Cisco Compatible DS-SFP-FC8G-SW: 8G Fibre Channel SFP+ 850nm MMF 500m DOM LC Duplex

Meet a reliable, Cisco-compatible Fibre Channel transceiver engineered to deliver high-performance storage networking at a competitive price point. The DS-SFP-FC8G-SW-equivalent SFP+ module provides part-for-part functionality with Cisco’s original 8G FC SFP, ensuring seamless integration into SAN switches and storage networks. This 850 nm MMF transceiver features DOM (Digital Optical Monitoring) for real-time health and link diagnostics, a duplex LC connector, and a robust design that is TAA compliant and backed by a lifetime warranty. Whether you’re expanding a data center, upgrading an existing SAN, or building a new storage backbone, this SFP+ module offers consistent performance, easy installation, and dependable uptime across demanding environments.

• High-performance 8G Fibre Channel SFP+ transceiver designed to mirror Cisco’s DS-SFP-FC8G-SW in speed, form factor, and feature set. Ideal for data centers and enterprise storage networks, this module supports multi-gigabit Fibre Channel traffic with low latency and reliable signal integrity. It is compatible with a wide range of Cisco and non-Cisco switches, enabling flexible deployment without vendor lock-in while preserving the performance characteristics you expect from a Fibre Channel link.
• 850 nm multi-mode fiber (MMF) with duplex LC connectivity delivers excellent reach on standard MMF installations, enabling cost-effective SAN uplinks across racks and shelves. The 850 nm wavelength is optimized for common MMF cabling (OM2/OM3/OM4) and supports short- to medium-range fiber deployments typical of data centers, server rooms, and campus storage networks. The duplex LC connector ensures a secure, easy-to-reach optical interface that works well with existing fiber plant and patch panels.
• Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM) for proactive management provides real-time insight into transmitter power, received power, temperature, laser bias current, and other critical operating parameters. DOM data enables proactive troubleshooting, faster fault isolation, and more accurate capacity planning. This feature is particularly valuable in dense SAN ecosystems, where small performance variances can cascade into larger storage I/O impacts if left unchecked.
• TAA-compliant and functionally identical to Cisco’s original part ensuring regulatory alignment for procurement in government, education, and enterprise deployments. This module is designed to be “Cisco-compatible,” delivering the same electrical and optical characteristics as the Cisco DS-SFP-FC8G-SW while offering price-sensitive sourcing options. It’s tested and supported in the USA, providing confidence for mission-critical storage environments and data center resilience initiatives.
• Lifetime warranty and solid engineering for reliability backed by a lifetime warranty, reflecting a commitment to long-term operation in busy data centers. The transceiver is built to endure the thermal and mechanical stresses common in 24/7 SAN environments and is designed for plug-and-play installation, reducing downtime during upgrades or expansions. This warranty coverage translates into lower total cost of ownership and a dependable, steady performance baseline for storage networks.

Technical Details of Cisco Compatible DS-SFP-FC8G-SW

• Form factor: SFP+ transceiver compatible with Fibre Channel 8G SAN environments; hot-plug capable and designed for easy installation in standard SFP+ slots.
• Protocol and speed: Fibre Channel, 8G Base-SW (8.0 Gbps) with support for backward compatibility on multi-speed FC networks where applicable.
• Wavelength and fiber: 850 nm emission on multi-mode fiber; duplex LC optical interface optimized for MMF installations.
• Distance/range: Up to approximately 500 meters on appropriate MMF cabling (OM4 preferred for longer reach); typical deployments on standard MMF ranges can vary (commonly 300–500 meters depending on fiber type and patching). Check your fiber specification to confirm exact reach.
• Connector type: Duplex LC, backing a robust and widely used MMF connection standard in data centers.
• DOM capability: Yes, enabling real-time monitoring of optical transceiver health and performance.
• Temperature and environment: Engineered for data-center conditions and continuous operation in hot-swap environments; designed to meet industry reliability expectations for enterprise SANs.
• Compatibility: Functionally identical to Cisco DS-SFP-FC8G-SW; widely supported by Cisco switches and by many third-party platforms that honor SFP+ interoperability for Fibre Channel.
• Compliance and warranty: TAA compliant; backed by a lifetime warranty for durability and long-term reliability.
• Package contents: Typically includes a single Cisco-compatible DS-SFP-FC8G-SW-equivalent transceiver suitable for rack-mmount storage networks.

how to install Cisco Compatible DS-SFP-FC8G-SW

• Power down or ensure there is no active traffic if your maintenance policy requires it. Gently insert the SFP+ module into a compatible switch or storage enclosure slot until the module is firmly seated and the locking mechanism engages.
• Verify optical alignment with your MMF cabling. Use clean, properly terminated fiber and ensure the duplex LC connectors click into place securely to prevent micro-bends or loose connections that can degrade signal quality.
• Power up the device (if powered down for maintenance) and check the switch management interface for the transceiver recognition, link status, and DOM readings. The module should report optical parameters and the 8G Fibre Channel interface should come online within standard handshake times.
• Confirm the link rate and performance. Run a basic Fibre Channel test or data transfer to verify throughput and latency against expected baselines. If DOM data indicates out-of-range power or temperature, investigate fiber integrity, connector cleanliness, or cabling routing to minimize heat buildup and mechanical stress.
• Maintain firmware and driver alignment. While the transceiver is designed for broad compatibility, ensure your switch firmware is up to date to maximize interoperability and to benefit from any SAN reliability enhancements associated with newer software revisions.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: Is this module truly Cisco-compatible?

  A: Yes. This transceiver is designed to be functionally identical to the Cisco DS-SFP-FC8G-SW and is tested for compatibility with Cisco switches as well as compatible third-party platforms that support standard SFP+ Fibre Channel modules. It delivers the same performance characteristics and interoperability you expect from an official Cisco component.

• Q: What type of fiber and connector does it use?

  A: It uses multi-mode fiber (MMF) with a duplex LC connector. The 850 nm wavelength is optimized for MMF cabling, enabling reliable short- to mid-range SAN connections within data centers and campus environments.

• Q: What is DOM and why is it important?

  A: DOM stands for Digital Optical Monitoring. It provides real-time visibility into essential optical parameters such as transmitter power, receiver power, temperature, and other diagnostic data. This information helps with proactive maintenance, faster fault isolation, and better capacity planning for storage networks.

• Q: How far can this transceiver reach?

  A: The reach depends on the MMF type in your fiber infrastructure. This module is rated for up to about 500 meters on appropriate MMF (preferably OM4 for longer distances). In typical deployments using standard MMF (OM2/OM3), expect ranges in the 300–500 meter range depending on fiber quality and patching. Always verify your fiber specification for precise distance capabilities.

• Q: Is the product covered by a warranty?

  A: Yes. The transceiver comes with a lifetime warranty, reflecting confidence in its long-term reliability for demanding data-center environments. If you encounter a defect or performance issue within the warranty period, you should be able to obtain support or replacement under the terms of the warranty.

• Q: Is this compliant with trade regulations?

  A: The module is TAA compliant, making it suitable for procurement in government and other regulated sectors that require adherence to Trade Agreements Act standards. This compliance helps simplify purchasing processes in enterprise and public-sector deployments.