DS-SFP-FC8G-LW Cisco 8GBPS SFP+ Transceiver

Cisco DS-SFP-FC8G-LW 8Gb FC SFP+ Transceiver Module

The Cisco DS-SFP-FC8G-LW is a high-performance 8 Gbps Fibre Channel SFP+ transceiver engineered for dependable long-distance optical connectivity in enterprise storage area networks (SANs). Designed for seamless compatibility with Cisco Fibre Channel switches, this plug-in module delivers reliable data transmission, excellent signal quality, and consistent network performance for mission-critical environments.

General Product Information

Manufacturer Details

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part Number: DS-SFP-FC8G-LW
• Product Category: Fibre Channel SFP+ Transceiver Module
• Form Factor: GBIC-SFP Plug-in Module

Technical Specifications

Hardware Specifications

• Device Type: Fibre Channel SFP+ Transceiver
• Connector Type: LC Optical Interface
• Optical Technology: Long-Wave Laser
• Cabling Support: Fiber Optic
• Installation Method: Hot-Pluggable Module

Physical Dimensions

• Width: 0.6 inches
• Depth: 2.2 inches
• Height: 0.4 inches
• Compact design for high-density switch deployments

Networking Performance

• Maximum Fibre Channel throughput of 8 Gbps
• Optimized for high-speed storage networking
• Stable low-latency optical communication
• Designed to minimize transmission errors
• Reliable long-distance Fibre Channel connectivity

Applications

Ideal Deployment Scenarios

• Enterprise Storage Area Networks (SAN)
• Data center Fibre Channel infrastructures
• Storage virtualization platforms
• Business continuity and disaster recovery solutions
• Mission-critical storage networking
• High-performance server-to-storage connectivity

Reasons to Choose Cisco DS-SFP-FC8G-LW

Business Advantages

• Supports dependable 8Gb Fibre Channel communication
• Long-wave optical technology for extended reach
• Hot-pluggable architecture for simplified upgrades
• Compact design suitable for dense switch environments
• High-quality Cisco engineering for dependable operation
• Excellent signal integrity and network stability
• Built for demanding enterprise storage applications

Product Highlights

• Original Cisco Fibre Channel SFP+ optical transceiver
• Supports data transfer speeds up to 8 Gbps
• Long-wave optical technology for extended-distance communication
• Compact hot-swappable plug-in module
• LC optical connector interface
• Designed for enterprise SAN and Fibre Channel networking
• Reliable performance with low power consumption

Cisco DS-SFP-FC8G-LW Fibre Channel Transceiver Module

The Cisco DS-SFP-FC8G-LW 8 Gbps Fibre Channel SFP+ Transceiver Module is designed for organizations that require dependable, high-speed Fibre Channel connectivity across extended distances within storage networking environments. As enterprises continue to expand their storage infrastructure, the need for stable, low-latency, and high-bandwidth optical communication becomes increasingly important. This transceiver module enables reliable communication between Fibre Channel switches, storage arrays, blade servers, SAN directors, and other compatible networking equipment while supporting mission-critical business operations.

Engineered to comply with Fibre Channel standards, the Cisco DS-SFP-FC8G-LW SFP+ module provides long-wave optical transmission over single-mode fiber, making it suitable for large campuses, enterprise data centers, disaster recovery deployments, and geographically separated storage environments. The module combines enterprise-grade reliability, hot-swappable installation, and Cisco quality assurance to simplify deployment while maintaining exceptional network performance.

Organizations deploying storage area networks (SANs) require consistent data transport, predictable latency, and high availability. The Cisco DS-SFP-FC8G-LW fulfills these requirements by supporting 2 Gbps, 4 Gbps, and 8 Gbps Fibre Channel speeds with automatic negotiation depending on connected hardware capabilities. This flexibility allows businesses to upgrade infrastructure gradually while maintaining compatibility with existing Fibre Channel environments.

Understanding the Cisco DS-SFP-FC8G-LW Fibre Channel Transceiver

The Cisco DS-SFP-FC8G-LW is a Small Form-Factor Pluggable Plus (SFP+) optical transceiver specifically designed for Fibre Channel storage networking rather than traditional Ethernet networking. Unlike Ethernet SFP modules used for LAN connectivity, this Fibre Channel transceiver is optimized for SAN applications where continuous data availability, deterministic performance, and storage reliability are critical.

The module operates using long-wave laser technology over single-mode fiber optic cable, enabling communication across much longer distances than short-wave multimode alternatives. This makes it ideal for enterprise environments where storage resources are distributed between buildings, campuses, or disaster recovery facilities.

