With the launch of the new Wi-Fi 7 routers BE800 and BE900, our home routers have begun to utilize the high speeds that come with added SFP+ Compatibility.

The SFP+ port is a high-speed optical-to-optical signal conversion port, mainly used for 10G Ethernet and Fiber Channel network applications. A key advantage of SFP+ Modules is that they are "hot-swappable", meaning they can be swapped out while the router is still powered on. They also support multiple transmission media and protocols, enhancing flexibility and scalability. The SFP+ port needs to be used in conjunction with an SFP+ optical module or SFP+ electrical port module to establish a connection and data transmission between devices.

 

1. SFP+ As WAN Port with Optical SPF+ Module (Fiber Internet)

As we all know, the most common way to access the Internet is to connect the router to the wall ethernet port or to connect to the LAN port of the ISP Fiber modem using an ethernet cable.

If your router is connected directly to a Fiber modem from your ISP, a high-speed SFP+ ONU stick may replace your fiber modem and connect your new router directly to your ISP's fiber network.

       

Traditional Topology with Fiber Modem:

                ISP Fiber Connection > Fiber modem > Ethernet Cable > BE800 (Ethernet WAN)

        NEW Topology with SFP+ ONU Stick (PON stick):

                ISP Fiber Connection >  (PON stick) BE800

 

For the most reliable information about fiber module compatibility, please contact your ISP directly to ask them to provide an officially verified SFP+ ONU Stick to replace the fiber modem. In general, If the ISP provides an SFP+ ONU Stick, we can connect it to the SFP+ interface of the BE800/BE900.

• After connecting the SFP+ Module, please remember to set the SFP+ Interface as the WAN port on the router's web page.
• Furthermore, we cannot guarantee that an SFP+ ONU Stick will work as expected since ISPs generally have verification restrictions on modules and equipment connected to their optical fiber network.

2A. SFP+ As WAN Port with RJ45 SPF+ Module

SFP+ Electrical Port modules exist to convert a traditional RJ45 ethernet connection for use with the SFP+ Port of your router. In general, consumer routers will provide options to use either an SFP+ Module or an Ethernet Connection.

We recommend using the available RJ45/Ethernet connection rather than converting your ethernet connection to a fiber one due to the extra heat generated by SFP+ modules.

Most often, you will see these SFP+ electrical port modules used with networking switches as they can convert the SFP+ Port of a switch into a high speed ethernet port which can adapt to a variety of high-bandwidth scenarios, such as file servers.

Network Topology:

ISP Fiber Connection > Fiber Modem <> Ethernet cable <> BE800 (RJ45 SPF+ Module)

 

 

 

2B.  SFP+ as LAN Port with RJ45 SFP+ Module or Optical SFP+ Module

Next, we can use SFP Optical Modules or SFP+ Optical Modules to connect devices within your network.

These modules are used with devices with higher capacity or bandwidth requirements, such as high-speed switches, network servers, high-performance PCs, or storage devices such as network-attached storage (NAS).

 

Network Topology with SFP+:

BE800(Fiber SFP+ Module)<> Optical Fiber Connection <> Switch (Fiber SFP+ Module)

 

Please Note: Fiber SFP+ Modules are different than the modules used to connect your router to your ISP and must be used in pairs.

• SFP Modules: Descriptions Will Indicate the Required Module for Pairing: TL-SM321A and TL-SM321B
• SFP+ Modules: Must simply be used in a pair with Two of the Same Model Module ↓

 

 

The main difference between SFP-10G-SR and SFP-10G-LR is that SR(Short Reach) is more cost-effective and works for a shorter range(300m), while LR(Long Reach) works for a much longer range(10km) but can have a much higher cost.

 

3. SFP+ as LAN Port with Optical SPF+ Module (EasyMesh Wired Backhauls w/Compatible Routers)

With the coming update to the BE800 and BE900 adding support for EasyMesh wired backhauls, we will now be able to connect multiple BE800 / BE900s through their SFP+ Ports to create a high-speed wired backhaul for your EasyMesh network.

EasyMesh Network Topology

BE800 (Fiber SFP+ Module) <> Optical Fiber Connection <> BE800 (Fiber SFP+ Module)

 

 

QA1: Can fiber SFP+ Modules like TL-SM5110-SR work with a Fiber line from an ISP?

No. The Fiber interface and Fiber type are different.

The Fiber Line from your ISP can only connect to a Fiber Modem or Fiber PON stick.

A fiber SFP+ Module like TL-SM5110-SR should be used in pairs. It doesn't have the functionality to operate as a fiber modem.

 

QA2: Will an SFP+ DAC Module work with Archer BE800/900 and AXE300?

No. We cannot be sure how a DAC cable works with the Archer BE800/900 and AXE300. It's mainly recommended to use the Optical SFP+ module or AOC cable.

 

Related:

How to Connect Your Devices from a Long Distance?