SFP / DAC
MikroTik SFP Modules and DAC Cables: Flexible High-Speed Connectivity for Your Network
In modern networks where high data rates and flexible connections are essential, SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) modules and DAC (Direct Attach Copper) cables play a crucial role in realizing fast and reliable links. MikroTik, known for its powerful, configurable, and often very affordable routers and switches, offers a comprehensive range of SFP/SFP+/SFP28/QSFP modules and DAC cables. These allow network administrators, system integrators, and demanding users to precisely adapt their network infrastructure to specific speed, distance, and media requirements. Whether fiber optic connections over kilometers or cost-effective high-speed connections within a rack – MikroTik components provide a reliable and often very inexpensive solution. Discover the variety of MikroTik SFP modules and DAC cables at etree and design your network to be future-proof and high-performing.
MikroTik aims to deliver professional quality in optical and direct copper connections at a fraction of the cost of traditional vendors, making them particularly attractive to a broad user base.
Why MikroTik SFP Modules and DAC Cables? The Convincing Advantages in Detail:
- Excellent Price-Performance Ratio: MikroTik is known for offering high-quality network components at very competitive prices, and their SFP modules and DAC cables are no exception.
- Broad Compatibility (especially with MikroTik devices): Designed for optimal use with MikroTik RouterBOARDs and Cloud Router Switches (CRS), they often also offer good compatibility with devices from other manufacturers that support open standards.
- Wide Selection for Diverse Requirements: An extensive range of modules for different speeds (1G, 10G, 25G, 40G, 100G), transmission media (multimode fiber, singlemode fiber, copper RJ45), and reaches (from a few meters to 80km and more).
- Enable Flexible and Scalable Network Topologies: With SFP ports and the appropriate modules, networks can be easily expanded and adapted to growing bandwidth requirements.
- Reliability for Professional and Ambitious Setups: MikroTik components are known for their stability and are suitable for both SMB environments and demanding home networks or WISP applications.
- Cost-Effective Intra-Rack Connections with DAC Cables: For very short distances, DAC cables offer a low-cost, low-power, and low-latency alternative to optical transceivers with fiber patch cables.
- Support for Modern Network Speeds: Enable the construction of networks with Gigabit, 10 Gigabit, 25 Gigabit, 40 Gigabit, and even 100 Gigabit Ethernet.
The World of MikroTik Connectivity Components in Detail:
MikroTik offers two main categories of components for high-speed connections in SFP-like ports:
MikroTik SFP/SFP+/SFP28/QSFP+/QSFP28 Modules (Optical and Copper Transceivers)
These are compact, hot-pluggable transceiver modules that create an interface between the network device (switch, router) and the transmission medium (fiber optic or copper cable).
- Basics and Speed Classes:
- SFP: Up to 1.25 Gbps (typically for Gigabit Ethernet).
- SFP+: Up to 10 Gbps (for 10 Gigabit Ethernet).
- SFP28: Up to 25 Gbps (for 25 Gigabit Ethernet).
- QSFP+ (Quad SFP+): Up to 40 Gbps (often realized as 4x10G).
- QSFP28 (Quad SFP28): Up to 100 Gbps (often realized as 4x25G or 2x50G).
- For Fiber Optic Cables:
- Multimode Fiber (MMF): For shorter distances (up to approx. 550m at 1G, up to approx. 300-400m at 10G). Typical modules: S-85DLC05D (1.25G SX), S+85DLC03D (10G SR). Usually use 850nm wavelength.
- Singlemode Fiber (SMF): For longer distances (from a few kilometers up to 80km or more). Typical modules: S-31DLC20D (1.25G LX, 20km), S+31DLC10D (10G LR, 10km), S-55DLC80D (1.25G ZX, 80km). Usually use 1310nm or 1550nm wavelength.
- BiDi/WDM Modules (Bidirectional): Enable sending and receiving over a single optical fiber by using different wavelengths (e.g., 1310/1550nm or 1490/1550nm). Often sold in pairs (e.g., S-3553LC20D).
- For Copper Ethernet Cables:
- RJ45 SFP/SFP+ Modules: Allow a standard copper Ethernet cable (Cat5e/6/6a) to be connected to an SFP/SFP+ port. Typical modules: S-RJ01 (10/100/1000Mbit/s copper), S+RJ10 (1/2.5/5/10Gbit/s copper, up to 30m).
MikroTik Direct Attach Copper (DAC) Cables
DAC cables are copper cables with SFP/SFP+/QSFP+/QSFP28 connectors permanently attached to both ends. They are an alternative to optical modules for very short distances.
