Thanks for the quick reply! Reading your response I realize I don't understand the 10 Gb space as much as I thought I did. So I get 10Gb NICs that accept SR transceivers instead of SFP+ transceivers and get OM3 fiber cables instead of DAC copper cables?DACs are somewhat limited, but fiber has much higher limits. Get some SR transceivers and OM3 fiber patch cable. 50ft is no problem.
Nice! I assume this cable is all I need - 20m (66ft) LC UPC to LC UPC Duplex OM3 Armored PVC (OFNR) Patch Cable | FS.COM. If not, what spec of cable should I be looking for?SFP+ can take the transceivers directly. Something like this..
Cisco SFP-10G-SR 10GBASE-SR SFP+ Transceiver | FS.COM
Some NICs and switches are picky about the transceivers. That store can get you the kind you need if that's an issue. Mellanox NICs tend not to care, but Intel does, for example.
The fiber then plugs into the transceivers and you're off.
ExactlyThanks for the quick reply! Reading your response I realize I don't understand the 10 Gb space as much as I thought I did. So I get 10Gb NICs that accept SR transceivers instead of SFP+ transceivers and get OM3 fiber cables instead of DAC copper cables?
Yes, that will work fine. Get the NICs ordered first, so you know what transceivers to get. Some sellers include them as well, so you would only need the fiber. That's somewhat rare though, so I wouldn't worry about it if you don't find them included.Nice! I assume this cable is all I need - 20m (66ft) LC UPC to LC UPC Duplex OM3 Armored PVC (OFNR) Patch Cable | FS.COM. If not, what spec of cable should I be looking for?
Yeah I use them when I want an SFP coded for something non-Cisco etc, if you know what your looking for also eBay etc but they are helpful and if you just want a one stop shop it works.That's right! FS.COM is a good place to buy modules and cables.
You must mean SFP+ cable limitation is 10 meters, not SFP+ module. Since SFP+ cable is only suitable for very short distance transmission, but SFP+ module and cables can support longer distance. As other guys mentioned here, you can directly go to FS.COM to get SFP module and fiber patch cable, but you have to get your 10G NIC card first, so you would know which SFP module is compatible.I want to route a 10 Gb link that is about 50 feet. I understand SFP+ limitation is ~33 feet (10 meters), so what issues can I expect to experience if going past 10 meters?
P.S. - I can't afford 10Base-T switches at the moment
Now I'm confused... earlier in the thread it was recommended to get the Cisco SFP-10G-SR compatible SFP+ transceiver with the 20 meter LC UPC to LC UPC Duplex OM3 cable, but if SR stands for short reach than the Cisco SFP-10G-SR is only for short distances and not up to 300 meters as listed in the specs?sr = Short Reach (using optic fibers)
cr = Copper, direct atached cable (DAC), this is NOT 10gbase-t (the "normal lan" connector)
DACs are available as passive cables supporting distances up to 10feet/3meters for in rack cabling or as active cables (electronics amplifying the signals) up to 15 meter for inter rack cabling.
Passive DACs are the cheapest options for 10gbe, but support only short distances.
Active DACs are not worth the price: transceivers + fibers are a little bit more expensive but support 50+ meters.
Edit: passive DACs can be up to 7meters
gotcha! so I can ONLY procure a NIC that is SR if I'm to use the Cisco SFP-10G-SR transceiver and 20 meter LC UPC to LC UPC Duplex OM3 cable for my 50 foot run?It's all relative: 300 meters is short, compared to 10+ km lr sfp+ transceivers can do