SFP stands for Small Form Factor Pluggable. The SFP was originally conceived as a media converter. It is an input/output optical and electrical transceiver. The System on SFP takes SFP form factor and interface definition and turns the concept of a “media converter” into “protocol converter.” It allows a simple and immediate upgrade of any SFP standard port with converter functionality. The System on an SFP is a truly revolutionary idea. Most SFP sockets feature different fiber optic interfaces and function, for all intent and purposes, as Ethernet media converters. RAD’s System-on-an-SFP products, however, offer full system functionality supporting LAN bridging, flow control and protocol conversion over E1/T1, E3/T3, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet.
It saves on space, power, cabling, and simplifies management and deployment. It is a simple, cost-effective alternative to standalone boxes or dedicated expensive line cards.
Until now, such protocol converter functionality has been possible mainly by deploying relatively expensive external products next to Ethernet switches, IP routers or other Ethernet devices, or by equipping them with dedicated internal modules.
The core of the System-on-an-SFP is a highly integrated ASIC based on RAD intellectual property and our wide experience in miniaturization. The SFP can be used with any standards-compliant device or complement applications employing other RAD products at remote locations.
RAD’s System-on-an-SFP products are future-proof because they offer a simple migration path from TDM-based access to fiber Ethernet. They save OpEx because there is no need for new product certification and integration. They are easy to deploy. No special training is required. They’re part of our “Green RAD” message.
RAD’s entire System on an SFP family can be ordered by end users and added as needed to their equipment, rather than being incorporated as a standard feature in already expensive products.
That isn’t a problem at all. Even though it is a component that functions in tandem with a larger system, System-on-an-SFP devices contain both I2C and Web browser management capabilities. Once plugged in, they begin to operate autonomously without any need for software configuration or, alternatively, they can be fully integrated with the host device management.
