SFP (shorts for Small Form-Factor Pluggable) is a compact, hot-pluggable transceiver used for both telecommunication and data communications applications. It interfaces to motherboard, router, switch or optical media converter. There are two types of SFP, single mode SFP and multimode SFP. And this articles will focus on Cisco SFP and make a comparison of Cisco single mode SFP and Cisco multimode SFP.
What Is Cisco Single Mode SFP?
Cisco single mode SFP works over single mode fiber whose typical core diameter is 9µm. And the cladding diameter of a single mode fiber is 125µm. Cisco single mode SFP operates mainly at 1310nm and 1550nm wavelengths and is used in long-haul transmission environments of 2km, 10km, 40km, 60km, 80km, and 120km. Cisco single mode SFP consists of 1000BASE-EX SFP, 1000BASE-ZX SFP, 1000BASE-BX10-D SFP, 1000BASE-BX10-U SFP, and 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP. For detailed information, please check the chart below.
| Cisco Single Mode SFP | Part Number | Description |
| 1000BASE-EX SFP | GLC-EX-SMD | Operates on single mode fiber over a wavelength of 1310nm for 40km |
| 1000BASE-EX SFP | GLC-EX-SM1550-40 | operates on single mode fiber over a wavelength of 1550nm for 40km |
| 1000BASE-ZX SFP | GLC-ZX-SM/GLC-ZX-SMD/GLC-ZX-SM-RGD | Operates on single mode fiber over a wavelength of 1550nm for 80km |
| 1000BASE-BX10-D SFP | GLC-BX-10D | Operates on single mode fiber over a wavelength of 1550nm for 10km |
| 1000BASE-BX10-U SFP | GLC-BX-10U | Operates on single mode fiber over a wavelength of 1310nm for 10km |
| 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP | GLC-LX-SM-RGD/GLC-LH-SM/GLC-LH-SMD | Operates on single mode fiber over a wavelength of 1310nm for 10km |
| 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP | GLC-LH-SM-20 | Operates on single mode fiber over a wavelength of 1310nm for 20km |
What Is Cisco Multimode SFP?
Cisco multimode SFP works over multimode fiber with the core diameter of 50 µm and 62.5 µm, and the cladding diameter is 125µm as well. The common multimode SFP operates at 850nm wavelength and is only used for short distance transmission of 100m and 500m. For detailed information, please check the chart below.
| Cisco Single Mode SFP | Part Number | Description |
| 1000BASE-SX SFP | GLC-SX-MMD/GLC-SX-MM-RGD/GLC-SX-MM | Operates on multimode fiber over a wavelength of 850nm for 550m |
| 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP | SFP-GE-L/GLC-LX-SM-RGD/GLC-LH-SM/GLC-LH-SMD | Operates on multimode fiber over a wavelength of 1310nm for 550m |
Cisco Single Mode SFP VS Cisco Multimode SFP
Cisco single mode and multimode SFP modules can both server for transmitting and receiving optical signals and facilitate communication. However, the differences between them are also apparent. Here we will compare them from several aspects.
Cisco single mode SFP will work with single mode fiber in order to perform both transmission and reception of data. Whereas Cisco multimode SFP will work with multimode fiber to provide higher speed at shorter distance.
Cisco single mode SFP can support distance value as high as 80km or even 120km and mostly used in long distances (up to 10km) transmission environment. Whereas Cisco multimode SFP supports distance up to 550m, more used in a small area or within the building.
Cisco single mode SFP works mainly on 1310nm and 1550nm wavelength, while Cisco multimode SFP works mainly on 850nm wavelength.
Cisco single mode SFP is mostly required on WAN connectivity. Whereas Cisco multimode SFP is used inside LAN for the switch, router and server connectivity inside building or data center.
Generally speaking, Cisco single mode SFP is costly and Cisco multimode SFP is cheaper. That’s because Cisco single mode SFP requires a laser source for transmission and it typically uses a laser diode (LD) as the light source, which is expensive. While Cisco multimode SFP uses a light emitting diode (LED) as the light source.
Conclusion
Now we learn a lot about Cisco single mode SFP and multimode SFP. Before you choose the SFP transceiver, you have to confirm the transmission distance and the wavelength you need and also the cables you already have. Remember that single mode and multimode are not interchangeable. So you have to take into account your actual situation and budget. To save more, you can choose a compatible transceiver module from FS.COM to match all your devices without sacrificing any quality or reliability but only at a lower cost. FS.COM offers various SFPs with a great offer that may be a good choice for you.
Related Articles:
Comparing Single Mode and Multimode Fibers From Distance, Speed, and Wavelength
Single Mode vs Multimode Fiber: What’s the Difference?