Purpose within Enterprise Storage Networks

Storage Area Networks are built to separate storage traffic from traditional user data traffic. The Cisco DS-SFP-FC8G-LW supports this architecture by delivering dedicated Fibre Channel communication channels between storage devices and servers.

Its primary functions include enabling communication between SAN switches, connecting storage controllers, linking enterprise backup systems, supporting virtualization platforms, and facilitating high-speed replication between storage arrays.

Designed for Long-Distance Fibre Channel Links

Unlike short-range optical modules intended for equipment located within the same rack or room, the Cisco DS-SFP-FC8G-LW supports significantly longer transmission distances through single-mode fiber. This capability allows enterprises to extend SAN connectivity across multiple buildings or remote facilities while maintaining dependable Fibre Channel performance.

Key Technical Features

8 Gbps Fibre Channel Performance

The module supports Fibre Channel communication speeds up to 8 Gbps while maintaining backward compatibility with 2 Gbps and 4 Gbps infrastructures. This multi-speed capability simplifies phased infrastructure upgrades by allowing organizations to integrate newer hardware alongside legacy systems.

Long-Wavelength Optical Technology

The DS-SFP-FC8G-LW utilizes a 1310 nm long-wave laser optimized for single-mode fiber operation. Long-wave optics provide significantly greater transmission distances than short-wave alternatives, making them well suited for enterprise-scale SAN deployments.

Single-Mode Fiber Compatibility

Single-mode fiber offers lower attenuation and reduced signal dispersion, allowing data to travel much farther than multimode fiber. The Cisco DS-SFP-FC8G-LW leverages these characteristics to support extended Fibre Channel communication with exceptional signal integrity.

Hot-Swappable Design

The transceiver supports hot-swappable installation, allowing IT administrators to install or replace modules without shutting down switches or disrupting overall network operations. This feature minimizes maintenance windows and supports high-availability environments.

Digital Optical Monitoring

Many compatible Cisco platforms support Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM), enabling administrators to monitor optical parameters such as transmit power, receive power, operating temperature, voltage, and laser bias current. These diagnostics help identify potential issues before they affect SAN performance.

Technical Specifications

Form Factor

The Cisco DS-SFP-FC8G-LW uses the industry-standard SFP+ form factor, allowing installation into compatible Cisco Fibre Channel switches, SAN directors, and storage networking platforms.

Transmission Medium

The module operates over single-mode fiber optic cabling, providing extended transmission capabilities while maintaining excellent optical performance.

Connector Type

The module features a duplex LC optical connector commonly used throughout enterprise Fibre Channel infrastructure.

Supported Fibre Channel Speeds

• 2 Gbps
• 4 Gbps
• 8 Gbps

Optical Wavelength

1310 nm long-wave laser.

Transmission Distance

Depending on fiber quality, network design, and installation conditions, the Cisco DS-SFP-FC8G-LW supports long-distance Fibre Channel communication over single-mode fiber, making it suitable for campus-wide and metropolitan enterprise deployments.

Benefits of Long-Wave Fibre Channel Connectivity

Extended SAN Coverage

Large enterprises frequently maintain storage systems across multiple buildings or geographically separated facilities. Long-wave optical technology enables storage administrators to interconnect these environments while maintaining Fibre Channel performance.

Reduced Signal Loss

Single-mode fiber minimizes attenuation over long distances, ensuring stable communication between connected Fibre Channel devices.

Improved Disaster Recovery

Many disaster recovery architectures require replication between primary and secondary storage arrays located in separate facilities. Long-distance Fibre Channel connectivity supports these deployments while reducing dependence on intermediate networking equipment.

Investment Protection

Organizations upgrading storage infrastructure benefit from backward compatibility with earlier Fibre Channel speeds, reducing immediate replacement costs.

Applications Across Enterprise Environments

Enterprise Storage Area Networks

The most common application for the Cisco DS-SFP-FC8G-LW is connecting Fibre Channel switches within enterprise SANs.

Storage Array Connectivity

Modern storage arrays require reliable Fibre Channel interfaces for server access, backup operations, and storage virtualization.

Server Connectivity

Servers equipped with Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapters (HBAs) communicate with centralized storage using compatible optical transceivers.

Virtualization Platforms

Virtualized environments depend heavily on shared storage infrastructure. Fibre Channel connectivity enables hypervisors to access centralized storage with low latency and predictable throughput.

Database Infrastructure

Mission-critical databases generate substantial storage traffic. Fibre Channel SANs provide dedicated communication channels that improve storage responsiveness.

Cloud Infrastructure

Private cloud deployments often rely on Fibre Channel storage backbones for centralized resource management.