The SFP+ specification was first published on May 9, 2006, and version 4.1 published on July 6, 2009. Just as its name suggests, SFP plus is an Enhanced pluggable module form SFP transceivers, targets at 10Gbps Ethernet and 8.5Gbps Fiber Channel systems, it becomes a popular industry format supported by many network component vendors. SFP+ transceiver is currently  the smallest size 10G transceiver compared with the former 10G transceivers X2 and XENPAK.

The SFP+ supports data rates up to 10 Gbit/s, 8 Gbit/s Fibre Channel, 10 Gigabit Ethernet and Optical Transport Network standard OTU2. SFP+ transceivers are used as linking the equipment to fiber optic networks. 10G SFP+ offers customer a wide variety of 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity options for data center, enterprise wiring closet, and service provider transport applications.

SFP + Features:

Standards : IEEE 802.3z 1000BASE-SX; 1000BASE-LX;

Hot-Pluggable SFP+ Footprint;

Duplex/ Simplex LC Optical Transceiver;

Digital Diagnostic Function;

Class 1 Laser International Safety;

Standard IEC-60825 Compliant;

Compatible with SFP+ Multi-Sourcing Agreement (MSA);

Dual Fiber Strands SFP+ Modules;

CWDM Dual Strands SFP+ Modules;

C Band DWDM Dual Fiber Strands SFP+ Modules;

Single Fiber Strand (Bi-Di) SFP+ Modules.

SFP+ has been replaced the XFP 10G modules and became the mainstream. It has many advatanges compared with SFP, XENPAK or XFP modules.

SFP+ Compared with SFP:

SFP has a maximum data rate of 5Gb/s whereas SFP+ is designed for 10Gb/s;

The SFP receptacles and plugs are not as well impedance matched as SFP+ receptacles and plugs;

SFP is based on IEEE802.3 and SFF-8472, but SFP+ is compliance with the protocol of IEEE802.3ae, SFF-8431, SFF-8432.

SFP+ Compared with former XENPAK or XFP modules:

SFP+ is much more lighter weight and lower consumption, is with more compact size and shape;

The size of SFP+ is smaller than XFP, thus it moves some functions to motherboard, including signal modulation function, MAC, CDR and EDC;

SFP plus is lower power consumption, this results in more densely installation capability than currently used 10G transceivers;

SFP+ modules leave more circuitry to be implemented on the host board instead of inside the module;

The cost of SFP+ is lower than XFP, X2 and XENPAK.

By now, as the high density data centers and enterprise networks, it is well acknowledged as the ultimate choice for the 10G SFP+ module. 10G SFP+ has become the optical module form factor of choice for 10 Gbps links due to its cost, size and power advantages over other module types.

Many fiber optic products supplier, such as Cisco, Finisar, and Sumitomo, have released the SFP+ transceivers. SFP+ tansceiver ensures the 10Gbps data transmission and the most densely installation capability as well as the lowest cost. Ingellen, an original manufacturer, supply SFP+ transceivers that are fully compatible with industrial standards, they feature good price and excellent performance.