Cisco SFP-10G-ER
10GBASE-ER SFP Module, Original Cisco
Product Highlights
When your network demands reliable 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity across distances that far exceed the reach of standard LR optics, the Cisco SFP-10G-ER is the proven solution. This original Cisco 10GBASE-ER SFP+ transceiver module operates at 1550nm and supports link lengths of up to 40 kilometers over standard single-mode fiber (SMF, G.652) — making it ideal for campus backbone links, metro-area interconnects, and inter-building fiber runs where distance is a critical factor.
The SFP-10G-ER is a hot-swappable, compact SFP+ module that plugs directly into any compatible Cisco SFP+ port without requiring a host device reboot. It features Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM), giving network engineers real-time diagnostic insight into optical output power, input power, temperature, laser bias current, and supply voltage — all accessible via a standard 2-wire serial interface per SFF-8472.
Designed for data center, enterprise wiring closet, and service provider transport applications, this transceiver is optically interoperable with 10GBASE XENPAK, X2, and XFP interfaces on the same link. With Cisco's built-in quality identification feature, the module is automatically recognized and validated by supported Cisco platforms, ensuring a seamless plug-and-play deployment experience.
Features & Benefits
Extended-Reach 40km Connectivity
Operating at 1550nm, the SFP-10G-ER leverages the low-attenuation window of single-mode fiber to achieve link distances up to 40 kilometers — four times the reach of 10GBASE-LR optics. This eliminates the need for costly signal regeneration equipment on long campus or metro fiber runs.
Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM)
Built-in DOM support per SFF-8472 provides real-time monitoring of five critical parameters: optical output power, optical input power, module temperature, laser bias current, and transceiver supply voltage. This proactive visibility helps network teams detect degradation before it causes outages.
Hot-Swappable SFP+ Design
The compact SFP+ form factor allows field installation and replacement without powering down the host switch or router. This minimizes maintenance windows and keeps your network operational during upgrades or troubleshooting.
Cisco Quality Identification
As an original Cisco transceiver, the SFP-10G-ER includes Cisco's quality ID feature, enabling supported Cisco platforms to automatically identify and validate the module as a certified, genuine component. This ensures full compatibility and eliminates warning messages associated with third-party optics.
Broad Optical Interoperability
The SFP-10G-ER is optically interoperable with 10GBASE XENPAK, X2, and XFP interfaces on the same fiber link. This flexibility allows you to connect newer SFP+-based platforms with legacy 10G equipment without replacing optics on both ends simultaneously.
Deployment Scenarios
Campus Backbone & Inter-Building Links
Connect geographically dispersed campus buildings over distances up to 40km using existing single-mode fiber infrastructure. The SFP-10G-ER provides the reach needed for large university, hospital, or corporate campuses without intermediate amplification.
Metro-Area Network (MAN) Interconnects
Service providers and enterprises with metro-scale networks can use the SFP-10G-ER to establish 10GbE links between data centers, central offices, or points of presence across a metropolitan area, leveraging the 40km reach to reduce infrastructure complexity.
Data Center Interconnect (DCI)
Link primary and disaster-recovery data centers separated by significant distance. The SFP-10G-ER delivers the bandwidth and reach required for synchronous replication, backup traffic, and east-west data flows between facilities.
Service Provider Transport & Aggregation
Deploy in service provider edge and aggregation routers to deliver 10GbE transport services to enterprise customers or to backhaul traffic from remote access nodes to regional aggregation points over long-haul single-mode fiber.
General
Optical
Physical
Power
Environmental
Compliance
Compatibility Notes
The Cisco SFP-10G-ER is supported across a wide range of Cisco platforms with SFP+ ports, including Catalyst, Nexus, ASR, and ISR series devices. Compatibility varies by platform and IOS/NX-OS version. Always consult the Cisco 10 Gigabit Ethernet Transceiver Modules Compatibility Matrix for the latest supported platform and software version information.
Fiber Requirement: Standard single-mode fiber (SMF) per ITU-T G.652 (OS1/OS2). Multimode fiber is not compatible.
Connector Note: Only LC/PC or LC/UPC patch cords are supported. APC connectors are not supported.
Attenuator Note: For link distances under 20km, a 5 dB fixed-loss attenuator at 1550nm may be required (Cisco part number: 15216-ATT-LC-5=).
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| SFP-10G-LR | Cisco 10GBASE-LR SFP+ | LR reaches up to 10km at 1310nm — choose ER when you need 4x the distance (40km) over SMF. |
| SFP-10G-ER-S | Cisco 10GBASE-ER SFP+ (S-Class) | S-Class variant with the same 40km reach but different licensing/support tier; does not support FCoE. |
| SFP-10G-ZR | Cisco 10GBASE-ZR SFP+ | ZR extends reach up to 80km for ultra-long-haul links — choose when 40km is not enough. |
| SFP-10G-SR | Cisco 10GBASE-SR SFP+ | SR uses 850nm over multimode fiber for short-range links up to 300m — ideal for intra-data-center use. |
