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I am a total noob regarding network SFP Fiber and Ethernet transceivers, please help! (alien.top)

submitted 1 year ago by kotseman@alien.top to c/homelab@selfhosted.forum

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Some time ago I have purchased a cisco catalyst switch (I dont remember the exact model) ,that has regular twisted pair Ethernet and two SFP ports. All this time I have been using the twisted pair Ethernet ones, but I would like to also utilize the SFP ports to gain some speed networking with my NAS storage. The trouble is I dont know anything about SFP transceivers. What do those support? Fiber maybe? What card will I need to purchase to connect to my servers? What SFP's and cable? Please give me an example setup on how to utilize the ports.

Thanks!

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[–] LastTreestar@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

[–] kotseman@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Catalyst 3560

[–] neutronst4r 1 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Usually even the manufacturer of the switch only guarantees functionality with a subset of SFP modules. The safest bet is to look for the manufacturer qualified device list and choose the cheapest module, that still satisfies your requirements. Maximum length of fibre cable and throughput will be the deciding factors.
Note that, unless your cable is many kilometers long, you do not need an 1GB SFP. 1GB can be easily transfered via twisted pair ethernet.
You probably want a 10G, short range (<1km) SFP module.
Once you have found one, buy an identical one for the other side, don't mix.

[–] auriem@alien.top 1 points 1 year ago

Figure out the model of the switch and go read the documentation.