SFP28 Connector

Evolution of SFP: From SFP to SFP28 and SFP56

Evolution of SFP: From SFP to SFP28 and SFP56

Smaller, Faster, Smarter – How SFP Connectors Shaped the Modern Network

As global data demand accelerates through cloud computing, AI, and 5G, network hardware continues to evolve toward higher bandwidth and denser port designs. Among the countless interface formats, the Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) family has remained the backbone of modern networking, continually reinvented to deliver faster speeds while preserving compatibility and flexibility.

From 1 G to 50 G: A Brief Timeline

  • SFP (1 Gbps – around 2001)
    The original SFP replaced bulky GBIC modules, offering a compact, hot-swappable transceiver interface for switches, routers, and storage systems. It standardized the small-form design we still see today.

  • SFP+ (10 Gbps – around 2006)
    As 10 Gigabit Ethernet became mainstream, SFP+ boosted data rates ten-fold without changing the physical size. Its backward compatibility made upgrades simple and cost-effective.

  • SFP28 (25 Gbps – around 2014)
    Developed under IEEE 802.3by, SFP28 answered the need for higher bandwidth in data centers and 5 G networks — 25 Gbps per lane using the same compact footprint. This generation became the “sweet spot” for cloud-scale deployments: faster than SFP+, lower cost than 40 G solutions.

  • SFP56 (50 Gbps – around 2019)
    The latest member doubles the lane speed again to 50 Gbps, aligning with PCIe Gen4 and 200 G/400 G Ethernet architectures, while maintaining full mechanical compatibility with earlier versions.

Why 25 Gbps Became the “Sweet Spot”

The SFP28 standard struck the perfect balance between performance, cost, and power efficiency. It allowed hyperscale data centers to migrate from 10 G to 25 G per lane — and by grouping four SFP28 channels, achieve 100 G Ethernet connections with existing infrastructure.
For many network operators, it remains the most practical choice for achieving high bandwidth without overhauling switch architecture or cooling design.

🔍 Zoom In: SFP28 1×1 Connector & Cage Solution

Walta Electronic provides SFP28 1×1 connector and cage assemblies that combine precision engineering, stable performance, and flexible customization to meet the needs of modern high-speed systems.

Connector Highlights

  • 25 Gbps high-speed signal performance with controlled impedance

  • Durable contact design supporting >200 mating cycles

  • Gold-plated terminals ensuring low signal loss and corrosion resistance

  • Compact footprint compatible with SFP+ layouts for easy upgrades

Cage Highlights

  • Optimized EMI shielding using stamped stainless-steel structure

  • Enhanced heat dissipation through ventilation hole design

  • Optional light-pipe and press-fit options for mechanical flexibility

  • 1×1 modular form ideal for rack or board-level integration

📄 Technical Specifications:
Download SFP28 1×1 Connector Specification Sheet (PDF)

Download SFP 28 1×1 Cage Specification Sheet (PDF)

Looking Ahead: SFP56 and Beyond

With the rise of AI servers and edge computing, the demand for higher-speed interconnects continues. While SFP28 remains dominant in 25 G and 100 G infrastructure, SFP56 and QSFP112 are setting new standards for 50 G and 400 G applications. Walta Electronic continues to refine connector and cage solutions that meet these future-ready specifications — ensuring performance, reliability, and design continuity.

🏢 About Walta Electronic

Walta Electronic specializes in high-quality connectivity solutions, providing a full range of USB Type-C, HDMI, SD Card connectors, DisplayPort connectors, Board-to-Board connectors, power connectors, as well as custom cables and wire harness assemblies. With precision manufacturing and advanced R&D, we serve premium applications across consumer electronics, medical technology, industrial control, Telecommunications, and automotive electronics — helping our partners stay competitive with performance they can trust.

