What is an SFP?

SFP stands for Small Form-factor Pluggable. It is a compact, hot-swappable transceiver module used for data communication applications such as Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and SONET/SDH.

SFP modules are typically used in networking devices such as switches, routers, and network interface cards (NICs) to connect them to fiber optic or copper cables. They support data transfer rates from 100 Mbps to 10 Gbps and beyond, depending on the type of SFP module used.

One of the advantages of SFP modules is that they can be easily swapped without having to power down the networking device, making them a convenient and flexible solution for network administrators. There are different types of SFP modules available, such as single-mode, multi-mode, and copper, each with their own specific characteristics and applications.