Category: Fiber Transceivers

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

Understanding of the 100G QSFP28 optical module

For most data centers and network service providers, if you want to be competitive, you must continually improve your network speed to meet people’s growing network needs. Over the past few years, 40G networks is very popular, and now according to authoritative statistics, by 2018, the world will have 38% of service providers to deploy 100G network, which means 100G era has arrived. 100G optical module is an important part of the 100G network, and 100G QSFP28 optical modules is the industry’s most respected 100G optical module, this tutorial will be introduced in detail.
About 100G QSFP28 optical modules
The encapsulation of 100G QSFP28 optical module and 40G QSFP + optical module is the same , and both are using four Fiber Channel to transmit data, the difference is that the transmission rate of 100G QSFP28 optical module fiber channel can be up to 28Gbps, mainly for 100G transmission applications Compared to 100G CFP optical modules, the 100G QSFP28 optical module is better suited for high-density cabling and is widely favored by most data centers.
The types of 100G QSFP28 optical module
100G QSFP28 optical module first appeared in 2013, after several years of development, 100G QSFP28 optical module has been derived from a number of categories, respectively, with different optical module standards and suitable for different transmission applications.
100GBASE-SR4 QSFP28 optical module
Because most of the multi-mode fiber used in the data center, so the IEEE 100G QSFP28 optical module developed a special support for multi-mode fiber short-distance transmission applications standards: 100GBASE-SR4.100GBASE-SR4 QSFP28 optical module using MTP interface (8 Core), the transmission distance of 70m when using with the OM3 multi-mode fiber and OM4 multimode fiber with the transmission distance is 100m.
100GBASE-LR4 QSFP28 optical module
For 100G long-distance transmission, IEEE also developed 100GBASE-LR4 standard for the 100G QSFP28 optical module. 100GBASE-LR4 QSFP28 optical module also uses four fiber channel; the difference is that it introduces the WDM technology, four different wavelengths of Fiber Channel can be multiplexed onto a fiber for transmission, so 100GBASE-LR4 QSFP28 optical module Is the duplex LC interface, with the single-mode fiber used when the transmission distance can reach 10km.
100GBASE-PSM4 QSFP28 optical module
100GBASE-PSM4 is a multi-source protocol (MSA), mainly for 100G QSFP28 optical module development. 100GBASE-PSM4 QSFP28 optical module is mainly used for long-distance transmission applications, the use of MTP interface (8-core), and single-mode multi-core fiber with the transmission distance can reach 500m.
100GBASE-CWDM4 QSFP28 optical module
100GBASE-CWDM4 is also a multi-source protocol (MSA), 100GBASE-CWDM4 QSFP28 optical module also introduced the WDM technology, the use of duplex LC interface, and single-mode fiber with the transmission distance can reach 2km, its transmission distance is shorter than 100GBASE-LR4 QSFP28 light module and the price is much cheaper.
100G QSFP28 high speed cable
In addition to 100G QSFP28 optical modules, 100G QSFP28 high-speed cable has also been widely welcomed, because this product can greatly reduce the cost of 100G short-distance transmission. There are two types of 100G QSFP28 high-speed cable: QSFP28 to QSFP28 high-speed cable and QSFP28 to SFP28 high-speed cable. QSFP28 to QSFP28 high-speed cable at both ends are QSFP28 fiber optic transceivers; QSFP28 to SFP28 high-speed cable is one end of the QSFP28 fiber transceiver device, the other end is four SFP28 fiber transceivers. In general, 100G QSFP28 high-speed cable length is not more than 5m.

