Edgerouter x vs sfp : What's the difference?
2023-10-09

Edgerouter x vs sfp : What's the difference?

Edgerouter x vs sfp : What's the difference?

The Ubiquiti Networks' EdgeRouter X and EdgeRouter X SFP are both part of the EdgeMAX product line. Here's a breakdown of the primary differences between the two:

  1. SFP Port: The most notable difference is the SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) port on the EdgeRouter X SFP model. This port allows for fiber optic connections, accommodating network designs that require longer distances or fiber connectivity. The SFP port can facilitate connections to other devices via fiber for high-speed data transmission or to connect to an ISP delivering a fiber handoff.

  2. Gigabit Ethernet Ports: Both routers come with five Gigabit Ethernet ports. However, on the EdgeRouter X SFP, one of these ports is substituted with the SFP port. As a result, the EdgeRouter X SFP possesses four Gigabit Ethernet ports and one SFP port, whereas the EdgeRouter X has five Gigabit Ethernet ports.

  3. Power Options: Each model can provide 24V passive Power over Ethernet (PoE) passthrough on one of its ports, empowering them to supply power to a downstream device, like a Ubiquiti access point.

  4. Other Specifications and Features: Outside of the SFP port, the two routers share many similarities. Both operate on EdgeOS, offer similar performance stats, and come with the same advanced routing and security features.

  5. Price Point: Due to the SFP port addition, the EdgeRouter X SFP usually has a higher price point than the EdgeRouter X.

In conclusion, your choice between the two models should depend on whether you need or anticipate needing fiber connectivity. If fiber isn't a consideration, the standard EdgeRouter X might be a more cost-effective choice. If you foresee using fiber in your network setup, then the EdgeRouter X SFP would be the better option.
 

What do edgerouter x and SFP represent respectively?

What is Edgerouter x ?

The Ubiquiti Networks' EdgeRouter X is a member of the EdgeMAX series, known for offering powerful routing features at an affordable price point. Here's a brief overview:

  1. Ports: The EdgeRouter X has five Gigabit Ethernet ports, enabling it to handle multiple connections. This makes it suitable for home networks and small office setups.

  2. Advanced Routing: One of the main selling points of the EdgeRouter X is its ability to support advanced routing features usually found in more expensive routers. It uses Ubiquiti's proprietary EdgeOS, which offers features like VLAN support, QoS (Quality of Service), OSPF, and more.

  3. Performance: The EdgeRouter X is designed to handle up to 1 million packets per second, which is impressive for a router in its price range.

  4. Power over Ethernet (PoE): The EdgeRouter X can also deliver 24V passive PoE to power an external device, such as a Ubiquiti UniFi access point. This feature allows users to supply power and data over a single Ethernet cable, reducing the need for additional power supplies and cables.

  5. Compact and Fanless Design: The EdgeRouter X is small and fanless, meaning it runs silently and can fit in tight spaces, making it suitable for various installation environments.

  6. Configuration: The device can be configured via a web-based interface or the command line, allowing both novices and experienced users to set up their networks according to their preferences and requirements.

In summary, the EdgeRouter X is a compact, yet powerful router that offers advanced features at a budget-friendly price. It's ideal for tech enthusiasts, small businesses, and anyone looking to upgrade from standard consumer-grade routers.
 

Edgerouter x edgerouter x is a part of the edgemax? 

platform. The edgerouter x combines carrier class reliability with excellent price to performance value in anpact form factor. . Router can be powered by an external power adapter or 24v passive poe input. A passive poe passthrough option is available to support a single airmax? device. . Powered by a proprietary and intuitive graphical interface, edgeos, every edgerouter x can easily be configured for the routing, security, and management features required to efficiently run your network. For advanced network professionals, an integrated cli is available for quick and direct access usingmands. Main features. Edgeos is a sophisticated operating system with robust features, including: vlan interfaces for network segmentation static routes and support of routing protocols: ospf, rip, and bgp firewall policies and nat rules dhcp services quality of service (qos) network administration and monitoring tools administrator and operator accounts comprehensive ipv6 support technical specification of edgerouter.

The Ubiquiti EdgeRouter X or ER-X is one of the most affordable routers/ firewalls available on the market. It is based on a MediaTek MT7621SoC containing a 880 MHz MIPS 1004KEc dual-core CPU, an embedded 5-port Gigabit Ethernet switch, and a variety of connectivity options including RGMII, PCIe, USB, SD-XC (not all of these features are present on the ER-X.) This platform is popular on the wireless router market with offerings from most of the major players in the segment, like Netgear, ASUS, TP-Link, D-Link, Buffalo, etc.

In our new series on STH, we are going to start with some of the smaller router and firewalls then move up to higher-end devices. We are starting with this popular lower-cost option.
 

What is SFP ?

SFP stands for "Small Form-factor Pluggable." It is a compact, hot-pluggable transceiver used for both telecommunication and data communications applications. The SFP transceiver is designed to support SONET (Synchronous Optical Networking), Gigabit Ethernet, Fiber Channel, and other communications standards.

Here are some key points about SFP:

  1. Versatility: SFP modules are available in a variety of formats, supporting different data rates and transmission distances. This includes optical modes (single-mode or multimode) and wavelengths.

  2. Hot-Pluggable: The term "hot-pluggable" means that the module can be installed or removed while the host system is powered on. This feature simplifies upgrades and maintenance by allowing modules to be added or swapped without shutting down the system.

  3. Applications: SFP transceivers are used in a variety of applications, including switches, routers, firewalls, and network interface cards.

  4. SFP+: An enhanced version, known as SFP+, is designed for higher data rates, typically 10 Gbps or more. SFP+ modules are similar in size and shape to standard SFPs but support higher throughput.

  5. Compatibility: While the SFP standard is standardized, different vendors may implement proprietary enhancements. As a result, not all SFPs are universally compatible across equipment from all vendors. However, many third-party SFP providers offer "universal" or "multi-vendor" SFPs that are designed to be compatible with equipment from multiple vendors.

  6. Form Factor: SFP modules are compact, making them suitable for densely populated switch or router configurations where space might be a constraint.

  7. Data Rate: Different SFPs support different data rates, from 100 Mbps up to 10 Gbps or more, depending on the specific type and standard (like SFP+).

In summary, SFP and its variants like SFP+ are essential components in modern networking, providing the flexibility to adapt network equipment to various types of media, distances, and data rates.
 

What Are the Functions of SFP modules?

  1. SFP modules facilitate high-speed communication between switches and network components such as routers and other devices.

  2. It is mainly used with copper or fiber optic cables.

  3. Its small form factor makes it ideal for areas that may not be very accessible.

  4. Compatible with duplex Multimode or Singlemode fiber optic cable as well as simplex cables.

  5. Supports wavelengths up to 1310nm for Multimode and 1550nm for Singlemode.

  6. Newer versions of SFP such as SFP+ have been developed which offer very high speeds up to 10Gbps.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT
Get solutions or consultation from the technical team.