SFP Module vs Media Converter: Understanding Their Differences
Dec 16, 20231 min read
SFP optical transceivers and media converters are the equipment for photoelectric conversion. Are they interchangeable? What are the differences? Learn here.
SFP Module vs Media Converter: What are They?
SFP Module vs Media Converter: What are They?
The SFP module is a hot-pluggable optical transceiver used for connecting network switches. It converts electrical signals to optical signals and vice versa. For the 1G SFP module, it is primarily divided into the following two categories:
Optical SFP Transceiver: These support standards such as SONET, Gigabit Ethernet, and Fibre Channel, and use fiber optic cables to transmit data.
Optical transceiver connection
RJ45 Transceiver: These transmit data via Ethernet cables, such as Cat5e or Cat6.
RJ45 transceiver connection
Media converters receive data signals from one media and transmit them to another. There are two kinds of conversion:
Copper-to-Fiber Converter: Used when it is necessary to extend the transmission distance of copper ports using fiber optic cabling.
Fiber-to-Fiber Converter: These support the conversion between multimode and single-mode fiber, dual fiber and single fiber (BiDi), and can convert between different wavelengths.
SFP Module vs Media Converter: What are the Differences?
Working principle
SFP transceiver: SFP modules are functional modules or accessories. They act as passive devices that can not be used alone. SFP modules are usually deployed in network switches or other devices with SFP slots, and powered by matching equipment. Then, these SFP modules perform the conversion between electric and fiber by fiber patch cables and sometimes use Ethernet cable if RJ45 SFP transceivers are deployed.
Media converter: A media converter is an active network device that requires independent power supply. It is mainly used to convert electrical signals and optical signals between different transmission media (such as optical fiber and copper cable). These devices facilitate the conversion of signals from one media type to another, thereby extending the reach of network connections and resolving compatibility issues.
Application
SFP Transceiver
SFP modules usually are used in optical network communication equipment like network switches, core routers, or servers. As shown below, two 1G SFP LX modules are deployed separately on two 1G network switches. One OS2 fiber cable connects the two SFP modules to achieve this 1G link.
Media Converter
Media converters are a suitable choice when Ethernet cable can not be covered and optical fiber must be used to extend the transmission distance. As shown below, each Gigabit Ethernet media converter is deployed on both side A and side B. Side A switch delivers data via Ethernet cable to the media converter A. This media converter converts copper to fiber and uses a 1G SFP fiber module and OS2 fiber to transmit data to converter B. Media converter B receives the data from another 1G SFP module and sends data to Side B network switch also via Ethernet cable. You can read How to Use Fiber Media Converter in Your Network? to learn more.
In some older network environments, devices may only support Ethernet cable connections, while newer network infrastructures use fiber optics. At this point, a media converter can act as a bridge to seamlessly interconnect the two transmission media by converting the electrical signals transmitted over copper to the optical signals transmitted over fiber.
Quick comparison chart
Feature | SFP Module | Media Converter |
Installation | Hot-swappable, directly inserted into an SFP port | Requires independent power supply, connects via cables |
Flexibility | Supports different speeds and distances by changing SFP modules | Limited by the device's built-in specifications |
Power Consumption | Low power consumption (typically <1.5W) | Higher power consumption (typically <5W) |
Form Factor | Small size, suitable for high-density deployment | Larger size, occupies additional space |
Cost | Lower, especially for large-scale networks | Higher, suitable for specific conversion needs |
Maintenance | Easy to maintain, can be quickly replaced | Requires extra cabling and power, making maintenance more complex |
FAQ
Can the SFP module be used in conjunction with the media converter?
They can work together. But note that, the speed of the SFP module and media converter should be the same, 1 gigabyte connects 1 gigabyte, and 10 gigabytes connects 10 gigabytes.
SFP module vs media converter, are they interchangeable?
Commonly they can not. They are different devices and are used in different scenarios. SFPs in the network switch can offer alarming and failure reporting (DOM) so that technicians can check the network failure by the information. Media converters are a solution where a switch or connected device does not support optical or needs to extend the transmission distance.
SFP module vs media converter: when to use?
SFP Module Usage Scenarios
Today, most high-end networking equipment (such as switches, routers, and servers) are equipped with SFP slots, which are ideal for application scenarios that require a direct fiber connection. In environments such as data centers and campus networks, SFP slots are used to establish high-speed, long-distance data transmission links to ensure stable fiber-optic communication performance.
Media Converter Usage Scenarios
When both copper and fiber optic connections exist in the network, the media converter can convert the two signals to achieve a seamless connection. In cases where Ethernet cable coverage is insufficient or signal attenuation is high, the media converter can convert it to fiber optic transmission to expand network coverage.