Cisco SFP and SFP+ transceiver modules

Choosing a Cisco SFP: speed, fibre and reach

The most-ordered modules, with the reach Cisco gives in its data sheets:

Sources: Cisco SFP modules for Gigabit Ethernet data sheet (opens in a new tab), 10GBASE SFP+ data sheet (opens in a new tab), 25GBASE SFP28 data sheet (opens in a new tab). 40G and 100G reach is in each part's Cisco description in the table below (for example QSFP-100G-SR4-S, "100m over OM4 MMF").

SFP, SFP+, SFP28 and QSFP in plain terms

• SFP carries 1 Gbps (and 100 Mbps on the GLC-FE models). It fits the 1G uplink ports of most access switches and routers.
• SFP+ carries 10 Gbps in the same size slot. Most SFP+ ports also accept 1G SFPs; the SFP-1G-SX and SFP-1G-LH are Cisco's 1G modules made for SFP+ ports.
• SFP28 carries 25 Gbps, again in the same slot size; dual-rate modules such as SFP-10/25G-CSR-S run at 10G or 25G.
• QSFP+ and QSFP28 carry 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps for core and aggregation links, such as the uplinks on a Catalyst 9500 or the 100G network modules on a Catalyst 9300X.

Multimode fibre (usually orange or aqua, OM3 or OM4) suits links inside a building; single-mode (yellow) suits links between buildings and longer runs. Tell us what fibre you have and the distance, and we match the optic at both ends.

Bidirectional (BiDi), direct attach and active optical cables

• BiDi modules use one fibre strand instead of two, so they come in pairs: a U (upstream) at one end and a D (downstream) at the other, such as GLC-BX-U with GLC-BX-D, or SFP-10G-BXU-I with SFP-10G-BXD-I.
• Direct attach copper (twinax) cables such as SFP-H10GB-CU1M to SFP-H10GB-CU5M (and the active SFP-H10GB-ACU7M and ACU10M) join two switches in the same or neighbouring racks without separate optics.
• Active optical cables (SFP-10G-AOC1M to AOC10M, SFP-25G-AOC*) do the same over a thin fibre cable for slightly longer runs.
• Breakout cables such as QSFP-4SFP10G-CU1M split one 40G port into four 10G connections, where the switch supports it.

S-Class, industrial and spare part numbers

• -S (for example SFP-10G-SR-S) is Cisco's S-Class or "Enterprise-Class" version. Cisco notes, for example, that the SFP-10G-SR-S "does not support FCoE".
• -I means industrial temperature range and -X extended temperature, for cabinets outdoors or in plant rooms.
• = at the end (for example SFP-10G-SR=) is Cisco's spare part number, for optics ordered on their own. The same code without = is normally ordered as part of a switch or router configuration. Both are listed; we put the right one on your quote.

Compatibility with your switch, router or firewall

Cisco publishes which optics each Cisco platform supports, and from which software release, in its Optics-to-Device Compatibility Matrix (opens in a new tab). We check each module against your exact switch, router or firewall model and software before we quote, so you do not end up with an optic the port will not accept.

Uplink modules may also be needed for the switch itself: Catalyst 9200 and 9300 uplink network modules are on the Catalyst 9200 and Catalyst 9300 pages, and the 10G ports on Cisco routers are on Cisco 8000 Secure Routers.

Cisco's 1G and 10G data sheets give a "Standard warranty: 5 years" for these modules. Transceivers need no licence or subscription.

Cisco SFP models and part numbers

Press Add next to a part number to put it in your basket. Where a subscription or support option goes with the hardware, you choose it in the same step and it goes into your basket with the hardware. Part numbers come from the vendor; we confirm each line, quantity and term when we quote.

Lifecycle and replacements

End-of-sale dates for the optics below are from Cisco's ordering data; we can quote a current module instead.

How to order

How ordering works. Press Add next to a part number and it goes into your basket; where the hardware needs a subscription or takes optional support, you pick it in the same step. Add any modules or accessories, then View basket and Request a quote. We check every line, quantity and term against your sites and come back with a personalised quote by email. Nothing is charged online. We can also design, supply, stage, install and configure the fibre links, switches and routers as a project, with the scope confirmed at quote (see network installation).

Not sure which model fits? Contact us with your sites, line types and user numbers, and we will suggest a bill of materials.

Vendor sources

• Cisco SFP Modules for Gigabit Ethernet Applications data sheet (updated 9 Oct 2026) (opens in a new tab)
• Cisco Optics-to-Device Compatibility Matrix (TMG) (opens in a new tab)
• Cisco 10GBASE SFP+ Modules data sheet (updated 6 Oct 2026) (opens in a new tab)
• Cisco 25GBASE SFP28 Modules data sheet (updated 16 Sep 2026) (opens in a new tab)
• Cisco 40GBASE QSFP Modules data sheet (updated 2 May 2022) (opens in a new tab)
• Cisco 100GBASE QSFP Modules data sheet (updated 6 Nov 2026) (opens in a new tab)