QSFP28 vs SFP+：What's the difference?

When exploring the intricacies of modern communication systems, one often stumbles upon various pluggable optical modules or transceivers that act as vital conduits of information. Two notable variants that dominate the discourse, particularly in high-speed communications and data centers, are the QSFP28 and the SFP+ modules. While they share similarities, critical differences in their performance and utilization sketch the distinct roles each plays in today's communication industry.
 

Small Form-factor Pluggable Plus (SFP+) transceivers essentially enhanced the capabilities of the initial standard SFP devices to support data rates up to 10 Gbps. They were devised to fulfill increased bandwidth requirements across Ethernet and Fibre Channel applications while still maintaining the small form-factor of the traditional SFP design. The SFP+ modules have become a prominent solution for 10 Gigabit Ethernet networks and are ideal for short to medium reach applications.
 

Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable 28 (QSFP28) transceivers, on the other hand, are a much newer technological breakthrough in optical modules. These transceivers offer four times the data rate offered by SFP+ modules, boosting the capacity to an impressive 100 Gbps. This surge in power is largely attributed to the fact that QSFP28 modules transmit data across four channels, each operating at a data rate of 25 Gbps. 
 

The QSFP28 manages to pack this impressive level of performance into a module roughly the same size as an SFP+ and uses a parallel fiber-optic interface. The ability of QSFP28 modules to deliver such high data rates while still maintaining a compact form factor makes them a primary choice for large-scale data centers and high-performance computing applications looking for density and high throughput.
 

A major difference between QSFP28 and SFP+ also lies in their power consumption. While the QSFP28 uses less power-per-gigabit than the SFP+, the overall power consumption is higher due to its larger capacity. Consequently, QSFP28 may require advanced thermal management methods in larger deployments.
 

It's essential to note that the decision between QSFP28 and SFP+ is often guided by the specific requirements of a system. SFP+ modules remain a viable option for network systems that operate at 10 Gbps or lower data rates. However, for operations demanding higher bandwidth or data centers that need to expand their capacity without increasing their physical footprint, QSFP28 offers an advanced and more suitable solution. 
 

Furthermore, while SFP+ is limited to single, dual, or quad fiber lanes, QSFP28 makes better use of parallel fiber lanes. This key advantage is central to why QSFP28's are preferred for large-scale installations, providing high-speed data connections between servers, switches, and other associated devices.
 

In conclusion, while QSFP28 and SFP+ share some similarities – being hot-pluggable, small form-factor transceivers used for data communication applications – their unique capabilities and features differentiate them significantly. The choice between these two often boils down to the specific needs of the communication system in terms of bandwidth, power consumption, and physical deployment infrastructural requirements. As the industry's demands continue to grow, we can anticipate seeing these technologies further evolve, offering even more efficient and higher-capacity solutions.
 

What do QSFP28 and SFP+represent respectively?

What is QSFP28 ?

Navigating the realm of high-speed communication networks necessitates an understanding of the key technologies that enable such rapid data transfer. The QSFP28 optical module, an integral component of this setup, has emerged as an impressive asset in the day-to-day operations of modern communication systems, particularly within bustling data centers and advanced networking infrastructures.
 

The term QSFP28 stands for Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable 28, with '28' referring to the operational data rate per channel, which is 28 gigabits per second (Gbps). QSFP28 is a high-density, high-speed product solution designed to support connectivity options ranging from 100G (gigabit Ethernet) to 100Gb/s proprietary connections. 
 

While QSFP transceivers have been serving networking demands with their multi-lane data transfer capabilities, the QSFP28 has taken this a step further by transmitting data at a remarkably high rate of 100 Gbps. This is achieved using four independent 25 Gbps optical lanes that guide simplex transmission, leading to a combined data rate of 100 Gbps.
 

The QSFP28 optical modules embody an evolution well suited to the increasing data quantity demands from cloud services, data centers, high-performance computing, and high-speed telecommunications. They provide four times the capacity of SFP+ modules, fitting significantly more data transfer potential into a similarly compact module. This compactness juxtaposed with their incredible data transmission capacity means that they offer a higher port density - ideal for situations where space is at a premium but performance cannot be compromised.
 

