10GBASE-T vs SFP+ vs DAC: Which to Choose for 10GbE Data Center Cabling?

When designing a new network architecture that would be based on 10GB Ethernet, We have to face the challenge of choosing the appropriate equipment with the goal to gain maximum performance and to support the future needs of complex network applications.

There are two options for 10 gigabit ethernet network interconnect: 10GBASE-T and SFP+ Solution (SFP+ optics/ DAC/AOC). 10GBASE-T copper module can span network link up to 100 meters over cat 6a/cat 7 cables. SFP+ optics will support distances up to 300 meters on multimode fiber; on single mode fiber, it will support distances up to 80 kilometers. And, SFP+ DAC /AOC cables are ideal for deployment of blade chassis or 10GbE in racks over short distances, such as 3m 5m 7m 15m up to 30m. For SFP+ optics, you can read Understanding of 10GBase-T SFP+ Copper Transceiver Modules.

10GBASE-T vs SFP+ Fiber vs SFP+ DAC: What Are Their Differences?

In this part, the 10GBASE-T module, SFP+ fiber transceiver and SFP+ DAC differences are elaborated in the following descriptions from the points of flexibility, backward compatibility, latency, distance, and cost.

Latency

Low latency is paramount to ensure fast response time and reduce CPU idle cycles, which increases data center efficiency and ROI. 10GBASE-T copper modules adopt PHY standard to use block encoding to transport data across the copper cables without error. The PHY standard specifies 2.6 microseconds for the transmit-receive pair, and the size of the block requires that latency to be less that 2 microseconds. SFP+ uses simplified electronics without encoding, and its typical latency is around 300 nanoseconds per link. We can see from the following figure that, SFP+ fiber provides lower latency than the other two products.

10GBASE-T vs SFP+ Fiber vs SFP+ DAC Latency

Power Consumption

The 10GBASE-T solution consumes a lot more power than the SFP+ solutions, approximately three to four times more. The power consumption of 10GBASE-T depends on the distance of the cable and it can vary from 2 to 5 watts per port at each end of the cable. On the other hand the SFP+ solutions consume around 0.7 watts per port regardless of the distance of the cable. This is a key difference knowing that in a typical Datacenter there are thousands of cables installed which, if SFP+ is used, would save a lot of money and headaches on a long run.

Backward Compatibility

10GBASE-T copper cabling is backward compatible effectively with standard copper network devices which can maximize the utilization of existing copper structured cabling. Using the RJ45 connector, the 10GBase-T port can connect to 1 gigabit and even 100 megabit interfaces. DACs can’t be used to connect to legacy equipment and only used for 10GbE switches. However, SFP 1 gigabit transceivers can be inserted into SFP+ ports and will work at 1 gigabit, connecting to legacy ports over fiber cable. SFP modules supporting 1GBase-T can also be inserted to connect to legacy ports at slower speeds.

Application

10GBASE-T SFP+ are often applied for the wiring closet contained switches and patch panels which provide connectivity to large populations of desktop computers with 100m. For data centers and HPC, the advantages of SFP+ DACs are a very good match for today’s requirements and emerging trends, they are usually used for the Top of Rack intra-cabinet connectivity from servers to ToR switches within 10m, such as interconnected with top-of-rack switches and servers, as well as between storage devices in one rack or neighboring racks. SFP+ Modules are commonly applied for campus LANs to tie together multiple buildings, typically spanning longer distances.

Cost

SFP+ components cost much less currently $20 per port or lower. The fiber cables are also low in cost approaching the costs of Cat 6a cables and decreasing in cost as the volume is rapidly grows. With dropping 10 gigabit SFP+ switches prices, NIC prices and DAC prices the overall solution cost is now quite affordable. 10GBase-T cost approximately $50 to $100 per port. With the 40nm 10GBase-T entering mass production, the cost will be lowered over time. In addition, 10GBase-T is backwards compatible with 1G ports, which are still in use for many low bandwidth devices.10GBASE-T is generally cheaper and easier to deploy compared to the alternative SFP+ Solution for small business.

Final Words

By comparison, if scalability and flexibility are important in your small business application, then 10GBASE-T cabling is the better option. However, if power consumption and lower latency are vital, 10G SFP+ cabling is the clear winner. Both of them will bring you their own advantages. You can choose them according to your network requirements.

Comparing 10GBase-T to SFP+ Solution