What is the difference between sfp and qsfp

What Is SFP Module?

SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) is known as the compact hot-pluggable optical module. SFP is an abbreviation for Small Form-Factor Pluggable and can be simply understood as an upgraded version of GBIC. It has twice the capacity of GBIC, allowing for twice as many ports on the same panel. Currently, it is quite common and mainly uses the LC interface. The other functions of the SFP module are essentially the same as GBIC. Some switch manufacturers refer to SFP modules as mini-GBIC.

What Is QSFP+ Module?

As the evolution of QSFP (quad small form-factor pluggable), the QSFP+ module is a compact, hot-pluggable transceiver used for 40Gbps speed. It is compliant with SFF-8436 and QSFP Multi-source Agreement (MSA). There are 4 independent 10Gbps data lanes in each direction to support 40Gbps aggregate bandwidth. QSFP+ has been widely used in 40GBASE-X Ethernet, breakout to 10GBASE-X Ethernet, data center aggregation and backplane applications, and datacom switch and router connections. The following figure illustrates the QSFP+ dimensions.

What Are the Interfaces of QSFP+ Module?

QSFP+ transceivers are designed to install into any QSFP+ port (and part of QSFP28 port), allowing for 40GBASE-X interfaces to the network through the QSFP+ connector. Generally, the interfaces of 40G QSFP+ modules can be either duplex LC or MTP/MPO (short as "MTP" in the following introduction). There are some distinct differences between the two interfaces: transmission distance, cable type, and availability of 4x10G connectivity, etc.

SFP+ vs QSFP+

The primary difference between QSFP and SFP is the quad form. QSFP+ is an evolution of QSFP to support four 10 Gbit/s channels carrying 10-Gigabit Ethernet, 10G Fiber Channel, or InfiniBand, which allows for 4X10G cables and stackable networking designs that achieve better throughput. QSFP+ can replace 4 standard SFP+ transceivers, resulting in greater port density and overall system cost savings over SFP+.
 
SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) and QSFP (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable) are both optical modules used for data communication, but they differ in several key aspects:

1.Number of Channels:

SFP: A single-channel interface that supports data rates from Fast Ethernet (100 Mbps) to Gigabit Ethernet (1 Gbps) and beyond, depending on its enhanced versions like SFP+ (10 Gbps) and SFP28 (25 Gbps).
QSFP: A four-channel interface, where each channel can operate at multiple data rates. The original QSFP supported 4x10 Gbps, leading to a total data rate of 40 Gbps. Enhanced versions like QSFP+ and QSFP28 support higher data rates, with QSFP28 supporting 4x25 Gbps for a total of 100 Gbps.

2.Form Factor:

SFP: A compact form factor designed for a single channel.
QSFP: Though it has a larger form factor than SFP, it's designed to accommodate 4 channels.

3.Applications:

SFP: Commonly used in Gigabit Ethernet, SONET, and other data communication applications.
QSFP: Designed for high-density applications, especially in data centers and high-performance computing environments where high data throughput and port density are required.

4.Electrical Interface:

SFP: Typically uses a 2x10 connector.
QSFP: Uses a 38-pin connector, supporting the 4 channels.

5.Power Consumption:

SFP: Generally has lower power consumption given it's a single-channel module.
QSFP: Consumes more power due to its multi-channel design, though the power consumption per channel can be similar to or even less than SFP, depending on the specific design and technology used.

6.Backward Compatibility:

SFP: Generally not backward-compatible with multi-channel modules.
QSFP: Some QSFP modules are designed to be backward-compatible, allowing them to break out into multiple individual SFP connections, depending on the specific module and application.

In conclusion, while SFP and QSFP modules may seem similar, they are designed for different applications, with QSFP modules catering to higher density and data throughput requirements. When choosing between them, consider the specific needs of your network infrastructure.
 

What is the difference between SFP and QSFP speed?

QSFP+, as the expansion of QSFP, supports 10-Gigabit Ethernet, 10G Fibre Channel, and InfiniBand. In function capacity, QSFP vs SFP differs in the channel quantities and data rates. SFP has only one channel while QSFP has four. SFP speeds up to 1Gbps, and SFP+ up to 10Gbps.

What is the difference between SFP and QSFP transceivers?

The QSFP-DD is smaller in size, so its thermal capacity is only 7 to 12 watts. While the OSFP transceiver is larger in size, its thermal capacity can reach 12 to 15 watts.

Is QSFP compatible with SFP?

The Cisco QSA Module converts a QSFP port into an SFP or SFP+ port. With this adapter, customers have the flexibility to use any SFP+ or SFP module or cable to connect to a lower-speed port on the other end of the network.

What is the full form of SFP and QSFP?

In 2006, SFP+ specification brought speeds up to 10 Gbit/s and the SFP28 iteration is designed for speeds of 25 Gbit/s. A slightly larger sibling is the four-lane Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP).