics). Furthermore, SFP-10G-SR-S optics just have 10G and 40G applications so far which is specified for 10G and 40G enterprise and data center. Thus, if you don’t need any special features like extra tolerance for temperature, S-Class optics can save you a considerable amount of money.

SFP-10G-SR Price Comparison

Since equipment SFP-10G-SR vendors all rely on MSAs when designing their transceivers, every supplier can produce the transceiver modules with the same functions but with different prices. Unless you have a 100% requirement to buy Cisco, there are a lot of 3rd party compatible vendors out there that you can save a lot of money by using. Here is a price list from different vendors for you to choose from.
 

Vendor	Model	Brand	Price
CDW	SFP-10G-SR	Cisco	$693.99
Router-Switch	SFP-10G-SR	Cisco	$262.00
Monoprice	SFP-10G-SR	Ironlink	$136.75
10Gtek	SFP-10G-SR	10Gtek	$41.05
FS.COM	SFP-10G-SR	FS.COM	$16.00

SFP-10G-SR-S vs SFP-10G-SR, Which Will You Choose?

Although SFP-10G-SR-S vs SFP-10G-SR, they share identical specification, there still are some minor difference. In most cases, SFP-10G-SR-S optics are recommended for 10G and 40G applications due to its low cost. both SFP-10G-SR price and SFP-10G-SR-S price is relatively lower according to the above chart, and they also enjoy good quality. If you need any third-party optical modules or fiber optic cables, give FS.COM a shot.
 

Knowledge of SFP-10G-SR Compatibility

When you buy SFP-10G-SR transceivers for your switch, you are told to buy “brand” SFP-10G-SR from your network equipment manufacturer in order to keep your system running properly and safely. The “brand” SFP-10G-SR compatibility may never have any issues and the price is therefore very high, usually several hundred dollars. But since the transceivers are all manufactured based on MSA (Multi-source Agreement), which strictly define the operating characteristics of optical transceivers so that system vendors may implement ports in their devices that allow MSA compliant transceivers produced by name brand, as well a third party vendors, to function properly. Transceivers that manufactured by third party vendors usually called compatible transceivers, such as compatible Cisco SFP-10G-SR transceivers. Usually, these compatible transceivers are tested on the corresponding switch before selling, therefore, the compatibility can also be ensured. Cisco SFP-10G-SR matrix can be found here.
 

Cisco SFP-10G-SR-S Compatible 10GBASE-SR SFP+ Transceiver Module (MMF, 850nm, 300m, LC, DOM)

Cisco SFP-10G-SR-S compatible SFP+ transceiver supports up to 400m link lengths over OM4 MMF (300m over OM3 MMF) via an LC duplex connector. This transceiver is compliant with SFF-8431, SFF-8432 and IEEE 802.3ae standards. Digital diagnostics monitoring is available via a 2-wire serial interface, as specified in SFF-8472. Featuring low power consumption, high speed, this 10G SFP+ transceiver is ideal for data center, enterprise wiring closet, service provider transport application, Radio & Baseband Unit, etc.