Cisco DS-SFP-FC8G-SW
8 Gbps Fibre Channel LW SFP+. LC, Original Cisco
Product Highlights
Maintaining reliable, high-throughput connectivity between storage arrays, hosts, and SAN fabric switches is critical in any data center — and transceiver quality is the foundation of that link.
The Cisco DS-SFP-FC8G-SW is an original Cisco 8 Gbps Fibre Channel shortwave SFP+ transceiver module designed for the Cisco MDS 9000 Series and Nexus storage networking platforms. Operating at 850 nm over multimode fiber (MMF) with a duplex LC connector, it delivers 2/4/8 Gbps autosensing Fibre Channel connectivity — allowing a single optic to support legacy 2G and 4G links as well as current 8G Fibre Channel speeds.
Built-in Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM) provides real-time telemetry on transmit power, receive power, temperature, bias current, and supply voltage, enabling network teams to identify degrading links before they cause outages. The hot-swappable design means transceivers can be installed or replaced on live equipment with zero downtime.
Ideal for SAN access-layer connections, inter-switch links (ISLs), and host-bus-adapter uplinks within enterprise and colocation data centers, the DS-SFP-FC8G-SW is a proven, cost-effective building block for Fibre Channel storage networks running on Cisco infrastructure.
Features & Benefits
Tri-Rate Autosensing (2/4/8 Gbps)
The DS-SFP-FC8G-SW automatically negotiates at 2, 4, or 8 Gbps Fibre Channel speeds, eliminating the need to stock separate optics for different link rates. This simplifies spares inventory and supports phased SAN speed upgrades without replacing transceivers at every port.
Shortwave 850nm over Multimode Fiber
Using a VCSEL laser at 850 nm, this transceiver is optimized for short-reach multimode fiber runs typical inside a data center. MMF cabling is more economical to terminate and deploy than single-mode, keeping per-port infrastructure costs low while delivering full 8G throughput.
Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM/DDM)
Integrated DOM exposes real-time operating parameters — including optical TX/RX power, module temperature, laser bias current, and supply voltage — directly through the switch CLI or management platform. This enables proactive fault detection and simplifies SAN troubleshooting.
Hot-Swappable SFP+ Design
The SFP+ form factor supports hot insertion and removal, allowing maintenance or upgrades without powering down the switch or disrupting adjacent ports. This is essential for 24/7 production SAN environments where downtime is not an option.
Cisco MDS 9000 & Nexus Platform Integration
As an original Cisco transceiver, the DS-SFP-FC8G-SW is fully validated for the MDS 9000 Series directors and fabric switches as well as Nexus platforms with Fibre Channel capability. It is recognized natively by Cisco NX-OS, ensuring full feature support and TAC serviceability.
Deployment Scenarios
Data Center SAN Access Layer
Connect server host bus adapters (HBAs) to Cisco MDS or Nexus Fibre Channel switches at 2, 4, or 8 Gbps. The autosensing capability accommodates mixed-generation servers on the same fabric without optic swaps.
Inter-Switch Links (ISLs) within a SAN Fabric
Use the DS-SFP-FC8G-SW on short-reach ISLs between MDS 9000 Series switches in the same data hall. The 850nm shortwave optic keeps ISL cabling costs low while delivering the bandwidth needed for fabric-level traffic aggregation.
Storage Array Connectivity
Provide reliable Fibre Channel uplinks from enterprise storage arrays (e.g., NetApp, Dell EMC, Pure Storage) to the SAN fabric. DOM telemetry helps storage administrators monitor link health and preempt connectivity issues before they impact I/O performance.
General
Performance
Cable Distance (by Fiber Type at 8 Gbps)
Physical
Environmental
Compliance
Compatibility Notes
Supported Platforms (Cisco):
- Cisco MDS 9000 Series Multilayer Directors and Fabric Switches (e.g., MDS 9509, MDS 9513, MDS 9706, MDS 9710, MDS 9148S, MDS 9396S)
- Cisco Nexus platforms with Fibre Channel switching modules
Fiber Requirements:
- Multimode Fiber (MMF) with duplex LC connectors
- Minimum cable distance: 2 m (6.5 ft)
Software:
- Supported across Cisco NX-OS releases that correspond to the installed line card or chassis. Consult the Cisco MDS 9000 Series Pluggable Transceivers Data Sheet for platform-specific firmware compatibility.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| DS-SFP-FC8G-LW | Cisco 8G FC Longwave SFP+ | Longwave 1310nm over single-mode fiber — supports up to 10 km for inter-building or campus SAN links |
| DS-SFP-FC8G-ER | Cisco 8G FC Extended Reach SFP+ | Extended reach over single-mode fiber — designed for long-distance SAN connectivity beyond 10 km |
| DS-SFP-FC16G-SW | Cisco 16G FC Shortwave SFP+ | Next-generation 4/8/16 Gbps autosensing shortwave SFP+ — upgrade path for 16G Fibre Channel fabrics |
| DS-SFP-FC4G-SW | Cisco 4G FC Shortwave SFP | Legacy 1/2/4 Gbps Fibre Channel shortwave SFP — lower cost option for older 4G-only SAN environments |
