Community discussions

MikroTik App
 
malstro
just joined
Topic Author
Posts: 17
Joined: Fri Jun 24, 2016 11:31 am

How to utilize SFP for attaching a managed switch?

Wed Sep 14, 2016 3:59 pm

Hey there,

at first: I had no encounter with Fiber or SFPs yet - so no knowledge here for now. (just classical copper/TP)

I want to attach a Netgear Smart Managed Switch via SFP to my RouterBoard, due to the limited Port quantity.

RouterBOARD RB3011UIAS-RM (supports 1x SFP-Port)
+
Netgear GS110TP (supports 2x Gigabit-SFP-Uplinks)

Both devices are mounted within the same Rack, so a "DAC" (Direct Attach Copper) cable would be fine I guess?
- How compatible is the definition of "SFP" ?
- Can I use a "SFP+ DAC Cable" although it says "SFP" ?
- Can I use a "random" DAC Cable for connecting both? (like simple TP-copper-Patch cables with RJ-45 plug)
- Do I have to get a <= 1GBit/s cable or will the available bandwidth (e.g. via a 4Gb cable) downsized by both/one devices (switch or router).

Some samples, which cable I would use:
- TYCO Direkt Attached SFP Fiber Channel 1772178-2
or
- HP Fibre Channel FC 4Gb SFP/SFP transceiver Direct Attached Cable 17-05405-03

Thanks for your help with this basic question!
 
skuykend
Member Candidate
Member Candidate
Posts: 274
Joined: Tue Oct 06, 2015 7:28 am

Re: How to utilize SFP for attaching a managed switch?

Sat Sep 17, 2016 2:46 am

My knowledge of SFP is limited too, but from my experience so far...
A lot of SFP/SFP+ ports will limit what modules they accept to their own brand or just a few, but DAC cables seem to be much more widely compatible than other SPF modules. I'd stick with 1GB SFP DAC's though or risk incompatibility.
SPF is up to 2.5GB, SPF+ is 10GB. You can usually use a SFP module in a SFP+ port, but not the other way around.
 
IntrusDave
Forum Guru
Forum Guru
Posts: 1286
Joined: Fri May 09, 2014 4:36 am
Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Re: How to utilize SFP for attaching a managed switch?

Sat Sep 17, 2016 8:59 am

With MikroTik and Netgear, SFP is pretty flexible. Neither of them require specific devices, unlike many Cisco and HP switches that will only use certified devices.
I've used a LOT of these cables, and have one in my own home rack between my RB3011 and HP 1920 switch. They are a very reasonable price, and will run at 1.25gbps (SFP) and 10gbps (SFP+) just fine.

https://amzn.com/B00WHS3NCA
 
turnip
Frequent Visitor
Frequent Visitor
Posts: 86
Joined: Wed Sep 11, 2013 7:01 pm

Re: How to utilize SFP for attaching a managed switch?

Mon Feb 06, 2017 7:01 am

Has anyone tested a Mikrotik DAC cable with a Planet switch?

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 28 guests