Category: Fiber Transceivers

Optical transceivers, Active Optic Cables, data center switches, and cable management in data centers.

How To Make Fiber Optic Patch Cables

Times are tough these days, which is why many people are looking to save a few dollars any way they can. A couple weeks ago we made a video showing you How To Build an Inexpensive Wall Mount Fiber Box. We’ve already had quite a few customers thank us for that cost saving solution. Today, let’s talk about making your own fiber optic patch cables.
Seems like just about everyone in the low voltage industry has made their own ethernet cat5e/cat6 cables at least once in their life (me included). And I’m sure you have too. So you’re thinking, those are really easy and only take a few minutes, why don’t I just start making my own fiber cables. Unfortunately, we’re not comparing apples to apples here. Making your own fiber cables CAN be an easy process, but it’s not very economical. I’m talking about the FAST fiber connectors from AFL Telecommunications. Although these connectors require only a couple minutes per strand to complete, they are much pricier than regular connectors and still require a couple expensive tools. It wouldn’t make sense to buy these unless you already had the tools and did fiber terminations regularly. Even then, the cost of the connectors make this an expensive way to make fiber jumpers. If this is still something your interested in, watch the video below.
The other option for making fiber cables would be epoxy fiber connectors. These connectors have been around for quite a while now and are fairly inexpensive. The problem with these connectors is the amount of time involved in terminating them. In addition, you still need all the tools and testing equipment to get the job done. Well, I thought you were going to show us how to make fiber jumpers? That’s where the “kinda” comes in. Watch the video below for a brief explanation on making fiber cables, but when it comes down to it, buying pre-made fiber cables is the way to go. You can order them in any length you need, with any type of fiber, and any type of connector. If you need more than 2 strands of fiber, or plan on using them for a long distance, I would recommend Pre-Terminated Fiber Optic Cable. Pre Terminated fiber assemblies are just like the fiber jumpers, but can be pulled long distances and are much more durable. To order any of the products talked about in this article, simply click the links above or visit fiber-mart.com.

Is the gold development period of 25G switch coming?

