Pluggable SFPs and XFPs are compact optical transceivers used in optical communications for both tele- and data communication applications. They interface between a network device and a fiber optic or copper (UTP or miniature coaxial) networking cable.
SFP and XFP transceivers are available with a variety of transmitter and receiver types. The user can select the appropriate transceiver for each link to provide the required optical reach over the available optical fiber type. Optical SFP and XFP modules are available in different categories:VARIOUS wavelengths, MM or SM fibers for Ethernet or SDH/SONET applications. The transceivers are also available with an electrical interface, allowing a host device designed primarily for optical fiber communications to also communicate over UTP and miniature coax cables. There are also CWDM, DWDM and single-fiber WDM modules available.