If you want to acquire a good knowledge about data
communication and telecommunication applications, you should definitely
stay aware of few common types of internet-related devices available in
the market. In this article, you will get an overview on SFP referred as
Small Form-factor Pluggable.
Overview on Small Form Factor Pluggable
Small
Form Factor Pluggable is a hot, compact and a pluggable type of
transceiver used in both data communication and telecommunication
applications. Here, a multi-source agreement based on SFF Committee
auspices specifies electrical interface and form factor.
Main Function of the Device
Main
function of this pluggable component is to provide interface to a
motherboard of a network device, like a router, switch and a media
converter to a Fiber optic cable.
It is one among the popular industrial formats developed jointly and
obtained support from large numbers of vendors involved in supplying
network components.
In
addition, these transceivers give support to Gigabit, SONET, Ethernet,
Fiber Channels and various other essential communication standards.
Because of the availability of SFP in relatively smaller size, it
sometimes obsolesce GBIC (Gigabit Interface Converter) or Fiber media converter. Along with this, most of the network hardware professionals call it as Mini-GBIC.
Applications of the Device
Small
Form Factor Pluggable sockets or SFP sockets have found their wide
applications in NICs i.e. Network Interface Cards, firewalls, routers
and Ethernet switches. Even storage interface cards or storage switches
designed by using fiber channels use aforementioned modules to provide
support to different speed, like 8Gb, 4Gb and 2Gb.
As
these sockets and switches come in relatively low cost, possess low
profile and adequate ability to set up connection with varieties of
optical fiber, SFP delivers such equipment with drastic improvement in
its flexibility.
Benefits of the Device
Allows Changes in Hassle-free Way
As
the device is pluggable, it allows bring changes in optical interfaces
even during the last step of designing any card that too in hassle-free
way.
Easy Accommodation
It allows easy accommodation of various connector interfaces and even a combination of LX and SX.
Surface Mounted to PCB Board
Cage
of any Small Form Factor Pluggable comes in surface mounted form to
various PCB boards for accepting the transceiver. This facility not only
allows for easy reconfiguration and replacement, but also helps in
elimination of additional manufacturing or designing steps and reduction
in cost.
Comes with High Optical Reliability
As
the pluggable device eliminates optical component from the actual
soldering process, such transceivers provide highest possible optical
reliability and allow usage of highest possible soldering temperatures.