Experience of Maintaining the SFP Optical Module

SFP optical module (Small Form-factor Pluggable) can be easily understood as an upgraded version of the GBIC optical module. SFP optical module is half the size of the GBIC optical module, which is only the thumb-size but can configure on the same panel more than double ports on the same panel. The other functions of the SFP optical module are basically the same as those of the GBIC optical module.
1. Components of SFP Optical Module
SFP optical modules are mainly composed of lasers (including transmitter TOSA and receiver ROSA), circuit board IC and external accessories. The external parts are mainly composed of the shell, the base, the PCBA, the pull ring, the buckle, the unlocking piece and the rubber stopper. In order to recognize conveniently, the parameter type of the optical module is generally distinguished by the color of the pull ring.
2. SFP Optical Module Maintenance
SFP optical module covers a lot of sophisticated optical components and circuit components. Therefore, the user needs to follow the specifications to operate in daily use; otherwise, it is likely to cause damage to the optical module. Next, we will introduce you about several daily maintenance methods for optical modules.
1). Keep ESD protection in mind
① When you operate the optical module, you must do the work of static protection (such as: wear anti-static gloves to prevent electrostatic damage.), try to contact the optical module shell instead of contacting light module PIN;
② Maintain the humidity of light module using environment at about 30 ~ 75% RH;
③ Prohibit the operation of the plug-in of non-hot-swappable equipment;
2). Pay attention to optical port protection
① Users should be careful about ensuring that the end of the fiber connector keeps clean;
② Avoid optical module’s prolonged exposure to light and cover it with the light plug if not in use. When light plug is not used, store it in a dusty clean place to avoid pollution;
③ The fiber connector should be inserted horizontally to avoid scratching the face or sleeve. The Golden finger should be down. Pay attention to the positive and negative;
④ Choose the fiber connector meeting the network standard.
3). SFP optical module to use the correct method
① Avoid long-term exposure of the optical module’s golden finger, and develop the habit of using dust cap to prevent long-term exposure and damage to the optical port;
② Keep the optical connector into the optical port horizontally in the process of insertion to ensure the docking precision; Pull down the SFP optical module lock, and pull the SFP optical module in parallel slowly by pulling ring in the process of withdrawal.
③ Light to light, reduce the accidental damage to the optical module.
Conclusion
The SFP optical module is one of the most widely used optical modules, and its role is becoming more and more important in various networks and communication systems in the pace of increasing bandwidth demand. Not just SFP optical module, Optical modules, and optical devices all need professional knowledge and skills to maintain so as to get a truly efficient and stable network experience.

How to choose the 40G QSFP + optical module in the multimode connection applications?

Nowadays, with the rapid development of science and technology and the continuous improvement of user’s needs, 40G applications in the communications industry are becoming more and more widely, at the same time, servers, switches, optical modules and other devices are also upgrading, the solutions for multi-mode application QSFP + Optical module are also more and more. Choosing the right 40G QSFP + optical module in a multimode connection application not only provides high performance, but also saves money. This article will explore how to choose a 40G QSFP + optical module for multimode connection applications.
1. Multi-mode application under the 40G QSFP + optical module type
In the 40G short-range multimode connection applications, there are three commonly used optical modules on the market, namely 40GBASE-SR4 QSFP + optical module, 40GBASE-CSR4 QSFP + optical module and 40GBASE-SR BiDi QSFP + optical module.2. The factors to consider for select the 40G QSFP + optical module
1) Transmission distance
The maximum transmission distance of different QSFP + optical modules is different. In general, the 40GBASE-SR4 QSFP + optical module can support OM3 multimode fiber up to 100 meters of transmission and OM4 multimode fiber up to 150 meters of transmission. In other words, if the expected transmission distance of the project is less than 150 meters, you can choose to use the 40GBASE-SR4 QSFP + optical module with the OM4 cable; if the project has a longer distance requirements, support OM4 multimode fiber up to 400 meters 40GBASE-CSR4 will be a better choice.
2) The interface type
The 40GBASE-SR4 QSFP + optical module and the 40GBASE-CSR4 QSFP + optical module are both MTP interfaces, using with MTP / MPO fiber jumpers, but with different transmission distances. The 40GBASE-SR BiDi QSFP + optical module uses a duplex LC interface, using with LC multimode fiber jumpers.
3) Wiring program
In general, optical modules for 40GbE networks use parallel technology, which uses multiple 10Gbps lasers simultaneously to transmit on multiple fiber bundles to achieve high data rates (4 x 10Gbps). Therefore, 40G optics use MPO or MTP cabling , Instead of the traditional duplex LC cabling, 40GBASE-SR4 and 40GBASE-CSR4, these two 40G multimode QSFP + optical modules with MPO / MTP interface are suitable.
However, if the 40GbE network is deployed on an existing 10GbE infrastructure, the first two 40G QSFP + optical modules are not applicable. In this case, the 40G BiDi QSFP + optical module is suitable for it, which can support up to 150 meters of OM4 multimode duplex LC cabling.
4) Other factors
In addition to the three factors of transmission distance, interface type and routing scheme, other factors such as compatibility, receiver sensitivity and temperature are also important. Before selecting the 40G QSFP + optical module, the user should have an appropriate solution and take full account of the various aspects of selecting the most suitable 40G QSFP + optical module.
Conclusion
40G QSFP + optical module is a key component of 40GbE deployment, select the appropriate 40G QSFP + optical module to help the project to reduce costs and improve efficiency.

