SFP Cables and Transceivers
LevelOne SFP Modules and DAC Cables: Flexible and Cost-Effective High-Speed Network Connections
For building modern, high-performance networks, flexible and fast connection options are essential. LevelOne SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) modules (transceivers) and Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cables offer a cost-effective and reliable way to connect switches, routers, servers, and other network devices via fiber optics or short copper links at speeds from Gigabit to 10 Gigabit (and occasionally beyond). Whether you need to bridge network distances, couple different media types, or realize high-speed connections in data centers or server racks – LevelOne provides a practical range of SFP components tailored to the needs of small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and demanding home users. Discover at etree how you can flexibly expand and accelerate your network with LevelOne SFP modules and DAC cables.
LevelOne focuses on providing standards-compliant and interoperable SFP solutions that ensure easy integration and an attractive price-performance ratio.
Why LevelOne SFP Modules and DAC Cables? The Convincing Advantages in Detail:
- Attractive Price-Performance Ratio: LevelOne SFP components are often significantly cheaper than modules from primary switch or router manufacturers, without sacrificing basic functionality and reliability.
- Broad Compatibility: Thanks to adherence to industry standards (like MSA - Multi-Source Agreement), LevelOne SFP modules and DAC cables are generally compatible with a wide variety of devices from LevelOne itself as well as third-party manufacturers that do not have proprietary restrictions.
- Solid Selection for Common Requirements: A good range of transceivers for common speeds (1 Gbps SFP, 10 Gbps SFP+) and various distances over multimode or singlemode fiber, as well as copper RJ45 modules and DAC cables.
- Enable Flexible Network Expansion and Media Conversion: Ideal for extending existing networks with fiber optics, increasing reach, or making SFP ports usable for copper connections.
- Reliable Performance for SMB and SOHO: Offer stable performance for typical use cases in small to medium-sized business networks and demanding home installations.
- Ease of Use (Hot-Pluggable): SFP modules can be inserted into or removed from compatible devices during operation, simplifying maintenance and upgrades.
- Cost-Effective Short-Haul Connections with DAC Cables: For distances up to about 7 meters, DAC cables are a very economical, low-power, and low-latency alternative to two optical modules and a fiber patch cable.
The World of LevelOne SFP Components in Detail: Transceivers and Cables
LevelOne offers various components for utilizing SFP slots in network devices:
LevelOne SFP/SFP+ Transceivers (Modules) – The Flexible Interface Converters
SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) transceivers are compact, hot-swappable modules inserted into SFP slots of switches, routers, network cards, or media converters to establish a connection to the network medium (fiber optic or copper).
- Speed Classes:
- SFP Modules: For Gigabit Ethernet (typically 1.25 Gbps data rate).
- SFP+ Modules: For 10 Gigabit Ethernet (typically 10.3 Gbps data rate).
- (SFP28 modules for 25 Gbps are less common for LevelOne but possible depending on their portfolio).
- For Fiber Optic Connections:
- Multimode Modules (MMF): For shorter distances. Examples: 1000Base-SX (SFP, up to 550m), 10GBase-SR (SFP+, up to 300-400m). Typical wavelength is 850nm. Require multimode fiber optic cables (e.g., OM2, OM3, OM4).
- Singlemode Modules (SMF): For longer distances. Examples: 1000Base-LX/EX/ZX (SFP, 10km to 80km+), 10GBase-LR/ER/ZR (SFP+, 10km to 80km+). Typical wavelengths are 1310nm or 1550nm. Require singlemode fiber optic cables (e.g., OS2).
- BiDi/WDM Modules (Bidirectional): Enable data transmission in both directions over a single optical fiber by using different wavelengths for sending and receiving. Always used in pairs (one module for each side of the connection with complementary wavelengths).
- For Copper Ethernet Connections (RJ45):
- RJ45 SFP/SFP+ Modules: Convert an SFP or SFP+ port into a standard RJ45 Ethernet port. Examples: 1000Base-T SFP module (supports 10/100/1000 Mbps over Cat5e or higher), 10GBase-T SFP+ module (supports up to 10 Gbps over Cat6a/Cat7 cable, often limited to shorter distances of approx. 30m).
LevelOne Direct Attach Copper (DAC) Cables – Efficient Short-Haul Connections
DAC cables are pre-terminated copper cables with SFP+- (or SFP, QSFP+, etc.) connectors fixed on both ends. They are a direct, passive or active connection solution.
- Application Areas: Primarily for very short distances from 0.5 to about 7 meters (passive DACs) or slightly beyond (active DACs). Ideal for connections within a rack (e.g., switch to server, switch to switch) or between directly adjacent racks.
