ᐅ Switch with separate SFP / SFP+ installation

Good evening,

In our new build, we plan to install two physically separate switches: one on the ground floor and the other on the upper floor.

Until now, I thought I would simply connect the two with the standard CAT cable that I have also run to the outlets.

Now I’ve come across the terms SFP and SFP+.
The two switches I want to use have these SFP ports.

My questions:
- What are SFP and SFP+?
- Why should one use them? Do they enable faster connection between the two devices?
- The two switches I want to use have these SFP ports. Do I just need the appropriate SFP cable, and it will work?

I’ve already searched online but haven’t really figured it out…

Thank you!

SFP modules are inserted into the SFP sockets. The modules need to be purchased separately, and it is important to use modules from the switch manufacturer or to check if alternative modules are approved. Modules are available for both RJ45 and fiber optic connections. Generally, fiber optic modules are preferred. I believe SFP typically supports Gigabit speeds for most manufacturers, while SFP+ can support up to 10 Gigabit. You will also need the appropriate fiber optic cable, which should be purchased in the exact length required. Cutting the cable yourself is not recommended for home use.

But just a general question: why have a switch on every floor? A single-family house usually isn’t large enough to require running all connections to a central point.

For shorter distances, you can also use copper connections. However, this only works for a few meters. Usually, only larger and more expensive switches have SFP+. SFP and SFP+ are used to connect the infrastructure without reducing the number of available ports. The modules do require a significant amount of power. A 10GB connection between the two switches makes sense to avoid that link becoming a bottleneck. However, not every router can support this. I agree with the previous poster. In a single-family house, distances typically do not require such a topology. It is better to plan everything centrally. Then you can connect the switches using DAC cables (for example, SFP+ with copper).

rick2018 schrieb:

For shorter distances, you can also use copper connections. However, this only works for a few meters.

SFP and SFP+ are used to connect infrastructure without reducing the number of available ports. The modules, however, require a significant amount of power.

Copper connections are limited to about 100 meters (330 feet) cable length, port to port.

SFP+ modules have the lowest power consumption in a switch...

With SFP+ and 30 Gbit, the limit is already reached at 30 meters (depending on the cable).
Fiber optic modules require more power than copper modules. Both need more power than "normal" ports.

Your 100 meters is accurate for a 1 Gbit network.

Even at 105 meters, the connection will not fail immediately. If you really want to have two switches (which I don’t quite understand the reason for), just connect them with a single 1 Gbit link and that’s fine. If you prefer, 2 x 1 Gbit links, depending on what switches you have, but you won’t need more bandwidth.

We are talking about a single-family house here, not a small data center.

Don’t get me wrong, but you sound like you’re not an expert. So why add unnecessary complexity with two switches?