Choose 10GBASE-T Copper Over

SFP+ for 10G Ethernet

November 3, 2015

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.

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+: Flexibility in Reach

Like other copper network implementations using BASE-T standards,

10GBASE-T works for link lengths within 100 meters, giving network
designers a far greater level of flexibility in connecting devices in the data
center. Able to realize flexible reach, 10GBASE-T can accommodate either
top of the rack, middle of the row, or end of the row network topologies,
making server placement even more easy and convenient.

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.
In other words, when migrating from 1GbE to 10GbE, 10GBASE-T provides
an easy path and saves costs greatly.

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
Product Price
S8050-20Q4C 40G Switch US$ 5499
40G Transceiver From US$ 49
MTP/MPO Fiber Patch Cable From US$ 32
S5850-48T4Q 10GBASE-T Switch US$ 4599
Cat6 Cable From US$ 1
Total From US$ 10180

Solution Two: 10G SFP+ switch & 10GBASE-T SFP+ Transceiver & Cat6
Cable
Figure 2: 10G SFP+ switch & 10GBASE-T SFP+
Transceiver & Cat6 Cable
Product Price
S8050-20Q4C 40G Switch US$ 5499
40G Transceiver From US$ 49
MTP/MPO Fiber Patch Cable From US$ 32
S5850-48S6Q 10G SFP+ Switch US$ 3999
10GBASE-T SFP+ Module US$ 280
Cat6 Cable From US$ 1
Total From US$ 9860

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.

Related Article:

Understanding of 10GBASE-T SFP+ Copper Transceiver Modules

Quick View of Ethernet Cables Cat5, Cat5e And Cat6

Running 10GBASE-T Over Cat6 vs Cat6a vs Cat7 Cabling?

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