- Advantages: Lower acquisition cost, significantly lower power consumption, and lower latency compared to using two optical SFP+ modules and a fiber patch cable for the same short distance.
- Types in LevelOne's Range: Predominantly passive SFP+ to SFP+ DAC cables in common lengths (e.g., 1m, 3m, 5m).
Important Note on Required Fiber Optic Patch Cables:
For the use of fiber optic SFP/SFP+ modules, corresponding fiber optic patch cables are required. These are not part of the SFP module itself. Ensure you have the correct fiber type (multimode OMx or singlemode OSx), matching connector types (usually LC-Duplex for SFP/SFP+), and the required length.
Key Technologies and Features of LevelOne SFP Components:
Supported Ethernet and Fibre Channel Standards
LevelOne SFP modules adhere to common standards such as IEEE 802.3z (Gigabit Ethernet over fiber), IEEE 802.3ae (10 Gigabit Ethernet over fiber), and the corresponding standards for copper transmission (e.g., IEEE 802.3ab for 1000Base-T).
Optical Wavelengths and Their Significance
The wavelengths used in fiber optic modules (e.g., 850nm for multimode short-range, 1310nm for singlemode medium-range, 1550nm for singlemode long-range) are crucial for compatibility and transmission characteristics over the respective fiber type.
DDM/DOM (Digital Diagnostics Monitoring)
Many modern SFP/SFP+ modules, including those from LevelOne, support DDM (Digital Diagnostics Monitoring) or DOM (Digital Optical Monitoring). This function allows real-time monitoring of important module parameters such as temperature, voltage, transmit optical power (Tx Power), and receive optical power (Rx Power), which facilitates troubleshooting and maintenance.
MSA Compliance (Multi-Source Agreement)
Adherence to MSAs ensures that SFP modules from different manufacturers are interchangeable and can be used in devices from various vendors, provided those devices are also MSA compliant and do not require vendor-specific coding.
Which LevelOne SFP/DAC Solution for Which Use? – Application Examples:
- Connecting switches to each other (stacking or uplink) in a server rack or distribution room: LevelOne SFP+ DAC cables for short distances, or fiber optic modules (e.g., 10GBase-SR or 10GBase-LR) for longer runs.
- Connecting servers, NAS systems, or storage solutions with SFP/SFP+ ports to the network.
- Bridging distances between network distributors in different rooms, floors, or buildings using fiber optic SFP modules.
- Utilizing SFP ports on switches for standard copper Ethernet connections by using LevelOne RJ45 SFP modules.
- Cost-effective upgrade of SMB networks to 10 Gigabit Ethernet backbones.
- Building redundant links to increase network resiliency.
What to Look for When Buying LevelOne SFP Modules and DAC Cables? A Checklist:
- Compatibility with Your Device (Switch, Router, NIC): Check what SFP standard (SFP, SFP+, SFP28) and speeds your device supports. Consult the compatibility list of the device manufacturer or LevelOne if in doubt.
- Required Connection Speed: 1 Gbps (SFP) or 10 Gbps (SFP+)?
- For SFP Transceivers (Fiber Optic):
- Fiber Type: Is multimode (OM1-OM5) or singlemode (OS1/OS2) cabling existing or planned?
- Distance to Cover: What distance needs to be bridged? (This determines the module type, e.g., SX/SR for short-range, LX/LR for medium-range, EX/ZR for long-range, and the wavelength).
- Wavelength and Connector Type: Must the module match an existing module on the other end? Is it the common LC connector?
- Number of Fibers: Will a single fiber (simplex for BiDi modules, then buy modules in pairs!) or a pair of fibers (duplex for standard modules) be used?
- For Direct Attach Copper (DAC) Cables:
- Exact Length: Choose the appropriate length for the connection within the rack (e.g., 0.5m, 1m, 3m). Avoid excessive lengths.
- Port Compatibility on Both Ends: Are both device ports of the same type (e.g., SFP+ to SFP+)?
- For RJ45 SFP/SFP+ Modules (Copper):
- Supported Copper Ethernet Speeds: 10/100/1000 Mbps for SFP or up to 10 Gbps for SFP+?
- Existing Cable Type and Maximum Cable Length: Cat 6a or Cat 7 is recommended for 10GBase-T over longer distances (up to approx. 30m with SFP+).
- DDM/DOM Functionality: Is digital diagnostics monitoring of module parameters desired or required?
- Number of Components: Are modules/cables needed individually or in pairs for a complete link?
- Budget: LevelOne SFP modules and DAC cables are typically a budget-friendly option compared to original modules from major switch manufacturers.
At etree, you will find a selection of LevelOne SFP modules and DAC cables. Use our product filters and detailed descriptions to identify the suitable components for your network project.