These ports allow Gigabit switches to connect via either fiber optic cables or copper cables, depending on the type of SFP module inserted. The advantage of using SFPs compared to fixed interfaces (e. SFP ports enable data to be transmitted over great distances via fiber. SFP ports, also known as Small Form-Factor Pluggable ports, are essential components found in a variety of network and storage devices including switches, servers, routers, and network interface cards (NICs). Look around, and you will see ports exist in almost all transmission wired devices. An iPhone relies on the Lightning port to charge, a rice cooker relies on an IEC port to receiver power.