Fet-10g vs sfp-10g-sr: What's the difference?

FET-10G vs. SFP-10G-SR are Cisco brand for building short network. FET is short for “Fabric Extender”. Just as its name implies, this module can only support fabric links from a Nexus 2000 to a Cisco parent switch. Fabric Extender transceiver can support link lengths up to 100m over OM3or OM4multimode fibre cable. SFP-10G-SR transceiver supports link lengths of 26m on standard fibre distributed data interface-grade multimode fibre cable. The link lengths can reach up to 300m over OM3 fibre cable and 400m over OM4 fibre patch leads. You can learn some small differences from the following table.

The FET-10G and SFP-10G-SR are both 10 Gbps transceivers used in Cisco equipment, but they have distinct purposes and differences:

1. FET-10G (Fabric Extender Transceiver):

   • Purpose: Specifically designed for use with Cisco Nexus Fabric Extenders (often referred to as FEX), which are essentially remote line cards for Nexus switches. The FET-10G ensures the connectivity between the Nexus switch and the FEX.

   • Range: It's designed for short-reach connections, similar to the SFP-10G-SR, but it's not necessarily interchangeable with other 10Gb SR optics due to its specific use-case.

   • Cost: Typically, FET-10G transceivers are less expensive than many other 10Gb transceivers because of their limited use-case.

   • Compatibility: They are only meant for use in Nexus Fabric Extender-to-parent switch connections. Using them in other scenarios or with other equipment is not supported.

2. SFP-10G-SR (Short Range 10G SFP+ Transceiver):

   • Purpose: A general-purpose 10Gb transceiver designed for short-range multi-mode fiber connections in various Cisco devices, not just limited to the Nexus series.

   • Range: Suitable for short connections up to 400 meters on OM4 multi-mode fiber and 300 meters on OM3 multi-mode fiber.

   • Versatility: Unlike the FET-10G, the SFP-10G-SR can be used in a wide range of Cisco equipment for any 10Gb connection within its range, not just for FEX connections.

   • Compatibility: It's designed for broader compatibility across various Cisco devices and applications.

In Summary: While both transceivers are designed for short-range 10Gbps connections, the key difference lies in their use-case. The FET-10G is specific to Fabric Extender connections in the Cisco Nexus series, while the SFP-10G-SR is a more general-purpose 10G transceiver for short-range connections in a variety of Cisco equipment. If you're planning on setting up or expanding a network, it's crucial to choose the right module based on the specific needs and compatibility of your equipment.

 

What do fet-10g and sfp-10g-sr represent respectively?

What is fet-10g ?

The FET-10G is a Fabric Extender Transceiver designed specifically for Cisco systems. Here's a brief overview of the FET-10G:

FET-10G (Fabric Extender Transceiver 10G):

• Purpose: The FET-10G is specially designed for use with Cisco Nexus Fabric Extenders (often referred to as FEX). Fabric Extenders are essentially remote line cards for Nexus switches. The FET-10G ensures the connectivity between the Nexus switch and the FEX.

• Type: It's an optical transceiver module that supports 10 Gbps data rates.

• Range: Designed for short-reach connections, the FET-10G is suitable for relatively close interconnections, similar to other short-reach transceivers.

• Use Case Specific: The FET-10G is not a general-purpose transceiver like many other 10Gb modules. Its primary use is for Fabric Extender-to-parent switch connections within Cisco's architecture.

• Cost: Generally, FET-10G transceivers tend to be less expensive than many other 10Gb transceivers because of their limited, specific use-case.

• Compatibility: It's important to note that FET-10G modules are intended only for use in Nexus Fabric Extender-to-parent switch connections. Utilizing them in other scenarios or with other equipment might not be supported or could result in suboptimal performance.

When working with Cisco equipment and especially when considering expansions or modifications, it's essential to be aware of the specific requirements and compatibilities of each component. The FET-10G serves a particular purpose within the Cisco ecosystem and is optimized for that role.

 

What is sfp-10g-sr?

The SFP-10G-SR is a type of SFP+ (Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus) optical transceiver module designed for 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) applications. Here's a brief overview:

SFP-10G-SR (10GBase-SR SFP+ module):

• Purpose: The SFP-10G-SR module is designed for 10G short-range data transmission and is typically used in data center and enterprise networking environments.

• Type: It's an optical transceiver that supports 10 Gbps data rates.

• Optical Technology: It operates over multi-mode fiber using an 850nm wavelength. The "SR" stands for Short Range.

• Range: Depending on the type of optical fiber being used, the SFP-10G-SR can support distances up to 300 meters on OM3 multi-mode fiber and up to 400 meters on OM4 multi-mode fiber.

• Applications: These modules are commonly used in 10G Ethernet switch connections, router-to-switch connections, and other data center and enterprise networking applications.

• Compatibility: SFP-10G-SR modules are compliant with the SFF-8431 and IEEE 802.3ae 10GBASE-SR standards. They can be used in any SFP+ port that supports these standards.

• Physical Connectors: Typically, the SFP-10G-SR module uses LC duplex connectors and requires multi-mode fiber (MMF) for transmission.

The SFP-10G-SR offers a cost-effective way to connect switches, routers, and other networking equipment in close proximity, making it a popular choice for modern data centers and enterprise networks. Always ensure compatibility with your specific equipment and firmware versions when purchasing and implementing SFP+ modules.
 

Expand content:

Can We Connect FET-10G With SFP-10G-SR

In Cisco Nexus switch, do the transceivers have t ends in order for the connection to work? Does FET module have to be linked with another FET module? Now there is a FET-10G module in Cisco Nexus 2000 series fabric extender and SFP-10G-SR in a Nexus 5000 series switch. Can this connection work normally? Before making a judgement, let’s first compare the power of FET-10G and SFP-10G-SR.

Can We Replace FET-10G with SFP-10G-SR Modules?

FET-10G transceiver is designed to connect Cisco Nuplink ports (fabric interfaces) with the upstream parent Cisco Nexus switch. We already know that we can’t intermix FET-10G with SFP-10G-SR modules. How about plugging SFP-10G-SR transceivers into the fabric ports to connect Cisco Nexus switches? That is to say, can we replace FET-10G with SFP-10G-SR?

The answer is yes. However, it’s more expensive compared with original Cisco SFP-10G-SR transceiver. FET-10G is to provide an uplink to a Fabric Extender and save you money. If you already have them, then use them. If you making a purchasing decision, buy the FET-10G or third-party SFP-10G-SR.
 

Conclusion

From this article, you can find FET-10G vs SFP-1T-10G is specially designed for Cisco Nexus series switches. To make sure the right connection, bear in mind that use the sane transceivers on both sides, either FET or 10G-SR. You can replace FET-10G with SFP-10G-SR while you can’t do that in turn.