Using SFP+ 10GBASE-T Connectivity in Cisco Enterprise and Data Center Applications At a Glance
Available Languages
Bias-Free Language
The documentation set for this product strives to use bias-free language. For the purposes of this documentation set, bias-free is defined as language that does not imply discrimination based on age, disability, gender, racial identity, ethnic identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and intersectionality. Exceptions may be present in the documentation due to language that is hardcoded in the user interfaces of the product software, language used based on RFP documentation, or language that is used by a referenced third-party product. Learn more about how Cisco is using Inclusive Language.
In recent years, we have seen the proliferation of end points in which RJ-45-based 10Gbps connectivity has become more popular. These include rack servers, storage servers, and compute appliances to name a few.
While existing 10GBASE-T switches such as the Cisco® Nexus N93108TC-FX can provide such connectivity today, the introduction of the SFP+ modular form factor enables variety and flexibility in deployment. Instead of having to deploy a second dedicated 10GBASE-T switch, the SFP+ module can enable Cisco 10G and dual rate 10/25Gbps switches and routers to connect to 10GBASE-T RJ-45 endpoints using CAT6A cables.
● Enables connectivity to end points where 10GBASE-T RJ-45 connectivity has become more popular—these include rack servers, storage servers, and compute appliances
● Multirate capability: 100M/1G/10Gbps
● Autonegotiation capability varies by platform
● Connectivity over CAT5e and CAT6A cables
● Enables 10GBASE-T connectivity on Cisco dual-rate 10/25G switches and routers
Figure 1 shows how a variety of end points such as 25G servers, 10G servers, and 10GBASE-T servers can be connected from within the same rack to a dual-rate Cisco 10/25G top-of-rack switch.
Enabling a variety of connectivity options to Cisco 10G and dual-rate 10/25G switches/routers
SFP+ 10GBASE-T Transceiver Features and Capabilities
The SFP-10G-T-X transceiver offers connectivity options at the following data rates: 100M/1G/10Gbps. To support the 10Gbps data rate, the CAT6A cables are needed. For Cisco switches and routers that support 10/25Gbps data rates, this enables a new form of connectivity not available before: 10GBASE-T.
The current transceiver in this category, the GLC-TE allows 1000BASE-T connectivity on 1/10/25Gbps switches and routers. The SFP-10G-T-X increases the data rate to 10Gbps when CAT6A (or better) cables are deployed. The Cisco SFP-10G-T-X transceiver is depicted below, along with cables from Panduit.
The table outlines the different BASE-T connectivity options from Cisco using different cable types and reaches.
| Cisco PIDs |
Speeds |
Cable Type |
Distance |
Max. Power |
| SFP-10G-T-X, |
100M/1Gbps |
Cat5e |
Up to 100 meters |
1.0W |
| SFP-10G-T-X, |
100M/1Gbps |
Cat6A/Cat7 or better |
Up to 100 meters |
1.0W |
| SFP-10G-T-X only |
10Gbps |
Cat6A/Cat7 or better |
Up to 30 meters |
2.5W |
The table outlines the different BASE-T connectivity options using different cable types and reaches.
Broadening the Existing 10/25G Transceiver Portfolio for Enterprise and Data Center Applications
Cisco offers a broad portfolio of transceivers to enable 10/25G connectivity for enterprise and data center applications. Cisco already offers 10Gbps and 25Gbps cables and transceivers at several reaches. The SFP-10G-T-X fills the gap with 10GBASE-T connectivity.
Variety of Cisco Platforms Supported
The SFP-10G-T-X will be supported on a variety of Cisco platforms, including NCS 5501, Nexus 9000, and Catalyst® 9000. However, the maximum power consumption of SFP-10G-T-X (rated 2.5W per port at 30 meters) imposes certain restrictions in deployment. Typically, the SFP+/SFP28 ports on Cisco switches are designed and rated to support transceivers that can dissipate up to 1.5W power. Given the higher power envelope of SFP-10G-T-X, Cisco switches and routers will not be able to fully populate a chassis and deploy all possible ports with the SFP-10G-T-X.
The table below summarizes the platforms that will support the SFP-10G-T-X as well as deployment limitations.
| Cisco-supported switches/routers |
Deployment limitations |
|
| Nexus 9000 Series |
N93180YC-FX/EX |
Cannot fully populate the chassis. See Platform Hardware Installation Guide |
| NCS5500 Series |
NCS5501 |
Cannot fully populate the chassis. See Platform Hardware Installation Guide |
| Catalyst 9000 Series |
*TBD |
Cannot fully populate the chassis. See Platform Hardware Installation Guide |
For more details on the SFP+ module, please review the Cisco 10G data sheet. For questions on platforms supported, please refer to the platform hardware installation guides as well as the TMG compatibility matrix. (https://tmgmatrix.cisco.com/). Please contact your Cisco sales representative on how to place an order.