Compatibility Issues of Cisco Compatible SFP module

There are some compatibility issues that I have to solved when installing a Third Party Cisco Compatible SFP modules into the switches.

Q: I am trying to work out which Third Party Cisco Compatible SFP Transceiver might work in an Aerohive switch. Maybe somebody here already tried?

A: The answer is that most should work. Cisco normally buys their components from the more reputable brands like Agilent, and the best of my knowledge, most Cisco (if not all) SFPs should work just fine. For example, GLC-T module Cisco 1000BASE-T SFP, Cisco SFP-10G-SR, I can reach the Aerohive switch, and seems to be working well. So I suggest you not buy no-name SFPs that have no warranty, but in general any reputable brand should work fine.

Q: The 10G SFPs I ordered directly from Aerohive were manufactured by source photonics, so it looks like even the ones that are Aerohive branded are still Third Party optics?

A: Because this is exactly the same with all vendors of all networking equipment. Optics are manufactured elsewhere and simply branded. The APs are not physically constructed by Aerohive ether, those are by ODM companies like Senao. This is the same ones with most vendors. Because of commoditisation of parts, the key differentiator is today in the software and the spec that the ODM is asked to work to. Most people just purchase a few of the 'supported' optics to swap in when the need arises to open a support case. Actually it seems to be a method of extortion by various vendors when mixed with as much FUD stirring as they can manage. There are certainly low quality optics out there that don't work nicely or have high failure rates, but compatibility issues are nearly always deliberately imposed.

A quick correction, Cisco and other vendors actually do design and build their APs. The fact that ODMs manufacture them does not mean that they are just buying Cisco and other vendors APs off the shelf. Most APs use reference designs for the CPU etc, but to build a reliable AP, Cisco need to own the RF side and they do. They design their own radio modules.

Another Issue about SFP module compatibility:

I just received and installed an Aerohive SR2124P switch and I have installed a 10G SFP+ SR optic into the switch, but the media and type are showing "unknown" for the optic. Is that normal for the 10G optics to show in this way? Currently I do not have an 10gig Aerohive original SFP+. I have installed a 3rd party 10G SFP+, and the optic links, and passes traffic with no issue (even though it is not an Aerohive SFP+). Since it shows "unknown" in the switch, I was just curious to see if any Aerohive Original (which I believe is a Source Photonics optic) would show up differently in the machine. I have used both Aerohive and HP modules both 1gb and 10gbe SFP+ SR with no issues, literally just attach it in. If another brand, it's possible the GBIX is at fault. Has anyone ever tried it?

More FAQs about SFP module, please visit Fiber Opitc Transceiver Solutions.