SFP 系列的演進：從 SFP 到 SFP56

更小、更快、更聰明— SFP 連接器如何塑造現代網路架構

隨著雲端運算、人工智慧與 5G 的高速發展，全球資料傳輸需求急速攀升，網路設備也不斷朝向 更高頻寬與更高密度設計 演進。
在眾多介面標準中，小型可插拔模組（Small Form-factor Pluggable, SFP） 系列始終是現代網路的核心，持續透過升級與改良，在保持相容性的同時實現更快的傳輸速度。

從 1G 到 50G：發展時間軸

  • SFP（1 Gbps – 約 2001 年）
    初代 SFP 取代了體積龐大的 GBIC 模組，提供一種體積更小、可熱插拔的傳輸介面，廣泛應用於交換器、路由器與儲存系統，並奠定了今日小型模組的外型標準。

  • SFP+（10 Gbps – 約 2006 年）
    隨著 10 Gigabit Ethernet 普及，SFP+ 將傳輸速率提升至 10 倍，但仍保留相同外型尺寸，並具備向下相容設計，使升級更靈活且具成本效益。

  • SFP28（25 Gbps – 約 2014 年）
    根據 IEEE 802.3by 標準開發，SFP28 為資料中心與 5G 網路帶來 25 Gbps 單通道高速傳輸，以相同尺寸達到更高速率。此世代被視為雲端架構的「黃金平衡點」—速度快於 SFP+，成本又低於 40G 解決方案。

  • SFP56（50 Gbps – 約 2019 年）
    最新一代再次將單通道速率倍增至 50 Gbps，與 PCIe Gen4 及 200G / 400G Ethernet 架構相符，同時保持與前代 SFP 系列的完全機械相容性。

為何 25 Gbps 成為「甜蜜點」

SFP28 在 效能、成本與功耗 之間取得最佳平衡。
它讓超大型資料中心能順利從 10G 升級至 25G 單通道，並透過四個 SFP28 通道組合，輕鬆達成 100G Ethernet 傳輸，而無需大幅修改設備結構。
對多數網路營運商而言，SFP28 仍是兼顧高頻寬與經濟性的理想方案。

🔍 聚焦：SFP28 1×1 Connector & Cage 解決方案

華大電子（Walta Electronic）提供 SFP28 1×1 連接器與外罩組件（Connector & Cage），結合高精度結構設計、穩定性能與靈活客製化，滿足現代高速傳輸系統的多樣需求。

連接器特點

  • 25 Gbps 高速信號傳輸，具嚴謹阻抗控制

  • 高耐用接點設計，支援超過 200 次插拔

  • 鍍金端子，降低信號損耗並防止氧化

  • 與 SFP+ 版型相容，可輕鬆升級至更高頻寬

外罩（Cage）特點

  • 高效 EMI 屏蔽結構，採不鏽鋼沖壓製成

  • 通風設計 提升散熱效率

  • 可選配導光管與 Press-fit 結構，增加組裝彈性

  • 1×1 模組化設計，適用於機架或板上整合應用

📄 技術規格表：
下載 SFP28 1×1 Connector 規格表 (PDF)
下載 SFP28 1×1 Cage 規格表 (PDF)

展望未來：SFP56 與更高速世代

隨著 AI 伺服器與邊緣運算的興起，高速互連需求持續增加。
目前 SFP28 仍是 25G 與 100G 架構中的主流，而 SFP56（單通道 50 Gbps） 與 QSFP112（總速率可達 400 Gbps） 正逐步成為新一代高速應用的標準。
華大電子持續優化連接器與外罩設計，符合未來高速傳輸規範，確保產品在效能、可靠性與設計延續性上保持領先。

🏢 關於 Walta Electronic

Walta Electronic 專注於高品質連接解決方案，產品涵蓋 USB Type-C、HDMI、DisplayPort、記憶卡座、 板對板連接器、電源連接器，以及 客製化線材與端子線組。我們憑藉精密製造與專業研發技術，服務應用於 消費性電子、醫療科技、工業控制、網路通訊與車用電子 等高階領域，致力於協助合作夥伴以穩定性能立足競爭市場。

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