Fiber SFP question

[acole1]

Noob question: Is an SFP (in this case a fiber SFP) brand and model specific, or can I buy any generic fiber SFP and it work with any brand and model of switch?

Example: I have an HP switch with an SFP port. HP lists a particular fiber 1GB LC SX SFP for that switch.
What issues will I have if I get a non-name brand SFP with the same specs (1GB LC SX)?
What issues will I have if I take an HP branded SFP and put it in an older 3com?

 

[SecurityTheatre]

Noob question: Is an SFP (in this case a fiber SFP) brand and model specific, or can I buy any generic fiber SFP and it work with any brand and model of switch?

Example: I have an HP switch with an SFP port. HP lists a particular fiber 1GB LC SX SFP for that switch.
What issues will I have if I get a non-name brand SFP with the same specs (1GB LC SX)?
What issues will I have if I take an HP branded SFP and put it in an older 3com?

In theory, should be compatible, but some manufacturers (HP & Cisco mostly) have special requirements that lock down their switches from using off-brand modules.

At least with Cisco, there is an *unsupported* command to disable this check and although it usually works, Cisco won't support it.

service unsupported-transceiver

 

[imagoon]

Cisco won't support it.

service unsupported-transceiver

Rightfully so also. It isn't their hardware. They do support the switch/device but will require you to use a Cisco branded transceiver if you have issues that look like an SFP issue. Otherwise "SFP" is an open standard.

--edit--

Note that a 10gig transceiver may not operate in a switch with only a 1gig or 100meg SFP port. Some fall back some just don't operate.

 

[acole1]

Thanks for the tips!