XFP interface is the first 10G interface that achieved a high market penetration and is still widely in use as of 2012, mainly for longer haul modules, due to their high power requirements. The enclosure of XFP is larger than the SFP+ and thus allows a better dissipation of heat, making it preferable for high power lasers. The XFP covers various data rates for different communication standards like Ethernet, SONET (OC-192), SDH (STM-64) or 10G Fibre Channel and any other interfaces with a data rate up to 11.1Gbps.

M Series and T Series routers support the following 10-Gigabit Ethernet PIC with XENPAK modules. To determine which XENPAK modules are supported, see the cables and connectors for each PIC.

The newest wide adopted high speed interface for optical transceivers is the QSFP+ (Quad SFP+) that offers aggregated optical speeds of 40G. This is possible by simultaneously running four separate 10G channels and sum up the capacity into a single channel.

The QSFP+ transceivers available on market are LR4 (10Km single-mode), IR4 (2Km single-mode) or eSR4 and SR4 for short haul multi-mode. The multi-mode solutions require special MPO fiber ribbons (multi-strand optical cables) able to transport the 4 different 10G optical connections. Single-mode solutions use only two strands of fiber and combine the 4 channels using inexpensive CWDM technology. This gives a tremendous advantage, simplifying the connectivity to standard LC optical connectors and thus reducing costs further.

A cost-effective solution that provides high bandwidth and transmission rates over short distances. Each transceiver is 100% optically inspected and tested for compatability before shipping.

CFP was based on the SFP interface but is considerably bigger so it can support 100Gbit/s. CFPs are designed to support one 100 Gbit/s signal such as 100GbE or OTU4, or at least one 40 Gbit/s signal (such as 40GbE, OTU3, or STM-256/OC-768.) Technological advancements have seen the CFP updated with the CFP2 and CFP4 specifications.