The port detects module type (1G/10G, wavelength) and adjusts settings. Flexibility: Mix fiber (long-distance) and copper (PoE devices) in one switch. Cost Savings: Avoid. Matching SFP modules with switches or media converters is a critical step in building a reliable fiber-optic network. Using the wrong module can result in link failures, reduced performance, or complete incompatibility. This guide explains the key factors you must verify—based on actual industry. The following figure shows the optical modules supported by the S5720-12TP-LI-AC. RJ45 ports serve access-layer copper connections; SFP/SFP+ ports enable flexible 1G/10G uplinks; SFP28 delivers 25G for modern data centers; QSFP+ and QSFP28 support high-density 40G/100G spine–leaf. Some switches offer a feature that converts fiber optic signals to copper and vice versa. This device helps to make different networks compatible and facilitates data transmission between them.