Our routing and switching expert explains the benefits of SFPs on a Gigabit Ethernet switch. SFP stands for "small form-factor pluggable" and is a hot-swappable input/output device that plugs into a switch port, allowing multiple options for connectivity.

QUESTION: What is the advantage of SFP ports on a Gigabit switch? And how do I connect the four SFP ports on a D-link DGS 1248 T smart switch?

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The main advantage that I see for the SFP is the flexibility it gives you for putting it in the network. SFP stands for "small form-factor pluggable" and is a hot-swappable input/output device that plugs into a Gigabit Ethernet port or slot, linking the port with the network. SFPs can be used and interchanged on a wide variety of products and can be interchanged in combinations of 1000BASE-SX, 1000BASE-LX/LH, 1000BASE-ZX, or 1000BASE-BX10-D/U on a port-by-port basis. You can use them for Gigabit Ethernet or Fibre Channel applications. They provide a flexible and cost-effective solution for enterprise networks, data centers, etc.

To connect to a D-link, you need to buy appropriate SFP modules for the same. It should have fiber connectivity from/to remote network. These ports are sold separately from your local vendor.

This was first published in May 2006

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