Do I choose a branded or compatible SFP?

A SFP (small form-factor pluggable) is a small transceiver that plugs into the SFP port of a network switch and connects to Fibre Channel and Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) optical fibre cables at the other end. By choosing the appropriate SFP module, the same electrical port on the switch can connect to fibres of different types (multimode or singlemode) and different wavelengths. If the fibre is upgraded, the SFP module is replaced.
What’s the difference
SFP’s can be expensive due to their complex technical nature but possible more so to do with the brand name placed upon certain SFP’s, such as Cisco, Avaya and Brocade inflating the price tag. Why see your budget wasted on over-priced vendor transceivers, when all you need is a Compatible SFP?
Compatible SFP products are available for almost all brands and models and can be up to 80% cheaper than their branded counterparts. Compatible SFPs for all brands are specifically designed to meet to specifications of each brands technology. Due to this, these compatible SFPs provide high levels of functionality, working smoothly and without difficulty when used in conjunction with other branded products such as Cisco, Juniper and Dell. Almost all compatible SFP products can be used in conjunction with other products from brands including switches, firewalls and routers.
With the development of compatible SFP’s for almost all brands, it is increasingly more common to see non-branded SFP products running systems to a high-performance level without snags or glitches. Compatible SFP’s work exactly the same as the branded alternatives and there is no difference in performance, appearance or functionality.
To ensure the quality of compatible SFP products, almost all compatible SFP suppliers provide a lifetime warranty, in the case of a failure or technical fault. This just shows how well they work otherwise why would a lifetime guarantee be offered.  Plus, compatible SFP’s will not affect your device warranty as host device warranties typically do not cover transceiver modules, which are normally limited to 90 days or at best 1 year for branded ones.
All of our compatible SFP products are manufactured and distributed from the same international laboratories and ISO 9001 / 14001 manufacturing facilities as used by large international brands. Compatible products are only substantially cheaper than their branded alternatives, due to the lack of recognised branding not as a result of inferior performance or operational efficiency. All of our compatible SFPs are manufactured to the same high standards in order to ensure the same high results as their branded equivalents.

How Much Do You Know about CWDM SFP Transceiver?