QSFP28 modules are hot-pluggable, meaning they can be added or removed without powering down the system. This capability enables simple system upgrades and maintenance, making them an advantageous choice in the ever-evolving technology world where systems are frequently upgraded or expanded.
 

Another defining feature of the QSFP28 optical module is its versatility. QSFP28 modules support several link lengths, including the 100-meter links on multimode fiber (MMF), the 10-kilometer link on single-mode fiber (SMF), and the 30-kilometer link on SMF. This makes QSFP28 modules adaptable for various communication distances in complex networking environments. They are also compatible with a range of protocols and applications, including Ethernet, InfiniBand, and Fibre Channel.
 

In conclusion, QSFP28 optical modules represent a significant leap forward in high-speed data communications. As the need for faster data transfer rates and higher capacities in communication systems continues to ascend, the adoption and further development of QSFP28 modules is indispensable. Their high-density, high-speed attributes, along with their versatility and hot-pluggability, mark a breakthrough set to shape the future of data centers, cloud services, and telecommunications networks. As such, the QSFP28 optical module has indeed earned its place as the quintessential asset in high-speed communications.
 

The 100G QSFP28 transceiver module is a high-density, high-speed product designed for 100Gbps applications. It has the same form factor as the QSFP+ transceiver. QSFP28 100G provides four-channel high-speed signals, and the data rate of each channel ranges from 25 Gbps to possibly 40 Gbps, ultimately meeting the requirements of 100 Gbps Ethernet (4×25Gbps) and 400G (100 Gbps 4X) InfiniBand Enhanced Data Rate (EDR).
 

QSFP28 transceiver modules usually have several standards-100GBASE-SR4, 100GBASE-LR4, 100GbASE-PSM4 and 100GBASE-CWDM4. QSFP28-100G-SR4 works on multimode fiber with a distance of 100 meters. The 100GBASE-LR4 QSFP28 supports a longer distance of 10 kilometers. Compared with the CFP form factor, the QSFP28 transceiver module is more popular in the 100G market because of its higher plug-in density.

 

What is SFP+?

Data is the lifeblood of contemporary digital systems, underpinning everything from online businesses to social media platforms and advanced research programs. Pivotal to harnessing the power of these vast amounts of data is the SFP+ optical module. This technology allows for rapid and safe data transfer in a variety of communication applications, serving as a backbone to the high-speed digital world that we rely on daily.
 

Standing for Small Form-factor Pluggable Plus, the SFP+ is an enhanced version of the SFP module and has become a standard interface in telecommunications and data communication applications. SFP+ modules, with their compact form factor, are designed to support data rates up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps), which makes them a popular choice for networks with data rate requirements beyond 1 Gbps, but still within the 10 Gbps limit.
 

Apart from being an optimal solution for 10G Ethernet systems, SFP+ modules also support other communication standards, including 8G Fibre Channel, 10G Fibre Channel, and synchronous optical networking (SONET) at higher rates. This gives the SFP+ modules a versatile quality to cater to a variety of network specifications.
 

One defining feature of SFP+ transceivers is their hot-pluggable nature. This means they can be plugged into or removed from a device without shutting it down. This capability significantly reduces system downtime, enabling easier maintenance or network upgrades. 
 

While the compact design of SFP+ modules allows for high port density, it doesn't compromise their reach. SFP+ transceivers can be categorized into several types based on the different distance and transmission medium, such as 10GBASE-SR SFP+ for short-reach applications, 10GBASE-LR SFP+ for long reach, and 10GBASE-T SFP+ for transmission over twisted pair cable. 
 

Another significant benefit of the SFP+ module is its lower power consumption compared to its predecessors, which makes it a more eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for high-speed communications. 
 

In conclusion, the rise of the SFP+ transceiver has revolutionized high-speed data networking by offering efficient, flexible, and compact solutions for data transmission. As a driver of modern communication systems, this technology allows businesses and organizations to leverage high-capacity data connections while maintaining energy efficiency and space-saving design. Therefore, SFP+ plays a crucial role in enabling the robust and reliable digital infrastructure that our societies increasingly rely on. As we continue to demand more from our networks, the technological prowess of SFP+ transceivers will undoubtedly remain central to our data-driven world.

