1.5e - Network Transceivers (Prof. Messer)

Vocabulary terms and definitions covering network transceivers, their speeds, and their modular applications in networking environments.

Transceiver

A combination of the words "transmitter" and "receiver," usually combined within the same piece of equipment or component to provide a modular networking environment.

Modularity

The ability to customize a network switch by sliding in different transceivers for various media types, such as copper or fiber, allowing each interface to operate with a specific configuration.

Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP)

A transceiver type commonly associated with Gigabit Ethernet ($1\,\text{gigabit per second}$) that can support both fiber and copper connections.

Enhanced Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP+)

A transceiver that is identical in size to an SFP but supports higher speeds up to $16\,\text{gigabits per second}$ and is commonly used for $10\text{-gig}$ connections.

Data Center Rack Width

The standard physical width of equipment installed in a data center rack, which is $19\,\text{inches}$ wide.

Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP)

A transceiver that consists of four channels of SFP, allowing for four times the throughput (such as $4\,\text{gigabit}$) in a space similar to a standard SFP.

Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable Plus (QSFP+)

A four-channel SFP+ transceiver that supports a total throughput of $40\,\text{gigabits per second}$ by combining four $10\text{-gigabit}$ connections.