Ethernet networks use a variety of network
hardware to ensure the connectivity of devices, and Ethernet switches are an important one. It is considered the brain of the network that uses the
hardware address to effectively connect to the device. Due to its increasing
importance, today, the design specifications and configurations of switches are
varied. Ethernet switches may have different port types and work in different
switch port modes. In this article, we will compare the two port types of
Ethernet switches.
8-Port Managed Ethernet Switch
What is RJ45 port?
RJ45 ports are the most common in network and most commonly used too, and they allow you
to connect network cables. It is a standard connector that we can connect
computers, TVs, game consoles, printers or any household peripherals that can
access the network through cables to routers or switches. RJ45 port of the Ethernet switch is
a built-in port. In order to connect two network switches, you only need to use
a CAT5, or CAT6 network cable to connect them to two RJ45 ports.
What is SFP port?
SFP ports are designed for small form factor connectors. It provides high speed and
physical compactness. The SFP port of the switch must first be inserted into
the SFP optical module, and then use the network cable for data transmission,
which enables the switch to achieve long distance copper uplinks. They are
mainly used in network switches.
They allow the connection of different types of fiber optic cables, such as
single mode and multimode and different speeds. But they can also be connected
to copper Ethernet cables such as CAT5 or CAT6.
Differences between RJ45 and SFP ports
Connection Types
SFP port requires two SFP electrical modules and
one Cat5e/Cat6/Cat7 cable or two SFP optical modules with optical ports and
fiber jumpers, while RJ45 port only requires Cat5e/Cat6/Cat7 cables. SFP ports can
support both SFP optical modules with electrical ports and optical ports.
Transmission Distance
The transmission distance of SFP port is
obviously longer than RJ45 port. RJ45 port only supports twisted pair cable for
network connection, because 1000Mbps can only be wired through copper cables,
so its distance is limited to 100 m. If you need to connect devices further
away, you need to use SFP port.
Cost
Due to the lower price of CAT5 and CAT6 cables,
it may be more economical to choose RJ45 ports to connect to switches, because
RJ45 ports and SFP ports actually run at the same speed.
Reliability
Due to electromagnetic interference, optical
fiber is considered more reliable than copper. RJ45 Ethernet cables that use
electrical signals. Therefore, if the cable will pass through some places where
electrical signals will be interfered, then choosing a switch with 24 ports
with optical fiber SFP ports will be safer than copper RJ45 ports.
Conclusion
SFP port enables two switches to
connect to a variety of optical fiber and cables. In addition, it also expands
the function of the switch in the entire network. However, RJ45 port is still a
cost effective option. Today, 10GbE switches have become a trend. Since
everything has two aspects, choosing an SFP slot is not always the best, it
also depends on your personal need.
Baudcom offers all kinds of fiber optic switches. For more information, please visit Baudcom.