At present, the digital transformation tide has arrived, just as the Industrial Revolution has changed the world, greatly improved the production efficiency, digital transformation has become the current trend of attention and development in all walks of life. Enterprises in order to maintain competitiveness in today’s times, Embracing digital transformation, realizing data center modernization through IT transformation, automating productivity and changing the business model, not only improving staff productivity, improving operational efficiency, but also effectively reducing risk and improving profitability, enabling enterprises to win future competitive advantage and opportunities.
Using the white box switch to build the Open network architecture, will usher in golden development period
From the long-term development process, IT architecture speech is divided into three stages, the first stage is the mainframe stage, this stage of the network is a proprietary network, the second stage is server computing, then the server and terminal computing power greatly enhanced, The network began to standardize, but Cisco, Huawei, H3C, Juniper Networks and other manufacturers also exist part of the private agreement, the overall network architecture is very close. The third stage is the cloud computing phase, which is because the last decade with the rapid development of server virtualization, enterprise for the entire IT architecture, the increasing demand for virtualization, and virtual machines frequently need to create the network can automatically and quickly Configuration.
At the same time, network security isolation, as well as multiple data center disaster recovery, for the network also put forward higher requirements, so it needs more open network architecture, software and hardware decoupling white box switch emerged.
A few years ago, Dell’s network wanted to challenge the status quo with the idea of an open network, breaking the original link between traditional network hardware and software, opening up a new market for network hardware and software, and providing businesses, web and service providers with more choices and more efficient operational capabilities than ever before.
But constrained by traditional business needs, white box switch not get a large area of development in the data center market, until the advent of digital transformation, flexible network architecture has become the key to digital transformation, it allows enterprises to quickly respond to changing business and customer demand for “less down, low-cost”.
Gartner also points out that hyper-large data centers are increasingly interested in, or have adopted, a box or brand white-box switch. It is expected that as of 2020, such solutions will occupy 22% of the total Data Center Ethernet exchange market, so the white box switch is about to usher in a golden period.
In the hardware switch, you can use any third-party network operating system, and can choose to select some of the software inside the network controller or network virtualization inside the control unit, the entire network for further management control, the entire network architecture Is open, which also means that software and hardware are decoupled, that is open network.
New business needs to upgrade, 10G network will be replaced
With the cloud computing, big data, AI and other needs intensified, the need for greater computing performance and transmission speed, some ICT vendor like Dell released with the 14th generation PowerEdge server, native support 25GbE card, compared to 10GbE single-port network speed increased by 2.5 times, With a new generation of storage architecture, will reach an unprecedented speed.
With the cloud computing, big data, AI and other needs intensified, the need for greater computing performance and transmission speed, some ICT vendors like Dell released with the 14th generation PowerEdge server, native support 25GbE network card, compared to 10GbE single-port network speed increased by 2.5 times, With a new generation of storage architecture, will reach an unprecedented speed.
In the data center, the 25G network will force 10G network abdication, the future from the server side out to the network side is 25G, the backbone network must be 100G, 25G network card for the communications manufacturers is a decade of business opportunities. Why is it so? In this application-driven upgrade process, must be initiated from the server side, this is a rigid demand upgrade, because the 25Gb transceiver with the 10GB switch is not universal, upgrade 25G network card will inevitably upgrade to the 25G switch, the advent of the 25G era, for Dell is indeed a beautiful era, There are many new business opportunities in this.
Dell Network releases three natural “open” switches
A total cost of ownership (TCO) report, based on ACG studies, shows that an open architecture pod (OAP) has a cumulative TCO of five equivalent to 53% of the cumulative total cost of ownership of tightly bundled pod (TBP).
The new S5100-ON series switches match the new Dell 14th generation PowerEdge server with native support for 25GbE. The switch’s 100GbE uplink is designed for 100GbE network connectivity and accelerates network traffic between racks (landscape). It is very suitable for Web 2.0, industry and enterprises and wants to maximize the application and service performance of cloud service providers.
The new S4100-on series offers a versatile, rack-top data center open network switch optimized for high density 10GbE fibre/10G copper (10GBASE-T SFP+) or 8G/16G/32G Fibre Channel servers and converged local area network (LAN)/Storage area networks (Sans) in the rack. These switches are equipped with high-performance 100GbE on-line link ports for communication between racks.
The Dell S4148U is a new unified switch for Ethernet and Fiber Channel traffic to connect Dell’s industry-leading storage solutions. The open network switch continues to break through the upper limit of Fiber Channel connectivity, Dell is the first to support 32Gb Fiber Channel and optimized switches, suitable for further integration LAN / SAN operation of the customer. The S4148U’s unique design allows customers to deploy Ethernet top-of-rack and Fiber Channel switching within the same physical switch, or to further integrate LAN / SAN with Ethernet Fiber Channel.
The new Dell N1100-ON series is an energy-efficient, cost-effective series of switches for the campus environment. The series has a series of half-width and full-width options for fanless switches, including Ethernet power supply (POE / POE+) and non-POE version, and from 10/100/1000Mbps to 1 / 10GbE port configuration. The N1100-ON series switches are designed to work with Aerohive’s HiveManager NG, the next generation cloud-based management solution that greatly simplifies end-user wired and wireless access by bringing enterprise-level management to public or private Cloud and set up a new benchmark for network convergence.
Conclusion
Open has been Data center network trend, Dell network uphold the concept of openness, leveraging its server and storage advantages, to help users upgrade to 25G network, build a high-speed IT architecture, but in the 25G upgrade times, including Huawei, H3C network manufacturers also eyeing, so Dell network faces many challenges!