- Application Areas: Ideal for high-speed connections within a rack or between directly adjacent racks (typical lengths: 0.5m, 1m, 3m, 5m).
- Advantages over Optical Modules on Short Hauls: Significantly lower cost, lower power consumption, and lower latency.
- Types: Passive DACs are most common for lengths up to approx. 5-7 meters. Active DACs (with signal amplification) can cover slightly longer distances but are less common in MikroTik's portfolio. Examples: S+DA0001 (1m SFP+ DAC), Q+DA0003 (3m QSFP+ DAC).
Key Technologies and Features of MikroTik SFP/DACs:
Wavelengths and Their Significance in Fiber Optic Modules
The wavelength of light determines transmission characteristics. 850nm is typically used for cost-effective multimode connections over short distances. 1310nm is a standard for singlemode connections over medium distances (up to approx. 10-40km). 1550nm is used for very long singlemode links (40km and more) as fiber attenuation is lowest at this wavelength.
Fiber Connector Types – LC is the Standard for SFPs
Most SFP/SFP+/SFP28 modules from MikroTik use the compact LC Duplex connector (Lucent Connector). It is important to use matching fiber patch cables with LC connectors that correspond to the module's fiber type (multimode OM1-OM4 or singlemode OS1/OS2).
DDM/DOM (Digital Diagnostics Monitoring)
Many MikroTik SFP modules support DDM (also called DOM). This function allows real-time monitoring of important module operating parameters, such as temperature, supply voltage, transmit optical power (Tx Power), and receive optical power (Rx Power). This is very useful for troubleshooting and monitoring link quality.
Compatibility with MikroTik RouterOS and SwOS
MikroTik SFP modules and DACs are designed to work optimally with the RouterOS and SwOS operating systems that run on MikroTik hardware. This ensures smooth detection and functionality, including the reading of DDM information.
Industrial Temperature Options
For use under extended temperature conditions (e.g., in outdoor enclosures or non-air-conditioned environments), MikroTik occasionally offers SFP modules specified for a broader industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C).
Which MikroTik SFP/DAC Solution for Which Use? – Application Examples:
- Connecting switches to routers or servers with 1G/10G/40G/100G uplinks.
- Building fiber optic backbones within buildings or across short to medium campus areas.
- Cost-effective and low-latency 10G, 40G, or 100G connections between switches and servers in the same server rack (using DAC cables).
- Connecting devices with SFP/SFP+ ports to existing copper Ethernet infrastructures (using RJ45 SFP/SFP+ modules).
- Implementing highly available, redundant uplink connections through link aggregation over multiple SFP ports.
- Use in WISP (Wireless Internet Service Provider) infrastructures for connecting radio masts or distribution points.
- Connecting high-bandwidth storage solutions (SAN/NAS).
What to Look for When Buying MikroTik SFP Modules and DAC Cables? A Checklist:
- Compatibility with End Devices: What port type (SFP, SFP+, SFP28, QSFP+, QSFP28) do your switches, routers, or network cards have? Check MikroTik's compatibility lists and datasheets (often found on the MikroTik Wiki).
- Required Speed: Are you planning a connection with 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps, 25 Gbps, 40 Gbps, or 100 Gbps?
- Transmission Medium and Distance:
- Fiber Optic: Is multimode fiber (for short distances) or singlemode fiber (for longer distances) used? What exact distance needs to be covered? (This determines the module type like SX/SR vs. LX/LR/ER/ZR). Is a BiDi pair needed for a single fiber?
- Direct Attach Copper (DAC): What length is needed (e.g., 0.5m, 1m, 3m, 5m)? Note the maximum supported lengths for passive DACs.
- Copper (RJ45 SFP/SFP+): What speed (1G or 1/2.5/5/10G) and what cable type (Cat5e, Cat6, Cat6a) is present/planned?
- Existing Fiber Type and Connector Type: Ensure the modules match the existing or planned fiber type (e.g., OM3/OM4 multimode, OS2 singlemode) and the connectors of the patch cables (usually LC for SFPs).
- Number of Components Needed: For a point-to-point connection, two fiber optic modules and one patch cable, or one DAC cable, are typically required. BiDi modules are often sold in pairs (one for each side).
- DDM/DOM Support: Is the ability for digital diagnostics monitoring needed? Most modern MikroTik modules support this.
- Environmental Conditions: Are modules for standard or extended (industrial) temperature range needed?
- Budget: MikroTik SFP modules and DAC cables are often very attractively priced compared to solutions from other major network manufacturers.
At etree, you will find a wide selection of MikroTik SFP modules and DAC cables. Our detailed product descriptions will help you find the exact components for your network project.