DS-SFP-FC4G-SW Cisco 4GBPS SFP LC Transceiver Module

Cisco DS-SFP-FC4G-SW 4Gbps Fibre Channel SFP Transceiver

The Cisco DS-SFP-FC4G-SW is a high-performance Fibre Channel SFP transceiver designed to deliver dependable connectivity for enterprise storage area networks (SANs). Built to support high-speed optical communication, this Cisco transceiver ensures stable data transmission across multimode fiber infrastructure while maintaining compatibility with multiple Fibre Channel speeds. It is an ideal networking solution for organizations requiring efficient, scalable, and reliable storage connectivity.

Product Overview

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Model Number: DS-SFP-FC4G-SW
• Product Category: Fibre Channel Transceiver Module
• Form Factor: SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable)
• Interface Type: Fibre Channel

Technical Specifications

Network Interface

• Single Fibre Channel communication port
• 1 x LC Duplex optical connector
• Auto-sensing Fibre Channel interface
• Optimized for enterprise SAN deployments

Supported Data Rates

• Maximum Fibre Channel throughput of 4 Gbps
• Backward compatible with 2 Gbps Fibre Channel networks
• Supports legacy 1 Gbps Fibre Channel environments
• Automatic speed negotiation for seamless integration

Fiber Compatibility

Supported Optical Media

• 62.5 µm multimode optical fiber
• 50 µm multimode optical fiber
• Short-wave optical transmission technology
• Reliable communication across multimode fiber cabling

Cisco Switch Compatibility

Compatible Cisco MDS Platforms

• Cisco MDS 9000 Series modules
• Cisco DS-X9112 Switching Module
• Cisco DS-X9124 Switching Module
• Cisco DS-X9148 Switching Module
• Cisco DS-C9020-20K9 Switching Module

Key Features

High-Speed Fibre Channel Connectivity

The Cisco DS-SFP-FC4G-SW delivers consistent 4Gbps Fibre Channel performance, making it suitable for storage networking applications that demand low latency, dependable throughput, and uninterrupted communication.

Broad Network Compatibility

Supporting 1Gbps, 2Gbps, and 4Gbps Fibre Channel standards, this transceiver simplifies network upgrades by allowing integration with both modern and legacy storage infrastructures.

Enterprise-Class Reliability

• Stable optical signal transmission
• Reduced network downtime
• Consistent storage connectivity
• Designed for continuous enterprise operation

Business Advantages

Optimized Storage Networking

Engineered for mission-critical SAN environments, the DS-SFP-FC4G-SW enhances communication between storage devices, switches, and servers while maintaining excellent network efficiency.

Easy Integration

• Simple installation into compatible Cisco switches
• Supports plug-and-play deployment
• Reduces infrastructure upgrade complexity
• Maintains interoperability across supported Fibre Channel platforms

Applications

Recommended Deployment Environments

• Enterprise Storage Area Networks (SAN)
• Data center networking
• Business-critical storage infrastructure
• Virtualized server environments
• High-availability Fibre Channel networks

Cisco DS-SFP-FC4G-SW 4Gbps Fibre Channel Transceiver Module

The Cisco DS-SFP-FC4G-SW 4Gbps Fibre Channel Transceiver Module is designed to provide reliable, high-speed optical connectivity for Fibre Channel storage networking environments. Built to support enterprise-class Storage Area Networks (SANs), this Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) transceiver enables seamless communication between Fibre Channel switches, storage arrays, blade servers, and host bus adapters. Organizations that require dependable data transport, low-latency communication, and scalable storage connectivity continue to rely on Cisco Fibre Channel optics for mission-critical infrastructure.

Supporting short-wave laser technology and multimode fiber cabling, the Cisco DS-SFP-FC4G-SW offers dependable performance across data center deployments where storage traffic demands consistent throughput and minimal packet loss. It is engineered for compatibility with numerous Cisco Fibre Channel switches and storage networking platforms, making it an ideal choice for expanding existing SAN environments or replacing aging optical modules.

Whether deployed in enterprise data centers, virtualization clusters, cloud computing infrastructures, backup systems, disaster recovery sites, or high-performance storage networks, this Fibre Channel transceiver delivers stable connectivity while maintaining Cisco's stringent quality standards. Businesses benefit from improved storage communication, reduced downtime, and simplified infrastructure management by using original Cisco-compatible Fibre Channel optics.

The Cisco DS-SFP-FC4G-SW

The Cisco DS-SFP-FC4G-SW is a hot-swappable 4Gbps Fibre Channel SFP optical transceiver designed for short-distance communication over multimode fiber (MMF). It utilizes short-wave (SW) laser technology operating at approximately 850 nm and supports multiple Fibre Channel transmission rates, allowing organizations to migrate storage networks while maintaining backward compatibility with older Fibre Channel standards.

The module follows the industry-standard SFP form factor, enabling compact installations in high-density Fibre Channel switches and storage networking devices. Since it supports hot-plug capability, administrators can replace or install the module without shutting down network equipment, minimizing maintenance interruptions and preserving service availability.

Purpose in Storage Networking

Unlike standard Ethernet optics used for traditional networking, Fibre Channel transceivers are optimized specifically for storage traffic. They provide deterministic performance, low latency, reliable frame delivery, and high availability, making them ideal for enterprise SAN environments that handle databases, virtualization platforms, backup servers, and mission-critical applications.

Key Features of Cisco DS-SFP-FC4G-SW

4Gbps Fibre Channel Performance

The transceiver supports data transfer rates up to 4.25 Gbps while maintaining compatibility with lower Fibre Channel speeds. This flexibility allows organizations to integrate new hardware into existing storage infrastructures without requiring immediate upgrades across the entire SAN.