 

How to Choose SFP Transceivers?

In addition to SFP, SFP+, SFP28, QSFP+, and QSFP28, you also need to consider the application. Different types of SFP transceivers depend on their purpose, such as single-mode versus multimode SFP. Single-mode SFP transceivers work with single-mode fiber, while multimode SFPs are compatible with multimode fiber. In addition, there are long-reach WDM SFP transceivers for multiplexing, simplex SFPs for single-fiber applications, video SFP transceivers for transmitting high-definition video, and PON SFPs for fiber-based access network transceivers. SFPs are available in commercial and extended operating temperature ranges, with or without extended diagnostics.

 

Some questions:

What is the difference between QSFP+ and QSFP28?

QSFP+ vs QSFP28: Different Speeds for Different Uses
QSFP+ module supports 1x 40 Gbit/s and QSFP+ DAC/AOC cable supports 4x 10 Gbit/s. QSFP28 module is capable of transmitting data at 100 Gbit/s, and the QSFP28 DAC/AOC cable can run at 4x 25 Gbit/s or 2x 50 Gbit/s.
 

Is SFP28 the same as SFP+?

The answer is definitely yes: SFP28 adopts the same form factor as SFP+, just running at 25 Gb/s instead of 10Gb/s, which offers better performance and higher speed. So SFP28 will work sufficiently on SFP+ ports, and SFP+ cables can be plugged into SFP28 ports although they are not designed for 25Gb/s data rates.
 

Is SFP+ compatible with QSFP28?

In brief, the new-gen optical transceiver is backward compatible with the previous version in most situations. In other words, SFP+ ports can take SFPs, it is possible to plug SFP+ into SFP28 ports to run 10G, and QSFP+ optics work fine in QSFP28 ports, but not vice versa.
 

What are the differences between SFP and QSFP optical transceivers?

SFP, a small form-factor pluggable for short, is a compact, hot-pluggable transceiver module used for both telecommunication and data communications applications. The Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP) is a compact, hot-pluggable transceiver used for data communications applications.
 

What is the difference between QSFP28 and SFP28?

SFP28 and QSFP28 transceivers actually adopt different sizes and working principles. SFP28 supports only one channel with 25 Gbit/s, while QSFP28 supports 4 separate lanes, and each is 25 Gbit/s. Both of them can be used in 100G networks, but the SFP28 is applied in the form of QSFP28 to the SFP28 breakout solution.
 

What’s QSFP28?

QSFP28 is a hot-pluggable transceiver module designed for a 100G data rate. QSFP28 integrates 4 transmit and 4 receiver channels. “28” means each lane carries up to 28G data rate. QSFP28 can do a 4x25G breakout connection, 2x50G breakout, or 1x100G depending on the transceiver used.
 

Can I use an SFP transceiver in SFP28 ports?

Can I use SFP28 Transceivers in SFP+ ports? The answer is yesbecause SFP28 is backward compatible with SFP+ ports and can be fully functional. SFP+ optical modules and SFP+ cables can be plugged into the SFP28 port, but do not support 25Gb / s data rate.
 

What is QSFP28 DD?

QSFP-DD is a new module and cage/connector systemsimilar to the current QSFP, but with an additional row of contacts providing for an eight-lane electrical interface. It is being developed by the QSFP-DD MSA as a key part of the industry’s effort to enable high-speed solutions.
 

Does QSFP28 support 10G?

QSFP28 transceivers have the same form factor as the QSFP optical transceiver. The former has just 4 electrical lanes that can be used as a 4x 25GBE and also a 4x 10GbE, while the latter supports 40G ( 4x 10G).

Is QSFP56 compatible with QSFP28?

As seen from their industry names, QSFP56, QSFP28, and QSFP+are very similar in that they share the same QSFP form factor as their postfix shows, and they have the same size as each other.