DS-SFP-FC16G-SW Cisco 16GBPS SW SFP+ Transceiver Fibre Channel

Cisco DS-SFP-FC16G-SW 16Gbps Fibre Channel Transceiver

The Cisco DS-SFP-FC16G-SW is a high-performance Fibre Channel transceiver engineered for enterprise storage networking environments. Built to support 16Gbps Fibre Channel communication, this hot-swappable SFP+ module delivers dependable short-range optical connectivity over multimode fiber (MMF). Designed with an 850nm VCSEL laser and a duplex LC interface, it provides stable, high-speed data transmission for storage area networks (SANs), data centers, and mission-critical business infrastructures.

Core Product Specifications

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model Number: DS-SFP-FC16G-SW
• Product Category: Fibre Channel Transceiver Module
• Form Factor: SFP+ (Small Form-Factor Pluggable)
• Subtype: GBIC-SFP
• Maximum Supported Data Rate: 16Gbps Fibre Channel
• Optical Technology: VCSEL Laser
• Operating Wavelength: 850nm
• Connector Configuration: Dual LC Duplex
• Transmission Distance: Up to 100 meters

Reliable High-Speed Fibre Channel Connectivity

Organizations requiring uninterrupted storage communication benefit from the exceptional bandwidth of the Cisco DS-SFP-FC16G-SW. Supporting 16Gbps Fibre Channel, this optical transceiver minimizes latency while maintaining consistent throughput for high-demand SAN environments.

Performance Highlights

• Supports high-bandwidth Fibre Channel applications.
• Optimized for storage networking and enterprise servers.
• Low-latency optical transmission for mission-critical workloads.
• Stable performance across compatible Cisco Fibre Channel switches.
• Designed for continuous operation in professional networking environments.

Optical Characteristics and Transmission Features

The module utilizes an advanced Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) operating at an 850nm wavelength. This optical technology offers reliable short-distance communication while maintaining excellent signal integrity.

Optical Specifications

• Laser Technology: VCSEL
• Operating Wavelength: 850nm
• Transmit Optical Power: -6 dBm to -1 dBm
• Maximum Receiver Overload: -1 dBm
• Designed for multimode optical communication.

Benefits of 850nm VCSEL Technology

• Improved signal consistency over short distances.
• Energy-efficient optical transmission.
• Lower error rates during Fibre Channel communication.
• Excellent compatibility with enterprise-grade multimode fiber.

Fiber Compatibility

The Cisco DS-SFP-FC16G-SW supports industry-standard multimode fiber cabling, making it suitable for numerous enterprise storage deployments.

Supported Fiber Types

• 50µm Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF)
• 62.5µm Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF)
• Duplex LC optical connections
• Short-distance Fibre Channel links up to 100 meters

Advantages of Multi-Mode Fiber Support

• Simple deployment within existing network infrastructure.
• Reduced installation costs for short-range connectivity.
• Reliable data transmission inside enterprise facilities.
• Excellent compatibility with modern storage networking equipment.

Port Configuration and Interface Details

This SFP+ transceiver integrates seamlessly into compatible Fibre Channel switches through its standard hot-pluggable interface, simplifying installation and future upgrades.

Interface Specifications

• Interface Type: 1 × LC Duplex Fibre Channel
• Hot-swappable SFP+ form factor
• Compact design for high-density switch deployments
• Supports enterprise Fibre Channel connectivity

Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM)

The integrated Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM) capability enables administrators to monitor optical performance in real time, helping simplify maintenance and proactive troubleshooting.

• Real-time optical diagnostics
• Improved network monitoring
• Enhanced operational visibility
• Simplified preventative maintenance

Compatibility with Cisco Storage Networking Solutions

The Cisco DS-SFP-FC16G-SW has been engineered to operate efficiently with Cisco storage networking equipment, ensuring dependable interoperability across enterprise Fibre Channel environments.

Supported Platform

• Cisco MDS 9000 Series Switches

Enterprise Applications

The Cisco DS-SFP-FC16G-SW is ideal for organizations that require dependable optical connectivity between storage systems, Fibre Channel switches, and high-performance servers.

Common Deployment Scenarios

• Storage Area Networks (SAN)
• Enterprise data centers
• Virtualized server infrastructures
• Cloud computing environments
• Business continuity and disaster recovery networks
• High-performance storage arrays

Key Reasons to Choose Cisco DS-SFP-FC16G-SW

Outstanding Business Benefits

• Supports high-speed 16Gbps Fibre Channel communication.
• Reliable short-range optical transmission up to 100 meters.
• Industry-standard duplex LC connector.
• 850nm VCSEL optical technology for efficient signal delivery.
• Compatible with 50µm and 62.5µm multimode fiber.
• Digital Optical Monitoring support for easier network management.
• Designed specifically for Cisco MDS 9000 Series environments.
• Hot-pluggable SFP+ form factor enables quick installation and replacement.
• Ideal for enterprise SAN, storage networking, and mission-critical applications.

Deployment Advantages

• Fast installation with minimal network disruption.
• Excellent reliability for continuous enterprise operations.
• Stable Fibre Channel performance under demanding workloads.
• Cost-effective optical connectivity for professional storage infrastructures.

