Non Cisco branded SFP's

[keithsauer507]

Are off brand SFP modules that guarantee Cisco compatibility worth anything?

Like you can get GigE copper SFP's  GLC-T= for 3750's made by other companies like eNet for example?

[Karthick Murugan]

Hi Keith,

Although third party SFPs are supported on CISCO platform sometimes. It is not recommended to use it because I personally handled many cases where the incompatible SPF triggers high CPU utilization and memory leak.

Thanks & Regards,
Karthick Murugan
CCIE#39285

[Joseph W. Doherty · Accepted solution]

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Posting

What are you really asking?  Are you asking whether it's a "good idea" to use brand X SFP in Cisco equipment?  If so, that's up to you.  I believe if you have any issues with those SFPs, Cisco will not support you unless you use their SPFs.

So, if the brand X SFPs work, and they cost less, then it may be a "good idea".  If you have problems, then it may not be a "good idea".  Can't say how the reduced (?) cost vs. Cisco support matters to you.  That's something you need to decide.

[keithsauer507]

Ok that's what I thought. However I did not know if Cisco openly liscenced the SFP technology to third parties to aid in the manufacturing process. Also if it was a particular standard, like Ethernet for example (you could have a Marvell, Broadcom, Realtek, Intel, etc) NIC and it just works due to interoperability standards.

OR if it's like the Apple model, where only Apple makes iPhones, iPads, etc. Chinese knockoff companies can try to duplicate, but likely get used eventually.

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[Joseph W. Doherty]

Disclaimer

The Author of this posting offers the information contained within this posting without consideration and with the reader's understanding that there's no implied or expressed suitability or fitness for any purpose. Information provided is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as rendering professional advice of any kind. Usage of this posting's information is solely at reader's own risk.

Liability Disclaimer

In no event shall Author be liable for any damages whatsoever (including, without limitation, damages for loss of use, data or profit) arising out of the use or inability to use the posting's information even if Author has been advised of the possibility of such damage.

Posting

I believe SFPs are "standard", but in practice it's somewhat like early implementation of Ethernet auto negotiation.

[keithsauer507]

Sounds good. Just for liability and reliability in enterprise networks, I'll stick with Cisco branded SFP's.

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