Driven by high worldwide demand for Cisco data center platforms, Belkin has added Cisco-compliant Small Form Factor Pluggable (SFP+) and Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable (QSFP+) cables to its product offering, positioned as a more affordable cabling option for data center managers.
The cables are designed for compatibility with Cisco network switches, routers and storage devices utilized in data center cabling infrastructure. Available for 10-Gigabit speed applications for the SFP+ model and for 40-Gigabit applications for the QSFP+ model, Belkin says the new SFP+ and QSFP+ cables are built and tested to the same level of reliability, compatibility and performance as those sold by Cisco, at a fraction of the cost.
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Unlike fiber and copper cables, SFP+ and QSFP+ cables use a digital transceiver to drive data throughput, acting as an interface between a networking device and its interconnecting cable. Featuring easy plug and play capabilities, Belkin says its SFP+ and QSFP+ cables require no field termination or time-consuming testing. Being hot pluggable, the cables are easy to install and low maintenance, ideal for use in large data centers, such as those used by hospitals, universities and governments.
“Cisco customers are increasingly switching to SFP+ and QSFP+ cables for faster data throughput and a smaller footprint over analog copper,” comments Luis Artiz, director of product management for Belkin. “With budget constraints currently affecting nearly every organization, Belkin can provide data center and IT managers with a cost effective alternative that not only meets the Cisco standards required, but comes with Belkin’s quality assurance and tech support.”
The SFP+ and QSFP+ cables are currently available worldwide though Belkin’s network of distributors and value added resellers. All SFP+ and QSFP+ cables come with a Belkin warranty of up to five years and 24-hour tech support.