Pluggables and cables in IT and OT networks. They’re a necessity. You wouldn’t drive an automobile without windshield wipers. You can’t fish for large mouth bass without a good monofilament line in that fishing pole. Selecting the right pluggables and cables for your network can be challenging. This blog will explore the importance of pluggables and cables, and guide how to choose the right ones for your network.
Pluggables, or SFP transceivers, plug into network devices and allow devices to communicate with one another via the cables. Cables transmit data between the connected devices such as a Network TAP and a monitoring tool (e.g., APM or SIEM). Choosing the right pluggables and cables can significantly impact the performance and reliability of your network.
There are hundreds of SFP, SFP+, QSFP+ pluggable transceivers. You need to choose the transceiver based on requirements like network speed, type, media, connector, and bandwidth.
If you’re considering using fiber, there is an array of choices before you. You’ll have to decide on the mode, the thickness, the wavelengths, and the connectors. There are two modes for fibers: single and multi. Single-mode fiber (SMF) has a smaller core than multimode fiber (MMF). Moreover, SMF’s wavelength is narrower. As a result, SMF has a higher bandwidth capability. It can also transmit data longer distances than MMF.
MMF has its advantages, though. Due to its bigger core and wider wavelengths, it gathers light better than SMF. While MMF isn’t suitable for long distance transmission, it can transport many different kinds of optic signals.
Copper has always and continues to play a vital role in networking and communication systems today. Not only is copper wiring the backbone of many existing enterprise and service provider networks, it is also the foundation of many industrial Ethernet environments.
Here are some factors to consider when selecting pluggables and cables:
When upgrading your network, it is crucial to consider the pluggables and cables you are using. Upgrading to faster network speeds, for example, may require upgrading your pluggables and cables. Using outdated pluggables and cables may result in bottlenecks, slower network speeds, and lost productivity. Investing in high-quality pluggables and cables can help future-proof your network and ensure optimal performance.
Here are some best practices for installing and maintaining pluggables and cables:
Garland Technology has a wide variety of pluggables and cables. Garland Technology’s Network TAPs and Network Packet Brokers do not require mandatory transceivers. Garland is a Multi-Source Agreement transceivers vendor. Any MSA compliant transceiver works in our products. This gives your flexibility and freedom to choose what works best for your environment.
Looking for the right pluggables and cables for your network? Join us for a brief network Design-IT consultation and demo. No obligation - it's what we love to do!