SFP-10G-SR vs SFP-10G-SR-X: What are the Differences?

SFP-10G-SR and SFP-10G-SR-X are both multimode 10G transceivers for short-distance transmission defined by Cisco. They have an operating wavelength of 850nm, a transmission distance of up to 300 meters through OM3 multimode optical fiber, and up to 400 meters through OM4. They use SFP+ form factors and LC duplex interfaces. The core difference between the two lies in temperature adaptability, protocol support, and applicable scenarios, which profoundly affect the actual deployment choice.

Core Specification Comparison

The following table summarizes the basic parameter commonalities of the two modules:

The physical layer performance of the two is almost the same, and the main differences are concentrated in the working environment and protocol extension.

Temperature Range: Commercial Grade vs. Extended Industrial Grade

SFP-10G-SR: Standard commercial temperature range (0°C to +70°C), suitable for stable environments such as temperature-controlled data centers or enterprise computer rooms.

SFP-10G-SR-X: Extended temperature range (-5°C to +85°C or -40°C to 85°C, depending on the version), suitable for industrial sites without temperature control, outdoor base stations or high temperature difference areas.

Key difference: The wide temperature design of SR-X ensures stable operation under extreme conditions such as severe cold and high temperature, which is a rigid demand for industrial control and telecommunications edge nodes.

3. Protocol support: basic Ethernet vs. multi-rate convergence

SFP-10G-SR:

Supports basic 10GBASE-SR Ethernet protocol, and some models can optionally support FCoE (Fibre Channel Ethernet) and OTN (Optical Transport Network).

SFP-10G-SR-X:

Multi-rate compatible, in addition to 10GBASE-SR/SW, it explicitly supports OTU2/OTU2e (optical transmission unit rate), suitable for scenarios that need to be connected to telecom SDH/DWDM systems.

Key difference: SR-X’s multi-protocol support makes it an ideal choice for hybrid networks (Ethernet + transmission network), especially for service providers and multi-service aggregation nodes.

Application Scenario Comparison

Choose according to environmental and functional requirements:

1. SFP-10G-SR typical scenarios:

– Interconnection within the cabinet of an enterprise data center

– Short-distance backbone links between wiring rooms in buildings

– Cost-sensitive and environmentally stable gigabit to 10G upgrade projects.

2. SFP-10G-SR-X applicable scenarios:

– Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) gateway, factory automation control network

– Telecom base station fronthaul/backhaul bearer (with CPRI/eCPRI)

– Outdoor cabinets, power monitoring and other wide temperature environments.

Note: SR-X is gradually being replaced by new models in Cisco’s current product line. When selecting a model, you need to confirm platform compatibility (such as ASR 9000, Nexus series).

Cost and Compatibility

Cost: SR-X is usually more expensive than SR (about 20–30% higher) due to its wide temperature and multi-protocol support.

Compatibility: Both comply with the MSA multi-source agreement and can be used on third-party switches, but Cisco devices recommend using the CLI command `show interface transceiver` to verify the status.

Alternatives and new trends

SFP-10G-SR-X Evolution Path:

With the iteration of technology, Cisco has launched new models to replace the functions of SR-X:

1. SFP-10G-SR-I:

– Full industrial-grade temperature (-40°C~85°C)

– Native support for IEEE 1613 (Electromagnetic compatibility standard for power systems)

2. SFP-10G-AOC:

– Active optical cable solution, eliminating the fiber connector failure point

– Temperature adaptability is improved to -10°C~80°C

3. Cost comparison (Cisco official pricing):