Short-Wave Optical Technology

Using short-wave laser technology, the Cisco DS-SFP-FC4G-SW provides excellent signal integrity over multimode fiber. This makes it well suited for data center rack-to-rack, cabinet-to-cabinet, and equipment room connectivity where transmission distances remain within supported limits.

Hot-Swappable Design

One of the most valuable characteristics of this module is its hot-swappable capability. Administrators can replace failed optics, upgrade modules, or perform maintenance without powering off Fibre Channel switches or disrupting critical storage operations.

Compact SFP Form Factor

The compact Small Form-Factor Pluggable design allows Cisco switches to support numerous Fibre Channel ports within a limited physical footprint. High-density deployments benefit from increased scalability while reducing rack space requirements.

Enterprise-Class Reliability

Cisco optical modules undergo rigorous testing to ensure dependable operation under demanding enterprise workloads. This reliability is particularly important in storage environments where downtime can directly affect business continuity and application availability.

Technical Characteristics

Optical Interface

The Cisco DS-SFP-FC4G-SW utilizes an LC duplex connector commonly found in enterprise Fibre Channel infrastructures. The standardized connector simplifies installation while ensuring compatibility with existing multimode fiber cabling.

Supported Fiber Type

The module is designed for multimode optical fiber, making it suitable for most enterprise data centers where multimode infrastructure has already been deployed. Organizations can leverage existing fiber investments without requiring expensive recabling projects.

Operating Wavelength

Operating at approximately 850 nanometers, the short-wave laser provides efficient optical transmission over multimode fiber while maintaining stable signal quality across supported distances.

Transmission Distance

Actual transmission distance depends on the fiber grade being used. Higher-quality multimode fiber enables longer supported distances while maintaining reliable Fibre Channel communication and minimizing transmission errors.

Advantages of Using Cisco Fibre Channel Transceivers

Reliable SAN Connectivity

Enterprise storage environments depend upon uninterrupted communication between servers and storage systems. Cisco Fibre Channel optics deliver stable connectivity that supports mission-critical applications with minimal interruptions.

Reduced Storage Latency

Storage traffic requires predictable performance. The Cisco DS-SFP-FC4G-SW minimizes communication delays by supporting Fibre Channel protocols specifically optimized for storage environments.

High Data Integrity

Storage workloads demand accurate data transmission. Fibre Channel technology incorporates mechanisms that help preserve data integrity during transport, reducing the likelihood of corrupted storage traffic.

Excellent Compatibility

The Cisco DS-SFP-FC4G-SW integrates seamlessly with supported Cisco Fibre Channel switches and storage networking platforms, reducing interoperability concerns during deployment.

Long Operational Life

Original Cisco optics are designed for extended enterprise use, delivering dependable performance over years of continuous operation within controlled data center environments.

Enterprise Storage Infrastructure Applications

Storage Area Networks (SAN)

The primary application of the Cisco DS-SFP-FC4G-SW is within enterprise SAN deployments where servers access centralized storage resources through dedicated Fibre Channel switches. These networks support high-performance applications that require consistent throughput and low latency.

Virtualized Data Centers

Virtualization platforms generate substantial storage traffic as multiple virtual machines share centralized storage arrays. Cisco Fibre Channel optics help maintain reliable communication between virtualization hosts and shared storage systems.

Database Infrastructure

Enterprise databases require fast storage access for transactional processing and analytics. The DS-SFP-FC4G-SW supports dependable connectivity that contributes to consistent database performance.

Backup and Recovery Systems

Large-scale backup environments rely on fast storage communication to complete backup windows efficiently. Fibre Channel connectivity provides stable bandwidth for transferring significant volumes of backup data.

Disaster Recovery Sites

Organizations implementing disaster recovery solutions often deploy Fibre Channel storage connectivity between production and recovery infrastructure. Reliable optical modules contribute to consistent replication and business continuity operations.

Compatible Cisco Infrastructure

Cisco MDS Storage Networking Switches

The Cisco DS-SFP-FC4G-SW is commonly deployed with Cisco MDS Fibre Channel switches, providing dependable connectivity for enterprise storage fabrics. These switches form the backbone of many mission-critical SAN deployments.

Cisco Blade Server Connectivity

Blade server environments frequently utilize Fibre Channel connectivity to connect server blades with centralized storage resources. The module supports these high-density deployments effectively.

Enterprise Storage Arrays

Many storage vendors support Fibre Channel interfaces that integrate seamlessly with Cisco Fibre Channel switches equipped with DS-SFP-FC4G-SW optical modules.

Benefits for Data Centers

High Availability

Enterprise data centers prioritize availability above all else. Cisco Fibre Channel optics contribute to resilient storage networking infrastructures capable of supporting continuous business operations.

Scalable Architecture

Organizations can expand storage fabrics incrementally by installing additional Fibre Channel switches and transceivers without replacing existing infrastructure.

Simplified Maintenance

Hot-swappable modules reduce maintenance complexity and minimize planned downtime during hardware replacement or network expansion projects.

Efficient Cable Management

The compact SFP design enables organized cable routing within dense networking cabinets while reducing congestion around Fibre Channel switches.

Performance Advantages

Stable Throughput

The Cisco DS-SFP-FC4G-SW maintains consistent bandwidth for storage traffic, ensuring dependable application performance even during periods of heavy workload.

Low Error Rates

High-quality optical components help minimize transmission errors, reducing retransmissions and improving storage communication efficiency.

Consistent Optical Output

Enterprise-grade laser technology provides reliable optical signal transmission that remains stable throughout normal operating conditions.