Are the Arista SFP transceivers compatible with Cisco switches? For example, if I go to the CDW site they show multiple transceivers that vary in price. How can I know that they will work in the Cisco 2960 switch I have?
SFP Transceivers – Are Arista SFP Transceivers Compatible with Cisco Switches?
ciscosfpswitch
Best Answer
I don't have any direct experience with arista SFP and cisco switches but the SFP interface is standardized such that it is supposed to work.
For instance, I use an Avici SFP module in a Linksys switch. I have used Juniper SFP modules in enterasys switches and Extreme branded modules in Juniper firewalls.
I have also seen weird things with copper sfp 1g modules (generic modules from CDW and Juniper branded) not working in an enterasys sfp+ interface, so it isn't 100% certain, but for something like a cisco 2960, cisco would have to have gone out of their way to break SFP compatibility, and they're big enough that I suspect they'd avoid doing that to avoid scrutiny from regulators.
Now, if it works or doesn't work, it won't be supported. It won't void your warranty or anything, but if you have weird problems related to that link, I wouldn't advertise that you're using a non-cisco branded module.