CWDM SFP (Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing) transceiver, used on SFP ports or slots on the switches or routers, is a technology that allows for multiple channels, of mixed protocols and data rates, to be COMBINED and transmitted over fiber optic cable.
CWDM SFP makes use of the SFP interface to connect the apparatus and also double LC/PC fiber connector software to connect the optical network. CWDM SFP is used to link the ports to the fiber optic network, typical CWDM SFP like Cisco’s could support both Gigabit Ethernet and Fiber Channel. It is compatible with Fast Ethernet, SONET OC-3 and OC-12, and SDH STM-1 and STM-4 standards.
Basic Features of CWDM SFP transceiver
Hot-Pluggable, Dual LC port;
Class 1 Laser safety, compliant with IEC60825-1;
Transmitter center wavelength:
1270nm,1290nm,1310nm,1330nm,1350nm,1370nm,1390nm,1410nm,1430nm,1450nm,1470nm, 1490nm, 1510nm, 1530nm, 1550nm, 1570nm, 1590nm and 1610nm;
Receiver PIN or APD;
Single +3.3V power supply, PECL data interface;
Operating temperature range: -5 to +70 degrees;
Supports DDMI function;
Compliant with RoHS standard;
Compatible with Telcordia (bellcore) GR-468-CORE requirement;
Data speed from 155M to 2.5Gbps;
Structure of CWDM SFP transceiver
The CWDM SFP transceiver consists of three sections: a uncooled CWDM DFB laser transmitter, a PIN photodiode integrated with a trans-impedance preamplifier (TIA) and MCU control unit.
The transceiver integrates the receiver and transmitter path on one module. On the transmit side, the serial data stream is passed to a laser driver. The laser driver biases and modulates an uncooled direct modulated laser (DML), enabling data transmission over single-mode fiber through an industry-standard LC connector. On the receive side, the optical data stream is recovered from a PIN or avalanche photodetector (APD), sent to a transimpedance amplifier, and then passed to a post amplifier. This module features a hot-pluggable SFI-compliant electrical interface.
This integrated fiber optic transceiver provides a high-speed serial link at signaling rates from 100 Mbps to 3.1Gbps. The module complies with the small form factor pluggable (SFP) multisource agreement (MSA).
Types of CWDM SFP transceiver
Typical CWDM SFP transceiver includes CWDM SFP 1470nm, CWDM SFP 1490nm, CWDM SFP 1510, CWDM SFP 1530nm, CWDM SFP 1550nm, CWDM SFP 1570nm, CWDM SFP 1590nm and CWDM SFP 1610nm.
Brands of CWDM SFP transceiver
Cisco CWDM SFP is a series of single mode transceiver cover from 1470 to 1610nm wavelength applications, they are different colors to identify them; these CWDM SFP are used for Gigabit Ethernet and 1/2Gbps Fibre Channel applications.
Juniper CWDM SFP transceiver module includes SFP-1GE-LH-CWDM-1270, SFP-1GE-LH-CWDM-1290, SFP-1GE-LH-CWDM-1310, SFP-1GE-LH-CWDM-1330 and SFP-1GE-LH-CWDM-1350. The Juniper CWDM SFP transceivers are with excellent quality.
Foundry CWDM SFP transceiver works at 80KM and with different working wavelength from 1470nm to 1610nm. It is fully compatible and functional in its intended Foundry router or switch and complete MSA compliant.

Features of XFP Optical Module

Having photonic and electrical layer normal accordance interfaces are small type component pluggable transceivers. Commercially marketed compact SFP modules are capable to support insofar as 4.25Gbit/s and together with the previous types are enhanced SFP+ models that are aimed for greater data rates such as 8.5Gbit/s and 10.52Gbit/s Fiber Channel.
XFP Transceivers commercially available in the market now include the 10Gbase SR XFP, 10Gbase LR XFP, 10GBase-ER XFP and 10Gbase ZR XFP.
These Fiber Transceivers are with Digital Diagnostics that provide a powerful optical management tool. 10Gbase SR XFP is used with OM3 50/125 laser optimized multimode fiber with max working span around 300 meters.
The other three standards are all for single mode fiber applications, 10Gbase LR XFP work with 1310nm SMF and max working distance 10km, 10Gbase ER XFP work with 1550nm SMF and working range max 40km, 10Gbase LR XFP is also 1550nm wavelength and working span is 80km max.
The small size of one such interface permits it to take up a comparatively small amount of space along the edge of a network device motherboard, crucial for many transceivers to be hooked up at once. A lesser number of transceivers of the associated GBIC protocol can be joined to a compatible hub at a time, as the interfaces for that kind of transceiver are noticeably larger.
Fiber optic networks are simply an astounding technology. The elegance and efficacy of transferring a signal through lasers reflected off the sides of a microscopic tube are unparalleled. For any of this to operate properly, though, an optical transceiver is a requirement.
Communication being vital for every organization, the advent of technological development has led to a faster and improved mode of communication. The earlier communication devices were crude, which resulted in delayed and expensive processes of transmission.
For the ones who are not very well aware of scalability, it would mean the potential or inherent capacity to rise beyond eight channels on one stand. This makes it easier to organize and manage a network.