The past few years have witnessed the extensive adoption of 10Gbps connectivity at data center equipment. The expansion of 10 Gigabit Ethernet is supposed to satisfy the increasing demand for higher-performance servers, storage and interconnects. Since 10G network generally provides both optical and copper options, here comes the challenge for every IT technician: how to select the appropriate 10G connectivity solution? And could it be able to support data center deployments and trends concerning the current situation and the future? In this article, we will discuss 10GBASE-T vs SFP+, what are their pros and cons and 10GBASE-T SFP+ comparison. And try to offer some help on how to choose between them.
Options for 10G Network Connectivity
Two of the most widely used methods of connecting servers and storage to 10Gb Ethernet network switches are using 10GBASE-T and SFP+. Many IT technicians are now evaluating the 10GBase-T technology. Because 10GBase-T is easier to deploy and cheaper than the alternative SFP+ technologies.
The wide usage of implemented 10GBASE-T takes the form of an embedded RJ45 port. The advantage of which is that it allows users to capitalize on their existing Cat6a UTP structured cabling ecosystem. But the solution with embedded 10GBASE-T RJ45 copper ports lacks flexibility. And those unused ports still consume power thus result in a higher operating cost.
For 10Gb/s data rates, SFP+ direct attach cable (DAC) is implemented as a fixed-length Twinax cable with SFP+ plugs integrated at both ends. Passive versions can be used for connections up to 7m and active versions for connectivity up to 15m. A DAC cable is a low power, low latency connection with flexibility. But it can be difficult to install through typical cable management. The difficulty increases with DAC length. Moreover, a DAC can be an expensive alternative. Because it does not take advantage of the installed Cat6a structured cabling.
10GBASE-T SFP+ Comparison
Advancements allow switch manufacturers to significantly lower power consumption on 10GBASE-T server and switch ports. A range of 10GBASE-T switches with 1.5 to 4 W per port are available on the market depending on distance.
However, the SFP+ interface continues to use less power, typically less than 1 W per port. SFP+ that has been widely deployed for 10 gigabit ToR switchesIt also offers better latency—typically about 0.3 microseconds per link. 10GBASE-T latency is about 2.6 microseconds per link. Because there are more complex encoding schemes within the equipment.
When we talk about 10GBASE-T SFP+ comparison, SFP+ Features lower power consumption and lower latency. So SFP+ is well suited for large high-speed supercomputing applications where latency is a critical factor. And it is suited for the place where high port counts can add up to significant power savings.
The cost of 10GBASE-T technology has been driven down in the past years. And with 10GBASE-T rapidly becoming the de factor LOM technology, the use of SFP+ means an additional cost of adapters for the servers. In comparing one of the latest SFP+ and 10GBASE-T ToR switches, the cost of 10GBASE-T ranges from 20% to 40% less.
10GBASE-T also has the advantage of being an interoperable, standards-based technology that uses the familiar RJ45 connector. It provides backward compatibility with legacy networks. While SFP+ solutions are limited with little or no backward compatibility.
When we talk about 10GBASE-T SFP+ comparison, 10GBASE-T can offer more design flexibility using a structured cabling approach for longer distances up to 100 meters. As well as shorter ToR switch-server connections using category 6A patch cords. A structured cabling approach means that Category 6A cables can be field terminated on patch panels to any length for clean, slack-free cable management. However, SFP+ DAC offers less than 10m distance, and they are factory terminated and must be purchased in pre-determined lengths.
- Lower deployment cost and easier to install and migrate
- Much longer reach, 100 meter vs. 8.5 meter
- Familiar RJ45 connectors and Cat 5/6/7 cables
- Use of patch panels and structured wiring
- Backward compatibility to 1 gigabit Ethernet or 100 megabit Ethernet
- Significantly lower overall cost, when you include switch, NIC and cable
- Lower latency – 300 us per hop vs. 2.6 us per hop
- Lower power and lower heat
- Freely intermix fiber and DAC to meet distance requirements
10GBASE-T vs SFP+, Which to Choose?
When you have to choose between SFP+ and 10GBASE-T and consider 10GBASE-T SFP+ comparison, the decision should be based on your need. SFP+ DAC matches better for the requirements and emerging trends of today’s data center. 10GBase-T will be a better choice for wiring closet since the demand for bandwidth becomes more acute. For equipment that power consumption and lower latency are critical, SFP+ might more suitable. But If cost, flexibility, and scalability are more vital, you may consider 10GBASE-T. Both of them should find an important place in the future of network design and best practices.
Related Article:
Which Do You Prefer: 10GBASE-T or SFP+ DAC?
Choose 10GBASE-T Copper Over SFP+ for 10G Ethernet
Understanding of 10GBASE-T And SFP+ Copper Transceiver Modules
