FIELD GUIDESource-led reference
Port & Cable

Family reference

Pluggable I/O modules

Distinguish host-cage/module families and form factors before reasoning about Ethernet, Fibre Channel or other implemented standards.

6 forms 6 engineering profiles 3 related comparisons

Recognition & reference

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Read as a table ↓

Recognition illustrations are not to scale or fabrication drawings. The label-led symbols below, where present, are not interface geometry. Read the illustration limits in each exact reference; equal image boxes do not establish equal physical sizes.

Computer-generated illustration

P221 / Pluggable I/O / Connector form

OSFP host connector form

OSFP is a host/module form factor; the installed module and system documentation determine the actual network technology and rate.

Shape label
rectangular
Common aliases
OSFP, Octal Small Form Factor Pluggable, OSFP host connector
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Reference table6 connector forms · names, shape labels & reference depth

An alternate overview of the same facts shown in the cards. On narrow screens, scroll the table horizontally or read the cards above. Alias lists retain the existing first four entries; the full record has further detail. This is not a dimension, pinout or compatibility table.

Connector forms in the Pluggable I/O family
Connector formShapeCommon aliasesEngineering
SFP / SFP+ / SFP28 host connector formcard-edgeSFP, SFP+, SFP28, 20 pin SFPEngineering profile →
QSFP+ host connector formcard-edgeQSFP, QSFP+, 38 pin QSFPEngineering profile →
QSFP-DD host connector / cage formcard-edgeQSFP-DD, double density QSFP, QSFP DDEngineering profile →
OSFP host connector formrectangularOSFP, Octal Small Form Factor Pluggable, OSFP host connectorEngineering profile →
CFP2 host connector formrectangularCFP2, CFP2 connector, CFP2 cageEngineering profile →
CFP4 host connector formrectangularCFP4, CFP4 connector, CFP4 cageEngineering profile →

Tell them apart

Useful Pluggable I/O comparisons

Related pages may include forms from another family. They explain distinctions, not permission to connect.

SFP versus QSFP-family pluggable I/OWhich host cage and module family is documented? Form factor does not establish link capability.OSFP versus QSFP-DD host formsWhich pluggable-I/O host form does the equipment documentation identify? Connector-family identity is only the first layer; implementation-specific electrical and protocol requirements still need exact documentation.CFP2 versus CFP4 host formsIs the pluggable host connector the 104-position CFP2 form or the 56-position CFP4 form? Connector-family identity is only the first layer; implementation-specific electrical and protocol requirements still need exact documentation.

Similar at first glance

Look-alike groups

SFP versus QSFP-family pluggable I/OWhich host cage and module family is documented? Form factor does not establish link capability.OSFP versus QSFP-DD host formsWhich pluggable-I/O host form does the equipment documentation identify?CFP2 versus CFP4 host formsIs the pluggable host connector the 104-position CFP2 form or the 56-position CFP4 form?

Before choosing a reference

Pluggable I/O names and terminology

Resolve abbreviations, informal names and legacy labels without treating an alias as an additional connector identity.

Open Pluggable I/O terminology and aliases →

Continue with the evidence

From the form to the task.

A family name is a starting point. Use the exact record and device documentation before choosing cables or planning a connection.

Still identifying?Use the visual Finder →Working through a connection?Choose the task, without prefilled answers →