10Gbs

10Gbs is an informal abbreviation for ten gigabits per second, a data transfer rate commonly used in modern computer networks. It represents a tenfold increase over 1 Gbps Ethernet and sits below higher speeds such as 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps. In practice, 10 Gbps networks may use copper or fiber interconnects depending on distance and cost.

Within Ethernet, 10 Gbps is defined by several standards. The copper variant, 10GBASE-T, transmits at 10 Gbps over twisted-pair copper up to 100 meters, typically using category 6a or better cables. Fiber variants include 10GBASE-SR for short-range multimode fiber, 10GBASE-LR and 10GBASE-ER for long- and extended-range single-mode fiber, and legacy 10GBASE-LRM for some multimode fiber deployments. These standards specify wavelengths, optical power, and encoding schemes to manage error rates and performance.

Distance and media choices influence deployment. Copper 10GBASE-T is convenient for existing LAN cabling but can increase power consumption and heat in devices. Fiber-based 10G Ethernet supports greater distances and is common in data centers and campus backbones, with SFP+ or QSFP+ interfaces providing modular connectivity.

Applications include uplinks between switches, server connections, storage area networks, and high-performance workstations. 10G Ethernet often coexists with 1 Gbps devices through auto-negotiation, allowing mixed networks. Performance can be limited by cabling quality, switching hardware, and availability of compatible transceivers.