Cisco CVR-QSFP-SFP10G
QSFP to SFP10G adapter, Original Cisco
Product Highlights
Upgrading your network to 40 Gigabit Ethernet shouldn't mean abandoning your existing 10G and 1G optics investment. The Cisco CVR-QSFP-SFP10G QSA (QSFP-to-SFP+ Adapter) module solves this challenge by converting a 40G QSFP+ port into a standard SFP or SFP+ slot, giving you the flexibility to connect lower-speed endpoints without wasting valuable high-density ports.
This original Cisco adapter plugs directly into any supported QSFP+ port and accepts a wide range of SFP+ transceivers — including 10GBASE-SR, 10GBASE-LR, 10GBASE-ER, 10GBASE-ZR, DWDM SFP+ modules, SFP+ copper cables, and select 1GbE SFP modules such as the GLC-T and GLC-SX-MMD. The adapter uses lane 1 of the four-lane QSFP+ interface to deliver a single 10G or 1G connection, making it an elegant bridge between generations of networking hardware.
Ideal for data center leaf-spine fabrics, campus distribution uplinks, and phased migration projects, the CVR-QSFP-SFP10G lets you deploy new 40G-capable switches today while connecting to existing 10G infrastructure at your own pace. As a genuine Cisco component, it is fully supported through the Cisco Optics-to-Device Compatibility Matrix and eligible for Cisco TAC support.
Features & Benefits
Seamless Speed Conversion
The CVR-QSFP-SFP10G converts a 40G QSFP+ port into a single SFP/SFP+ slot, enabling 10GbE or 1GbE connectivity on platforms that only offer QSFP+ interfaces. This eliminates the need to purchase separate 10G-native switches or line cards during a phased network upgrade.
Broad Optics Compatibility
The adapter supports a comprehensive range of Cisco SFP+ transceivers — including multimode (SFP-10G-SR), single-mode (SFP-10G-LR, SFP-10G-ER, SFP-10G-ZR), DWDM modules, Fabric Extender transceivers (FET-10G), SFP+ copper and active optical cables, and select 1GbE SFP modules like GLC-T, GLC-TE, and GLC-SX-MMD. This breadth ensures you can reuse existing optics inventory across your upgraded infrastructure.
Hot-Swappable & Zero Configuration
The QSA module is hot-swappable — simply insert it into a QSFP+ port and plug in your SFP/SFP+ transceiver. No complex configuration is required for basic operation. The adapter's mechanical and electrical design matches the QSFP+ form factor while maintaining proper SFP+ signal pinouts internally.
Standards-Based Design
Compliant with QSFP+ MSA SFF-8436 and IEEE 802.3ba, the CVR-QSFP-SFP10G ensures interoperability across Cisco's switching portfolio. RoHS-compliant construction meets environmental regulations, and the built-in EEPROM provides reliable product identification to the host platform.
Deployment Scenarios
Data Center 40G-to-10G Migration
When deploying new 40G leaf-spine switches such as the Nexus 9000 or 3000 series, use the CVR-QSFP-SFP10G to connect 10G server downlinks through existing SFP+ optics. This allows a node-by-node migration to 40G without requiring all endpoints to upgrade simultaneously.
Campus Distribution Uplinks
In campus networks with Catalyst 9500 or 9600 series switches, the QSA adapter enables 40G QSFP+ uplink ports to connect to access-layer switches still running 10GbE or 1GbE SFP links. This maximizes port utilization on high-density distribution platforms.
Lab and Staging Environments
Network engineers testing configurations on 40G-only platforms can use the CVR-QSFP-SFP10G to connect standard 10G test equipment and SFP+ optics without needing dedicated 40G test infrastructure.
Port Reclamation on QSFP-Only Platforms
On switches where all ports are QSFP+ and some links only require 10G bandwidth, the QSA adapter lets you reclaim unused 40G ports for 10G connections — avoiding wasted capacity and reducing the need for additional switches.
General
Performance
Physical
Environmental
Compliance
Compatibility Notes
Platform Compatibility: The CVR-QSFP-SFP10G is supported across a wide range of Cisco platforms. Always verify your specific switch model and software version using the Cisco Optics-to-Device Compatibility Matrix.
Platforms known to support this adapter include (but are not limited to):
- Nexus 9000 Series (e.g., N9K-C9336C-FX2, N9K-C9332PQ, N9K-C93180YC-EX, N9K-C9372PX)
- Nexus 3000/3100 Series (e.g., N3K-C3172PQ, N3K-C3132Q-X, N3K-C31108PC-V)
- Nexus 5600 Series (e.g., N5K-C56128P)
- Nexus 6000 Series (e.g., N6K-C6001, N6K-C6004)
- Catalyst 9600 Series (with C9600-LC-24C line card)
- Catalyst 9500 Series
- Catalyst 3850 Series
Important Limitations (Catalyst 9600 / C9600-LC-24C):
- Do not install the adapter on an even-numbered port where the corresponding odd-numbered port has 40GE optics.
- Do not install the adapter on any port configured to operate in 100GE mode.
- 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps speeds with GLC-T/GLC-TE are not supported; only 1 Gbps speed is supported with these copper SFP modules.
Supported SFP/SFP+ Modules: SFP-10G-SR, SFP-10G-LR, SFP-10G-ER, SFP-10G-ZR, DWDM-SFP10G-xx.xx, FET-10G, SFP+ copper cables (1m–10m), SFP+ active optical cables (1m–10m), GLC-T, GLC-TE, GLC-SX-MMD.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| CVR-QSFP28-SFP25G | Cisco QSFP28 to SFP25G QSA28 Adapter | Converts 100G QSFP28 ports to 25G/10G SFP28/SFP+ — use when your platform has QSFP28 ports instead of QSFP+ |
| CVR-X2-SFP10G | Cisco X2 to SFP+ Adapter | Converts legacy X2 10G ports to SFP+ — for older Catalyst platforms with X2 slots rather than QSFP+ |
| QSFP-4SFP10G-CU3M | Cisco QSFP+ to 4×SFP+ Breakout Cable (3m) | Breaks out one 40G QSFP+ port into four 10G SFP+ connections — choose when you need all four 10G lanes simultaneously |
| QSFP-40G-SR4 | Cisco 40GBASE-SR4 QSFP+ Transceiver | Native 40G QSFP+ optic for multimode fiber — use when both ends support full 40G connectivity |
