407-BCWZ Dell SFP+ 10Gbase-T Rj45 Plug-in Module Copper Cabling Ethernet Transceiver

Overview of DELL 407-BCWZ SFP+ 10GBASE-T Transceiver 

The DELL 407-BCWZ SFP+ 10GBASE-T transceiver is a high-performance copper networking module designed to deliver reliable and scalable Ethernet connectivity over standard twisted-pair cabling. Built to support multi-rate speeds, this plug-in SFP+ module enables seamless upgrades from legacy networks to high-speed 10 Gigabit Ethernet without changing the existing infrastructure. Its compact design and hot-pluggable capability make it ideal for enterprise data centers, campus networks, and high-density switch deployments.

General Information

• Manufacturer: Dell 
• Part Number: 407-BCWZ
• Product Type: Networking Transceiver

Technical Specifications

• Connectivity Technology: Wired
• Cabling Type: Copper Ethernet
• Data Transfer Rates: 10 Gbps / 1 Gbps / 100 Mbps
• Maximum Distance: 30m (Cat6a/Cat7 at 10GbE), 100m (Cat5e at 1GbE/100Mbps)
• Form Factor: SFP+ hot-pluggable module
• Connector Type: RJ45 Ethernet port
• Interface: 1 × Ethernet 10GBASE-T

Maximum Reach by Cable Type

• Up to 30 meters using Cat6a or Cat7 cable at 10GbE speeds
• Up to 100 meters with Cat5e cabling at 1GbE or 100Mbps

The Dell 407-BCWZ SFP+ 10Gbase-T Rj45 Transceivers

10GBASE-T SFP+ copper Ethernet transceivers represent a specialized yet increasingly important category within modern enterprise, data center, and service provider networking environments. Designed to deliver 10 Gigabit Ethernet performance over twisted-pair copper cabling, these modules bridge the gap between legacy copper-based infrastructure and high-speed SFP+ networking hardware. The Dell 407-BCWZ SFP+ 10GBASE-T RJ45 plug-in module is a prime example of this category, engineered to support high-throughput data transmission over Cat6a and Cat7 cables with reach up to 30 meters.Unlike optical transceivers that rely on fiber cabling and light-based signaling, 10GBASE-T SFP+ modules utilize advanced signal processing to transmit Ethernet data over copper media. This makes them particularly attractive for environments where fiber deployment is impractical, cost-prohibitive, or unnecessary. The category is defined by interoperability, ease of deployment, and the ability to reuse existing copper cabling while still achieving 10GbE speeds.

Role in Modern Network Architectures

As network architectures evolve toward higher bandwidth and lower latency, the need for flexible connectivity solutions becomes more pronounced. SFP+ 10GBASE-T transceivers play a critical role in top-of-rack (ToR) switching, server aggregation, and access-layer deployments. They enable network designers to connect high-speed switches to servers or endpoints using familiar copper cabling while maintaining consistent performance.This category is especially relevant in transitional infrastructures where fiber and copper coexist. Instead of replacing all copper runs with fiber, organizations can deploy SFP+ 10GBASE-T modules to extend the life of their copper investments while still meeting modern bandwidth requirements.

10GBASE-T Copper Modules

The technical foundation of the SFP+ 10GBASE-T category lies in sophisticated digital signal processing and power-efficient design. Modules like the Dell 407-BCWZ integrate PHY chips capable of handling the complexities of 10 Gigabit transmission over copper, including echo cancellation, crosstalk mitigation, and forward error correction.

Supported Cabling Standards

A defining attribute of this category is support for high-performance copper cabling standards. Cat6a and Cat7 cables are commonly specified due to their ability to handle the bandwidth and signal integrity requirements of 10GBASE-T Ethernet. The Dell 407-BCWZ supports transmission distances up to 30 meters on Cat6a and Cat7, making it suitable for rack-level and row-level connections in data centers.

Transmission Distance and Performance

Within the SFP+ 10GBASE-T category, transmission distance is a key differentiator. While some modules support up to 100 meters under ideal conditions, others are optimized for shorter distances to reduce power consumption and heat output. The 30-meter reach supported by modules like the Dell 407-BCWZ aligns with typical data center and enterprise deployment scenarios, such as switch-to-server or switch-to-switch connections within the same rack or adjacent racks.Performance characteristics include consistent 10 Gbps throughput, full-duplex operation, and low packet error rates when used with compliant cabling. Advanced error correction and adaptive equalization ensure stable performance even in electrically noisy environments.

High-Speed Copper Networking Capabilities

Engineered for flexibility and efficiency, this Dell SFP+ copper transceiver supports multiple Ethernet standards, allowing smooth interoperability across various network environments. By leveraging commonly available copper cables, it minimizes deployment costs while ensuring consistent data transmission and low latency performance.

Design and Form Factor

SFP+ 10GBASE-T copper transceivers adhere to the Small Form-factor Pluggable Plus (SFP+) mechanical specification, allowing them to be used interchangeably with optical SFP+ modules in compatible ports. This standardized form factor simplifies inventory management and enables flexible port configuration on networking equipment.

Hot-Pluggable Architecture

Hot-pluggability is a core feature of this category. Network administrators can insert or remove SFP+ 10GBASE-T modules without powering down the host device, minimizing downtime and simplifying maintenance. This capability is particularly valuable in mission-critical environments where continuous uptime is essential.

Thermal and Power Management

Copper-based 10GBASE-T transceivers generally consume more power than their optical counterparts due to the complexity of copper signal processing. As a result, thermal management is an important design consideration within this category. Modules like the Dell 407-BCWZ are engineered to operate within defined power envelopes and thermal limits, ensuring compatibility with Dell switches and servers that have specific port power budgets.Efficient heat dissipation, robust casing design, and compliance with SFP+ Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) guidelines help ensure reliable operation even in dense deployments.

Compatibility and Interoperability

One of the strongest advantages of the SFP+ 10GBASE-T category is broad compatibility across a wide range of networking platforms. The Dell 407-BCWZ is designed and validated for use with Dell networking equipment, but the underlying category standard ensures alignment with IEEE and MSA specifications.

Advantages of Copper-Based 10GbE Transceivers

The popularity of SFP+ 10GBASE-T modules is driven by several practical advantages that differentiate them from optical alternatives.

Flexible Network Design

By supporting both copper and fiber transceivers in the same SFP+ ports, network designers can tailor connectivity on a per-port basis, optimizing for cost, distance, and performance.

SFP+ 10GBASE-T Category

As organizations continue to balance performance demands with cost and operational efficiency, the SFP+ 10GBASE-T transceiver category remains strategically valuable. It provides a pragmatic approach to high-speed networking that aligns with real-world infrastructure constraints.Modules such as the Dell 407-BCWZ exemplify the strengths of this category by combining Dell-validated compatibility, standardized design, and optimized performance for short-reach copper connections. Whether deployed in enterprise offices, data centers, or mixed-use environments, this category supports scalable, future-ready Ethernet networking.