SFP patch cable

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SFP patch cable

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SFP patch cable
SFP patch cable
2022-08-30 12:59:44 - last edited 2022-09-06 16:30:03

Hi All, 

 

I have ordered 2 switches, TL-SG2210MP and TL-SG2218.  They both have 2 SFP ports I would like to use to connect them.  They will both be in the same rack, so is there a recommenced .5 - 1' patch cable I could use?  Any other tips would be helpful since I have not used SFP before.   My hope is by using SFP it will  free up 1 Ethernet port on each switch.  Thanks   

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#1
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Re:SFP patch cable-Solution
2022-08-31 15:07:32 - last edited 2022-09-06 16:30:03

  @s_track 

 

I do not recommend using RJ45 transceivers. Quite opposite. In my view, they should be used only when you need to connect SFP to RJ45. DAC cables are commonly used to link SFP/SFP+ switches that are close to each other. They perform almost as good as fiber at 1G or 10G in short runs, just a little bit higher latency, and they already include necessary connectors. I use one to connect my SFP+ switches, but they can be used with SFP slots, too. Fiber cables are typically used for longer runs or in really crowded network closets. You probably will have difficulties finding short fiber cables.

Kris K
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Re:SFP patch cable-Solution
2022-09-02 19:43:29 - last edited 2022-09-06 16:30:07

  @s_track short distance as in same rack.. always use a DAC cable, this is the most cost effective way, else use multi mode or single mode fiber depending on distance/cost/availability. Ethernet transceivers are almost always the last choice.

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Re:SFP patch cable
2022-08-31 06:09:07

  @s_track 

 

From what I know the SFP cables are designed for SFP+ port, work as stack cable. But your switch only support 1G SFP port, not the 10G SFP+.

 

I think you can consider TL-SM331T, it's SFP-to-RJ45 module.

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Re:SFP patch cable
2022-08-31 12:23:54

  @s_track 

 

For such a short run, I would use a DAC cable. It is typically good for up to 5m. I would use a fiber cable for longer runs. I would stay away from links involving RJ45 because of increased latency. The total cost is higher, too.

Kris K
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Re:SFP patch cable
2022-08-31 14:35:46 - last edited 2022-08-31 19:33:46

  @KJK 

 

So I am confused.  What is the real purpose of an SFP port?  If you are just going to use a SFP to RJ45 converter, why  use the SFP port in the first place?   Why do you suggest a dac cable over a "standard" SFP patch cable that uses fiber?  Thanks  

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Re:SFP patch cable-Solution
2022-08-31 15:07:32 - last edited 2022-09-06 16:30:03

  @s_track 

 

I do not recommend using RJ45 transceivers. Quite opposite. In my view, they should be used only when you need to connect SFP to RJ45. DAC cables are commonly used to link SFP/SFP+ switches that are close to each other. They perform almost as good as fiber at 1G or 10G in short runs, just a little bit higher latency, and they already include necessary connectors. I use one to connect my SFP+ switches, but they can be used with SFP slots, too. Fiber cables are typically used for longer runs or in really crowded network closets. You probably will have difficulties finding short fiber cables.

Kris K
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#5
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Re:SFP patch cable
2022-08-31 19:17:04

  @KJK   Thank you, that was useful.   I am having trouble finding a short SFP DAC cable.  Most I find are SFP+.  Can I use a SFP+ cable to connect 2 switches with SFP ports?   Thanks again

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#6
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Re:SFP patch cable
2022-08-31 20:26:19

  @s_track 

 

I have never tried it myself, but Internet says YES.

Search tip: "Can I Use SFP+ DAC Twinax Cable in SFP Ports?"

 

 

 

Kris K
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Re:SFP patch cable
2022-09-02 13:05:50

  @KJK   Thank you!

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#8
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Re:SFP patch cable-Solution
2022-09-02 19:43:29 - last edited 2022-09-06 16:30:07

  @s_track short distance as in same rack.. always use a DAC cable, this is the most cost effective way, else use multi mode or single mode fiber depending on distance/cost/availability. Ethernet transceivers are almost always the last choice.

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#9
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