SFP Speed vs SFP+ Speed: What's the difference?

SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) and SFP+ (Small Form-factor Pluggable Plus) are both types of transceivers used in data communication and telecommunications networks. The main difference between them is their data transmission speeds.

SFP transceivers have a maximum data transmission speed of up to 1 Gigabit per second (Gb/s), and they are typically used for telecommunication and data communication applications.

On the other hand, SFP+ transceivers are an enhanced version of the SFP that can support data rates up to 10 Gb/s. SFP+ modules are mainly used in data center, enterprise wiring closet, and service provider transport applications where the transfer of data at higher speeds is required.

So, in a nutshell, the difference between SFP and SFP+ is mainly in the data transmission speeds, with SFP+ supporting up to ten times the speed of SFP modules.
 

Besides speed, what are the advantages of SFP+over SFP?

Beyond speed, the SFP+ also has several other advantages over the SFP:

1. Higher Bandwidth: SFP+ supports higher bandwidth which allows for faster data transfer and can accommodate newer and more data-intensive applications.

2. Smaller Footprint: SFP+ takes up less physical space than SFP, which can save considerable space in a data center. This is particularly important as data center space is typically at a premium.

3. Lower Power Consumption: SFP+ typically consumes less power than SFP, thus reducing energy costs and making it a more environmentally friendly option. 

4. Enhanced Features: Depending on the specific SFP+ module, there may be additional features such as digital diagnostic monitoring, which provides real-time access to device operating parameters.

5. Scalability: SFP+ can easily scale up to higher data rates (40G, 100G) with QSFP+ or CFP modules, providing flexibility for future network upgrades. 

6. Better Interoperability: SFP+ modules are compatible with devices that have SFP+ slots, as well as with those with SFP slots (running at reduced speed). This means that they can be used in a wider range of equipment, increasing their versatility.

7. Improved Network Performance:Because of the higher data transfer rate of SFP+, the network performance improves significantly. This leads to reduced latency, improved response times, and overall improved network efficiency, especially for tasks involving heavy data transfer.
 

How to Choose SFP Transceivers?

In addition to SFP vs SFP+ vs QSFP, you’ll also need to consider the application. SFP transceivers are available in different types depending on what they will be used for, for example single-mode vs multimode SFP. Single-mode SFP transceivers work with single-mode fibre, whereas multimode SFPs are compatible with multimode fibre. Additionally, there are long-reach WDM SFP transceivers for multiplexing, simplex SFPs for single fibre applications, video SFP transceivers for transmission of high-definition video, and PON SFP transceivers for fibre-based access networks. SFPs are available in commercial and extended operating temperature ranges, with or without extended diagnostics capabilities.
 

SFP types and updates

Industries have continued to update SFP specifications to support higher rates and additional interconnect types. SFP28 supports 25 Gbps over both multimode and single-mode fiber. BiDi SFPs support bidirectional communication over a single fiber. While other SFP types require two fibers -- one to send and one to receive -- BiDi SFPs use different wavelengths with one wavelength for sending data
 

and the other for receiving.

Compact SFPs support two bidirectional links using the same interface module -- two fibers are used with each carrying bidirectional traffic. Quad SFP (QSFP) modules support four fibers carrying Ethernet,FC or InfiniBand. Most available QSFP modules can support up to 200 Gbps. Both octal SFP and QSPF double density have recently become available and extend data rates to 400 Gbps.