The knowledge about 10GBASE-T SFP+ Transceiver that you should know

What is 10GBASE-T Copper SFP+ transceiver
10GBASE-T SFP+ transceiver has high performance, good reliability and so on, mainly used in Cat 6a or Cat 7 of copper cabling System for 10G Ethernet transmission, it conforms to the SFF-8431 and SFF-8432 MSA standards, transmission distance can reach 100M. In addition, compared with SFP+ high-speed cable, 10GBASE-T Copper SFP+ transceiver can save at least 0.5W power consumption, and its port can support shielded twisted pair, but also support unshielded twisted pair. Therefore 10GBase-T SFP+ transceiver is becoming more and more popular in network switches and servers because of its lower cost and higher ease of use. So if you don’t have any 10G devices, you should get those 10GBase-T ports.
10GBase-T SFP+  vs  SFP+ DAC  vs  Fiber SFP+  vs  1000BASE-T SFP
10GBase-T SFP+, SFP+ DAC, and SFP+ Transceiver are the most commonly used types in the 10G network, in addition to the relevant 1000BASE-T SFP transceiver for the GE network application, now let us highlight the difference between these products.
Note:
• Top of Rack: Intra-cabinet connectivity from servers to ToR switches
• Middle of Row (MoR): Intra-cabinet connectivity from servers to MoR switches
• End of Row (EoR): Inter-cabinet connectivity from servers to EoR switches
• DA/HDA/MDA: Intermediate, Horizontal and Main distribution areas as outlined in TIA 942-A
• MD/ZD/EO: Main Distributor, zone distributor and Equipment Outlets as outlined in ISO 24764
• Core network: Backbone
Each option has its advantages, but 10GBase-T’s compatibility with existing structured cabling devices and existing low-speed devices makes it uniquely suited for widespread deployment. These features, combined with superior cost and achievable features, make the simplest path of 10GBase migrate from Gigabit Ethernet to 10G Ethernet. 10GBase-T copper cabling is also significantly cheaper than fiber or DAC cost.
10GBASE-T SFP+ has the below advantages:
Cost-effective twisted pair copper cabling, the lowest cost 10GbE Ethernet deployment
Auto-negotiable backward-compatibility with previous-generation BASE-T networks for a seamless migration to 10GbE
Field twisted pair cabling with familiar RJ-45 connector
Based on previous generations of basic knowledge and training of existing expertise
Cable length of up to 100 meters, enough to support almost all data center topology
Extend support for aggregated environments
Conclusion
Compared with fiber and SFP+ DAC, using 10GBASE-T SFP+ is an effective 10G connectivity solution that reduces capital and operational costs while improving reliability and performance. If you need longer transmission distances more than 100meter, then fiber SFP+ transceiver is the most appropriate. Regardless of the solution you use, it is important to remember that high-quality cabling from reputable vendors will help ensure performance and reliability. Fiberland always delivers high-quality fiber SFP+ transceiver, DAC cables and 10GBASE-T SFP+ for IT managers, providing with competitive price and fast shipping.10GBASE-T is an Ethernet specification using a copper twisted pair connection (Cat6a or Cat7) with an effective bandwidth of 10 Gbit/s and a maximum transmission distance of up to 100 meters. Compared with other 10G optical modules, the 10GBASE-T copper SFP+ transceiver has stable performance, you can take full advantage of the existing copper cabling, now Fiberland will share some related knowledge about 10GBase-T SFP+ Transceiver.

6 useful methods for optical fiber jumper management

Many customers do not understand the fiber jumper management methods, we have to learn how to properly manage fiber patch cord and other related products, which will bring a lot of benefits for our work. For example, you can easily find the installed fiber jumpers, then the maintenance work will become much faster, and this can also provide the correct bending radius protection. In the process of network reconfiguration, accessibility plays a vital role in directly affecting the reliability of the network and the cost of network reconfiguration. Hope to be able to help everyone.
Optical fiber jumper Management method
Based on the above factors affecting the performance and maintenance of optical fiber jumpers, the following 6 ways should be followed to improve the flexibility and reliability of fiber management:
Pay attention to the bending radius of the fiber jumper. Generally speaking, the diameter is 1.6mm and 3.0mm fiber jumper can withstand a bending radius of less than 3.5cm, while the MPO/MTP fiber jumper can withstand a bending radius of fewer than 10 times its diameter.
Do not pull or squeeze fiber jumper. When installing a fiber jumper, excessive force may exert pressure on it and the connectors on both ends, thus affecting its performance. It is worth noting that if you need to use a larger effort to pull a fiber jumper, there may be some problems in the middle.
According to the fiber jumper path routing by the jumper. If the existing jumper length fits the current application, you can reuse the jumper, but you still need to take the jumper off the fiber-optic wiring rack and then reinstall the jumper in the new path. This is the only way to ensure that the jumper is not knotted, curved, and extruded. In order to effectively route the jumper, the jumper should find a suitable path between two ports, while avoiding the twisting and crowding of the jumper.
Managing fiber jumpers in bundles or systems can make the panels look neat, but the risk of excessive extrusion is increased by tying or tying it too tightly. To avoid this problem, the fiber jumper can be properly “untied” to allow it to be “free” to live.
Labeling is very necessary, but also is one of the most important work for network system administrator. In the network cabling infrastructure of any management points (including wiring panels), correct labeling is necessary, so that network technology workers can accurately identify the starting point and end of the cable.
Check the fiber jumper for physical damage, including the indentation and connector damage caused by the sudden bending of the sheath.
Conclusion
Strengthening the management of fiber-optic jumper can not only increase the reliability and flexibility of optical fiber network system but also reduce the operation and maintenance cost of optical fiber network. The bending radius of the optical fiber, the path of fiber jumper, the availability, and the physical protection are the main factors that affect the management of fiber jumper, and if we can meet these four points in the management of fiber jumper, you will be half successful.

