HANSUN Compared with the Ethernet switch using only the RJ45 port, the SFP port switch supports more types of communication cables and longer reaches of links. The SFP port switch is also able to exchange with the port of the 1000BASE-SX, 1000BASE-LX/LH, 1000BASE-ZX or the 1000BASE- BX10-D/U. But for short-distance links on a Gigabit switch, there is no difference using an SFP port or RJ45 port to interconnect Ethernet switches. If you don’t plan to connect the server through optical links in the near future, you will not need an SFP port switch and you can stay with standard 1000BASE-T. The following table lists the RJ45 connection and SFP connection of Gigabit switches:
| Parameter | SFP Port | RJ45 Port |
|---|---|---|
| Connection Types | RJ45 SFP module + network cable (Cat5e, Cat6 or higher)fiber SFP module + fiber optic cable (SMF fiber / MMF fiber) | network cable (Cat5e, Cat6 or higher) |
| Max Distance | MMF (550m) / SMF (150km) / Cat5 (100m) | 100m (330ft) |
| Data Rate | 1000Mbps (1G) | 1000Mbps (1G) |
