SFP vs SFP+ vs QSFP vs QSFP28: Transceiver Standards Guide
SFP, SFP+, QSFP, and QSFP28 are the most common fiber optic transceiver form factors. Each supports different speeds and applications.
SFP (1G)
Small Form-factor Pluggable, supports up to 1Gbps. Used for Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel 1-4G. Compatible with most switches and routers. Most widely deployed transceiver type.
SFP+ (10G)
Enhanced SFP supporting up to 10Gbps. Electrically compatible with SFP cages (some switches support both). Used for 10 Gigabit Ethernet, 8G/16G Fibre Channel. Same size as SFP but higher power.
QSFP (40G)
Quad SFP, supports 40Gbps using 4 lanes of 10G. Larger than SFP. Used for 40 Gigabit Ethernet, 40G InfiniBand. QSFP+ is the enhanced version.
QSFP28 (100G)
Supports 100Gbps using 4 lanes of 25G. Used for 100 Gigabit Ethernet. QSFP56 (200G) is the next generation with 4x50G. QSFP-DD (400G) uses 8 lanes.
Compatibility
SFP+ ports accept SFP modules (runs at 1G). QSFP28 ports accept QSFP+ and QSFP modules. Always verify compatibility with your switch vendor and firmware version.