Guide about buying BIDI optical modules

BIDI optical module is a single-fiber bi-directional optical module, the use of WDM technology, launch and receive two different directions of the central wavelength, to achieve the optical signal in a fiber on the two-way transmission. The optical module typically has two ports: the transmit port (TX) and the receive port (RX), and the BIDI optical module has only one port, filtering through the filter in the optical module, and simultaneously transmitting a wavelength optical signal and another (BIDI optical module wavelengths are in combination), so BIDI optical modules must be used in pairs, its biggest advantage is to save fiber resources. This article will introduce the following types of BIDI optical modules.

1. BIDI SFP optical module

Cisco GLC-FE-100BX-D BiDi SFP 100BASE optical module
Model GLC-FE-100BX-D Supplier Fiberland
Package SFP Rate 100Mbps
Wavelength 1550nm-TX/1310nm-RX Max transmission distance 10km
Port LC Simplex Laser type FP Bidi
Fiber type SMF DOM Yes

2. BIDI SFP+ optical module

Brocade 10G-SFPP-BXU BiDi SFP+ 10Gigabit optical module
Model 10G-SFPP-BXU Supplier Fiberland
Package SFP Rate 10Gbps
Wavelength 1270nm-TX/1330nm-RX Max transmission distance 10km
Port LC Simplex Laser type DFB Bidi
Fiber type SMF DOM Yes

3. BIDI XFP optical module

H3C XFP-10G-BX60U-I BiDi XFP 10Gigabit optical module
Model XFP-10G-BX60 Supplier Fiberland
Package XFP Rate 10Gbps
Wavelength 1270nm-TX/1330nm-RX Max transmission distance 60km
Port LC Simplex Laser type DFB Bidi
Fiber type SMF DOM Yes

4. BIDI X2 optical module 

HP X2-10G-BX BiDi X2 10gigabit optical module
Model X2-10G-BX Supplier Fiberland
Package XFP Rate 10Gbps
Wavelength 1270nm-TX/1330nm-RX Max transmission distance 10km
Port SC Simplex Laser type DFB Bidi
Fiber type SMF DOM Yes

How to Convert a QSFP+ Port to a SFP+ Port?

by http://www.fiber-mart.com

As data communications technology migrates from 10GbE to 40GbE and beyond, it is often necessary to connect 40GbE equipment with existing 10GbE equipment. As we know 40GbE NIC or switch usually equipped with QSFP+ ports, and 10GbE switch usually equipped with SFP+ ports. That is to say we must know how to convert a QSFP+ port to a SFP+ port. At present, there exists three ways to solve this problem.
QSFP+ to SFP+ Cable
As shown in the figure below, a QSFP+ to SFP+ cable consists of a QSFP+ transceiver on one end and four SFP+ transceivers on the other end. The QSFP+ transceiver connects directly into the QSFP+ access port on the switch. The cables use high-performance integrated duplex serial data links for bidirectional communication on four links simultaneously. The SFP+ links are designed for data rates up to 10 Gbps each. QSFP+ cable is available in passive and active two types. Passive QSFP+ cable has no signal amplification built into the cable assembly, therefore, their transmission distance is usually shorter than an active one.
QSFP+ to SFP+ Adapter (QSA)
You can convert a QSFP+ port to a SFP+ port using the QSFP+ to SFP+ adapter. QSA provides smooth connectivity between devices that use 40G QSFP+ ports and 10G SFP+ ports. Using this adapter, you can effectively use a QSFP+ module to connect to a lower-end switch or server that uses a SFP+ based module. This adapter is very easy to use. As shown in the figure below, just plug one side of the QSA in your QSFP+ port, and plug a SFP+ module into another side of the QSA. Then you can convert a QSFP+ port to a SFP+ port easily.
QSFP+ Breakout Cable
As we know, parallel 40GBASE-SR4 QSFP+ modules use 8 out of 12 MPO/MTP interface fibers transmitting 4 x duplex (DX) channels (4 x transmit and 4 x receive). The QSFP+ breakout cable uses a pinless MTP connector on one end for interfacing with the QSFP port on the switch. The other end contains 4 duplex LC connectors, which provide connectivity to the SFP+ ports on the switch. Thus higher-speed equipment (40G QSFP+) can be connected to slower-speed equipment (10G SFP+) successfully.
Conclusion
When you want to connect a QSFP+ port to a SFP+ port, you can use QSFP+ to SFP+ cable, QSFP+ to SFP+ adapter or QSFP+ breakout cable. All these three options can meet your needs. fiber-mart.com provides a full range of compatible QSFP+ cable, which can be 100% compatible with your Cisco, Juniper, Arista and Brocade switches and routers. Or you want to use QSFP+ breakout cable, you can also find it in our fiber-mart.com.