IT infrastructure and in particular networks are expensive to rip and replace, but the good news is; that isn’t necessary with SFP and SFP+ interface  Module Compatibles from Netshield. When implementing an SFP or SFP+ from Netshield, you can marry your voice and data networks as well as add fibre into your existing network without throwing out what you have – at an enormous expense.

SFP, stands for small form-factor pluggable (SFP) and are compact, hot-pluggable transceivers used for both telecommunication and data communications applications. The Netshield range of SFP+ and SFP compatibles act as expansion modules connected to a switch to add multi or single mode fibre capabilities to the switch itself.

“With so much to budget for, IT directors and CIOs need technologies that can take what they have and make it relevant for today, which is where our compatibles and converters come into play,” states Inus Dreckmeyr, CEO at Netshield South Africa. “They are an ideal solution for companies looking to breathe new life into their networks, as well as extend the life of their existing networks, while still letting them take advantage of data and voice convergence.”

The Netshield compatible SFP+ and SFP Modules are ideal quick fit solutions for companies looking to add fibre capabilities to their HP, Cisco, Juniper and Alcatel-Lucent or Avaya network switches. All you need to do is to put an SFP+ or SFP module in the applicable slot in your old standard switch to facilitate the conversion. What’s more, the ports themselves are not much bigger than a matchbox, allowing you to take advantage of an excellent form factor. Products are available in 1GB and 10GB varieties.

Another attractive feature of SFP and SFP+ is that they can be easily interchanged, which will simplify the process of upgrading or maintaining your electro-optical or fibre optic networks, because the actual module isn’t hardwired into your network. This means you can simply unplug, repair or replace single modules as opposed to having to completely remove them which would disrupt your network. The cost savings in maintenance and upgrades is huge.

“A reason for any business to deploy SFP’s is that it immediately ensures that you can add Fibre to your network. What’s more they are exceptionally affordable and easy to implement, with minimal technical know-how needed to roll them out into your business.

“We have been supporting these modules for more than 10 years, at a fraction of the price of vendor specified units. Our customers often remark that once implemented they can’t tell a difference between an original or a Netshield SFP – the difference is that the support, because it is local, is that much better,” states Dreckmeyr.

 Available in 1GB and 10GB versions and standard with LC connectors, you make use of these modules to integrate seamlessly with old standard switches, and as they are hardware agnostic, you can add them to your HP, Cisco, Juniper, Alcatel-Lucent or Avaya switches.