How to enable third party SFP and SFP+ modules on Cisco, HP Aruba switches

CISCO Switches are very common switches in the enterprises. HP switches are also present, especially since HP made so many Network acquisitions.
Cisco Switches are not cheap. Accessories are a way for Cisco to earn some additional money. When you buy switches in bulk, usually Cisco or HP partner will apply for a project and will, in turn, receive a hefty discount. If accessories are part of that purchase, they will see reductions as well.

If you have to buy accessories after initial, discounted purchase, then prepare yourself for an amazing surprise. Original Cisco branded SFPs can be sold for as much as $400 USD. Insane, right?

What is even crazier, is how partners spread fear, uncertainty, doubt about non-Cisco or non-HP branded SFP. I would like to tell you a story, it happened two weeks ago. So, I recommended Synology RS4017xs+ to my friend, for a backup repository. Great NAS appliance, it even comes with 2 10GBase-T ports. He bought Cisco 4500 10GB switch not so long ago. First, he was grumpy as Synology didn’t have SFP+ connectors. I told him, he can easily buy 10GBase-T ports SFPs. His initial problem was he couldn’t find them. Cisco’s partner told him, they are not available from Cisco. I recommended Unify SFPs, I have used them with Cisco switches without problems.

Then the partner scared him that if he will not use original SFP, he will break his warranty. That it is very common with unbranded SFPs to cause electric damage to the switches.

Well, FUD aside, it is possible to use non-vendor branded SFPs in Cisco or HP switches. Cisco switches require two configuration parameters in order to use non-Cisco branded SFP and SFP+ modules.

In configuration mode, run the following commands:

service unsupported-transceiver 
no errdisable detect cause gbic-invalid

HP Aruba Switches

HP Aruba switches require only one configuration parameter in order to use third party SFP and SFP+ modules. In configuration mode, run the following command:

allow-unsupported-transceiver confirm

Now, you can use any brand of SFP and SFP+ modules. If you are looking for affordable SPF and SFP+ transceivers, I used Ubiquiti accessories with great success. Oh, and they are very affordable.