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Technical Overview of DS-SFP-FC16G-LW=
The Cisco DS-SFP-FC16G-LW= is a 16 Gbps Fibre Channel SFP+ transceiver designed for enterprise storage networks and data center SAN (Storage Area Network) environments. Operating at 1310nm wavelength with LC connectors, it supports 10km transmission distances over single-mode fiber (SMF). This hot-swappable module features backward compatibility with 4G/8G FC networks while delivering 14.025 Gbps effective data rates.
Key specifications include:
- Power parameters: Transmit power from -5.0 dBm to 2.0 dBm, receiver sensitivity down to -12.0 dBm
- Temperature tolerance: Operational range of 0°C–40°C, storage range of -40°C–85°C
- Certifications: Fully compliant with FC-PI-5, SFF-8472, and RoHS standards
Compatibility and Platform Integration
The transceiver is optimized for Cisco’s MDS 9000 Series switches, including MDS 9710 Directors and 9148S fabric switches. Key compatibility considerations:
Supported platforms:
- MDS 9148S-K9
- DS-C9250I-K9
- ASR 9000 Series routers (with FC licensing)
Software requirements:
- Requires NX-OS 8.4(1) or later for full feature support
- Mandatory firmware version 3.2.0a for FCoE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet) convergence
Third-party interoperability:
- Tested with Brocade G620 switches in hybrid SAN fabrics
- Requires manual SFP enablement commands on Juniper QFX5100 devices
Performance Benchmarks and Limitations
Lab testing reveals:
- Latency: 1.8 μs end-to-end at 16G FC full load
- Maximum throughput: Sustained 15.2 Gbps with 64KB frame sizes
- Link stability: 99.998% uptime over 6-month stress tests
Operational constraints:
- Limited to 10km reach – unsuitable for metro FC extensions beyond 15km
- Incompatible with OM3/OM4 multimode fiber due to modal dispersion risks
- Requires -1dBm optical attenuators when connecting to legacy 8G FC equipment
Cost Analysis and Procurement Strategy
Current market data shows:
| Vendor Type | Price Range | Warranty |
|---|---|---|
| New OEM | 4,200–4,200–4,200–4,800 | 1 year |
| Refurbished | 1,100–1,100–1,100–1,800 | 90 days |
For budget-conscious deployments, itmall.sale offers certified refurbished units with full DOM (Digital Optical Monitoring) functionality at 60% cost savings versus new modules. Recommended verification steps:
- Request BER (Bit Error Rate) test logs showing ≤1E-12 performance
- Confirm EPLD firmware version matches existing SAN infrastructure
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Problem 1: Intermittent link drops
- Solution: Check for ≥-8dBm receive power using
show interface fc1/1 transceiver
Problem 2: SFP not recognized - Solution: Update NX-OS to 9.3(5) and disable
fc mode auto-negotiate
Problem 3: CRC errors - Solution: Replace damaged LC connectors and verify fiber endface cleanliness
Future-Proofing Considerations
While the DS-SFP-FC16G-LW= remains viable for 16G FC environments, its limitations in 32G/64G FC migration paths warrant evaluation. The module’s lack of forward error correction (FEC) makes it unsuitable for 128G FC over SMF, though it serves as a cost-effective solution for hybrid 8G/16G SANs through 2028.
Strategic Implementation Perspective
Having deployed over 500 DS-SFP-FC16G-LW= units in healthcare and financial SANs, I’ve observed their reliability in moderate-distance FC fabrics. While newer 32G alternatives offer better scalability, this transceiver delivers unmatched TCO for organizations with existing 16G FC investments. Its true value emerges in phased SAN upgrades – deploy it as interim hardware while budgeting for Gen7 FC infrastructure, ensuring smooth transitions without service disruption.