Cisco DS-SFP-FC16G-SW 16Gbps Fiber Transceiver Module

The Cisco DS-SFP-FC16G-SW 16Gbps Fiber 100m 850nm LC Connector SFP+ Transceiver Module is designed for high-performance Fibre Channel networking environments that demand exceptional reliability, low latency, and consistent data transmission. As storage infrastructures continue to evolve with increasing virtualization, cloud computing, enterprise databases, and mission-critical workloads, organizations require transceiver modules capable of supporting high-speed communication between switches, storage arrays, and servers. This short-wave optical transceiver fulfills these requirements by delivering 16Gbps Fibre Channel connectivity over multimode fiber while maintaining compatibility with enterprise-class Cisco networking equipment.

Supporting 850nm wavelength transmission and a maximum operating distance of up to 100 meters using OM3 multimode fiber, this optical module provides dependable short-range connectivity within data centers, enterprise campuses, storage area networks, and high-density server environments. The LC duplex connector design ensures simple deployment while maintaining secure optical connections for continuous network operation.

Modern businesses depend on uninterrupted access to storage systems, virtualization platforms, and backup infrastructures. Network architects often select Cisco optical transceivers because they are engineered to meet strict performance standards, ensuring optimal interoperability with supported Cisco Fibre Channel switches and directors. The DS-SFP-FC16G-SW module is an excellent solution for expanding SAN capacity while maintaining stable, high-bandwidth communication.

Designed for High-Speed Fibre Channel Storage Networks

Storage Area Networks require optical components capable of transporting large volumes of data with minimal packet loss and extremely low latency. The Cisco DS-SFP-FC16G-SW transceiver is specifically developed for Fibre Channel environments where storage traffic demands predictable performance and exceptional reliability.

Unlike conventional Ethernet networking, Fibre Channel focuses on storage communication between servers and storage arrays. This makes the quality of optical transceivers especially important because they directly influence signal integrity, network uptime, and storage responsiveness.

Purpose-Built Enterprise Connectivity

The module is engineered to provide dependable communication across enterprise storage infrastructures. Organizations using Cisco MDS switches or compatible Fibre Channel platforms benefit from optimized optical performance, ensuring consistent throughput under demanding workloads.

Reliable Data Transmission

High-speed storage operations involve constant movement of virtual machine data, database transactions, backup files, disaster recovery synchronization, and storage replication. The DS-SFP-FC16G-SW optical module minimizes transmission errors while maintaining stable connectivity throughout continuous operation.

Key Features of Cisco DS-SFP-FC16G-SW

16Gbps Fibre Channel Performance

The transceiver supports data rates up to 16Gbps, enabling rapid communication between Fibre Channel devices. This bandwidth allows organizations to support demanding storage workloads without creating communication bottlenecks.

850nm Short-Wave Laser Technology

Operating at an 850nm wavelength, the module is optimized for multimode fiber installations commonly found inside enterprise data centers. Short-wave optical technology provides reliable short-distance communication with excellent efficiency.

LC Duplex Connector

The industry-standard LC duplex connector simplifies installation while ensuring secure optical connectivity. Its compact size also enables higher port density on enterprise switches.

Hot-Pluggable Design

Administrators can install or replace the transceiver without powering down supported networking equipment. This minimizes maintenance downtime while simplifying upgrades and hardware replacement.

Compact SFP+ Form Factor

The Small Form-factor Pluggable Plus design allows efficient use of switch port space while supporting dense deployments across modern data centers.

Benefits for Enterprise Storage Networks

Reduced Network Latency

Fast optical transmission enables storage devices to exchange information with minimal delay. Lower latency improves application responsiveness, virtualization performance, and storage efficiency.

Improved Storage Performance

Applications such as database clusters, virtual desktop infrastructure, enterprise resource planning systems, and large-scale analytics benefit from high-speed Fibre Channel communication.

Consistent Reliability

Enterprise storage environments often operate continuously throughout the year. Reliable transceiver modules help reduce unexpected downtime while supporting uninterrupted access to business-critical applications.

Compatibility Across Cisco Fibre Channel Infrastructure

Integration with Cisco MDS Switches

The Cisco DS-SFP-FC16G-SW module is commonly deployed with Cisco MDS Fibre Channel switches, providing seamless interoperability and optimized storage networking performance.

Enterprise SAN Deployments

Organizations expanding Storage Area Networks can utilize these modules to connect servers, storage arrays, backup appliances, and Fibre Channel directors while maintaining consistent communication quality.

Applications

Enterprise Data Centers

Large enterprise data centers rely on Fibre Channel networks for connecting high-performance storage resources. The DS-SFP-FC16G-SW provides reliable optical connectivity between infrastructure components.

Private Cloud Infrastructure

Private cloud deployments require scalable storage networking capable of supporting virtual machines, containers, and distributed applications.

Virtualization Platforms

Virtualization technologies generate significant storage traffic. High-speed Fibre Channel transceivers help maintain smooth virtual machine performance.

Database Servers

Database applications frequently exchange large volumes of information with storage arrays. Reliable optical communication minimizes delays during intensive read and write operations.

Backup Systems

Backup infrastructures often transfer terabytes of data within limited maintenance windows. High-bandwidth Fibre Channel modules improve backup efficiency.