Comparison Between SFP and SFP+

I’d like to share with you some information about the SFP module today. I hope it helps you.
The GBIC needs to be introduced before the SFP is introduced.GBIC is Giga Bitrate Interface Converter.Before the year 2000, GBIC was the most popular optical module package and the most widely used gigabit module. Because GBICs are large, SFPs appear and start to replace GBICs.

The full name of SFP is Small Form-factor Pluggable. It’s small compared to the GBIC package.
The size of the SFP module is half that of the GBIC module and can be configured with more than twice as many ports on the same panel. In terms of functions, they are similar and both support hot swap. The SFP optical module is a compact, hot-swappable optical module. It is defined by the Multi-Source Agreement (MSA).

The SFP+ (Enhanced smal form-factor pluggable) is an enhanced version of the SFP and supports a rate of 10 Gbit/s. SFP+ supports multiple rates, including FC800, 10GE WAN, 10GE LAN, and OTU2.
The SFP+ is similar to the SFP. The SFP+ has a blue lever.

Comparison Between SFP and SFP+
1. SFP and SFP+ modules are identical in size and appearance, so equipment manufacturers can use SFP physical designs on switches with SFP+ ports. Due to the same size, many customers use SFP modules on SFP+ ports of switches. This operation is feasible, but the rate decreases to 1 Gbit/s.
2. An SFP+ module cannot be used in an SFP slot. Otherwise, the port or module may be damaged.
3. The SFP and SFP+ transfer rates differ from the standard. The SFP board can transmit only optical signals lower than 5 Gbit/s, and the SFP+ board can transmit a maximum of 10 Gbit/s optical signals. SFP is based on the SFF-8472 protocol, while SFP+ is based on the SFF-8431 and SFF-8432 protocols.