Several factors make 10GbE implementations a compelling option, including interoperability, cost efficiency, low power consumption, communication quality, and hardware availability. Each of these factors merits careful consideration.

Interoperability Leveraging Existing Technology

During infrastructure upgrades, 10GbE and the TCP/IP protocol are designed to interoperate seamlessly with GbE links, enabling a relatively easy and nondisruptive transition to 10GbE. Two different types of 10GbE connectors are expected to facilitate these links, including 10GBase-T copper and the 10GbE small form-factor pluggable+ (SFP+) interconnect. SFP+ supports different physical port types such as 10GBASE Twinax copper and various types of fiber connections.

By helping ensure that the 10GbE components can cooperatively communicate with GbE devices, switch vendors can deliver interoperability between GbE and 10GbE. Data transitioning from 10GbE to GbE links pot ... Read more »