How to Convert SFP+ to 10GBASE-T/RJ45?

When migrating to 10G data centre, you may have two choices: SFP+ or 10GBASE-T technology. 10GBASE SFP+ interface has always been widely deployed for 10 Gigabit ToR (top of rack) witches due to low power consumption. Due to advanced technology, switch manufacturers significantly reduce the power consumption and cost of 10GBASE-T server and switch. According to some researches, the cost of 10GBASE-T (RJ45 interface) switches is much lower than that of SFP+ switches. So many users prefer to add 10GBASE-T/RJ45 switches. But the problem is how to convert SFP+ to RJ45 port. This article will to introduce a necessary optical equipment–SFP+ to RJ45 media converter.

Introduction to SFP+ to RJ45 Media Converter

The secret to realize SFP+ to RJ45 conversion is 10 Gigabit SFP+ to RJ45 media converter. This converter has one 10G pluggable SFP+ port and one RJ45 port. SFP+ port is compatible with any SFP+ transceiver such as 10G SR SFP, 10G LR SFP and so on, which is the best suitable for your network and link lengths. 10 Gigabit SFP+ to RJ45 media converter is a cost-effective way to convert copper to fibre, or fibre to copper. Since it can deliver fast and reliable network access at longer distances than copper-based networks, it’s ideal for the applications in server rooms, workstations in remote areas or in other buildings.

sfp+ to-rj45 card

How to Convert SFP+ to RJ45?

As the following figure shows, existing ToR switch only has some SFP+ interfaces. This switch is connected to an aggregation switch in the data centre with multimode fibre patch leads. And the servers below are connected to the ToR switch with twinax DAC cables. Now considering that 10GBASE-T servers are less expensive, we decide to add new 10GBASE-T servers to the rack. Then we face a problem: how to integrate 10GBASE-T RJ45 ports servers into the the rack? To deal with this problem, we need to add 10 Gigabit Ethernet media converters to this rack system. First, connect the media converter with existing ToR switch by inserting one end of twinax DAC cables into the SFP+ port of the 10 Gigabit Ethernet media converter. Second, connecting media converter with the new 10GBASE-T servers by plugging Ethernet patch cords (better Cat6a) into RJ45 port of this media converter and 10GBASE-T servers.

sfp+ to rj45

As the 10GBASE-T servers are connected to 10 Gigabit SFP+ to RJ45 media converters over short Ethernet patch cords, so we can enjoy the advantage of 10GBASE-T short reach mode, which means all devices can operate at lower transmit power. Short reach mode, specified in the IEEE 10GBASE-T standard, conserves energy and produces less heat.

FS.COM SFP+ to RJ45 Media Converter Solutions
Part number Description
21024 1x 10GBase-T to 1x 10GBase-X SFP+, Unmanaged
35610 1x 10GBase-T to 1x 10GBase-X XFP Managed
35432 1x 10GBase-T to 1x 10GBase-X SFP+, Card Type
35433 1x 10GBase-T to 1x 10GBase-X XFP, Card Type
35610 1x 10GBase-T to 1x 10GBase-X SFP+ Managed
35431 1x 10GBase-T to 1x 10GBase-X XFP Managed
Conclusion

SFP+ to RJ45 conversion may be a very common issue in 10G data centre. To solve this problem, the most cost-effective way is SFP+ to RJ45 media converter. It can bridge the interface disparities between equipment with 10GBASE-T RJ45 ports and existing rack servers or switches with fibre optic ports. FS.COM offers various high-performance 10G SFP+ to RJ45 media converters. For more product details, please contact us via email sales@fs.com.

Related article: 10G SFP or 10GBASE-T SFP for 10GbE Network?
Choose 10GBASE-T Copper Over SFP+ for 10G Ethernet