What are the main differences between a SFP and CFP?

Hi there!

Small form-factor pluggable (SFP) optical modules are compact, hot-swappable, low-speed optical modules. They comply with the specifications defined in the multi-source agreement (MSA) and support synchronous optical network (SONET), Gigabit Ethernet (GE), fiber channel, and other communication standards.

The centum form-factor pluggable transceiver (CFP) is a 40G/100G pluggable optical module. It features high rates, multi-wavelength transmission, and large size. Its main port types include 100GBASE-LR4/ER4/ZR4/SR10. 100G compact optical modules have been well developed.

They have different encapsulation types and supported line rates.

SFP and CFP indicate the encapsulation type of the optical module.

CFP is mainly used for WDM-side optical ports on line boards.

Both CFP and SFP can realize optical-to-electrical and electrical-to-optical conversion.

The number of optical modules to be installed on a board depends on the manufacturing specifications of the board. The number of optical modules supported by different boards varies.

More: Optical Module Technology

Thank you!