With the increase in server consolidation through virtualization in the data center, the resulting data demand has exceeded the traditional 1Gb/s throughput capability. 10G Ethernet, which can simplify network infrastructure by consolidating multiple gigabit ports into a single 10GbE connection, is considered to be an ideal solution to overcome the aforesaid bandwidth limitation. Generally, 10GbE network can be achieved both by 10GBASE-T copper and SFP+ cabling. This post will discuss why to choose 10GBASE-T copper over 10gbe rj45 vs SFP+ for 10G Ethernet, and recommend network solutions for 10GBASE-T copper cabling.

Why Choose 10GBASE-T Copper Over SFP+ for 10G Ethernet

Although fiber cable has a longer reach and reduced electromagnetic interference, the copper network cable is still popular for its reliability and cost-effectiveness. This is also true in the 10GbE network. 10GBASE-T copper and SFP+ are two kinds of physical media for the 10GbE network. Here is the comparison between 10gbe sfp+ vs 10gbase-t:

10GBASE-T vs 10gbe SFP+: Backward Compatibility

10GBASE-T is an interoperable, standards-based technology, which uses legacy RJ45 connector and can auto-negotiate between 1 and 10-gigabit speeds. In other words, 10GBASE-T copper cabling is backward compatible with legacy networks. So we can deploy 10GBASE-T copper network now and start using it to connect with existing 1G ports or upgraded 10G ports.

10GBASE-T vs 10gbe SFP+: Lower Cost

The 10GBASE-T copper network usually uses Cat6 cable for cabling. And Cat6 cables are often less expensive than comparable length fiber cables. In the data center, with hundreds of required cables, this can turn into big savings. Further more, Cat6 cable is also cheaper than SFP+ 10G copper cable. And it can support longer transmission distance. In addition, the 10GBASE-T copper network can maximize the utilization of existing copper structured cabling. This will also save much capital expenditure.

10GBASE-T Copper Network Solutions

To build a 10GBASE-T copper network, there are generally two cabling solutions: use 10GBASE-T copper switch and Cat6 cable or use 10G SFP+ switch and 10GBASE-T SFP+ transceiver & Cat6 cable. This part will take popular Spine-Leaf cabling as an example to compare these two solutions:

Solution One: 10GBASE-T Copper Switch & Cat6 Cable

Figure 1: 10GBASE-T copper switch and cat6 cable

Solution Two: 10G SFP+ switch & 10GBASE-T SFP+ Transceiver & Cat6 Cable

Figure 2: 10G SFP+ switch & 10GBASE-T SFP+ Transceiver & Cat6 Cable

Tips: See the above two tables, you may find that 10GBASE-T switch is much expensive than 10G SFP+ switch plus 10GBASE-T SFP+ transceiver, and think 10G SFP+ switch solution is a more cost-effective way. However, the above table only takes one 10GBASE-T SFP+ transceiver into consideration. If you use ten 10GBASE-T SFP+ transceivers in actual application, the result will be totally different. Thus, which solution to choose is dependent on how many 10GBASE-T SFP+ transceivers you will need.

Conclusion

As its price and power consumption continue to drop down, 10gbe sfp+ vs 10gbase-t, 10GBASE-T copper solution is much more popular than SFP+ in 10Gbps rack-based data centers that use ToR (Top of Rack) switches. If you want a flexible and cost-effective 10GbE network, 10GBASE-T copper solutions are ideal for you.

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