Category: Fiber Transceivers

As the core of optoelectronic device in the WAN, MAN or LAN application, fiber optic transceivers have developed various types along with the increasing in complexity. Take 10G transceiver module as an example, it has experienced developments from XENPAK, X2, XFP and finally realized with SFP+. Many users raised the questions related to the main difference between these optical modules. So, in the following part, we will provide some main tips about the difference among the XENPAK, X2, XEP and SFP +.

Four Transceiver Modules—Description & Comparison

Those four transceivers (see in Figure 1) are all used to transmit 10G signal using Ethernet protocol. They are the result of Multi-Source Agreement (MSAs) that enable vendors to produce 802.3ae-compliant pluggable transceivers. The following part will provide a general guide to these module types.

X2—the successor to the XENPAK (the smaller brother of the XENPAK). Presents SC connectors

XFP—the first of the small form factor 10GbE optics and newest pluggable transceiver. Presents LC connectors

SFP+—a 10GbE optics using the same physical form factor as a gigabit SFP. Because of this, many of the small SFP+ based 10GbE switches use 1G/10G ports, giving an added degree of flexibility. Presents LC connectors.

The first published XENPAK was by far the largest in physical size, which totally limited its popularity on the market. Many vendors then began to work on alternative standards. Finally in 2003, MSAs published another two 10G transceiver modules called X2 and XFP. X2 and XFP modules have been developed that support all of the high-power, long-distance applications once reserved for the larger XENPAK transceivers. But nowadays, SFP+ has gradually replaced the XFP and becomes the main stream of 10G transceivers markets. Why? The following part will answer you.

Contrast Between XFP and SFP+

XFP modules are hot-swappable and protocol-independent. They typically operate at near-infrared wavelengths of 850nm, 1310nm or 1550nm. They can operate over a single wavelength or use dense wavelength-division multiplexing techniques. SFP+ published on May 9, 2006, is an enhanced version of the SFP that supports data rates up to 16 Gbit/s. SFP+ supports 8 Gbit/s Fibre Channel, 10 Gigabit Ethernet and Optical Transport Network standard OTU2. It is a popular industry format supported by many network component vendors. Although the SFP+ standard does not mention 16G Fibre Channel, it can be used at this speed.

Both SFP+ and XFP are 10G transceivers, and can connect with other 10G transceivers. The main reason why SFP+ gain more market share than XFP is that SFP+ is more compact sized than XFP. The smaller SFP+ transfers the modulation functions, serial/deserializer, MAC, clock and data recovery (CDR) and EDC functions from the module to the motherboard on the card. In addition, cost of SFP+ is lower than XFP. Because XFP relies on a high-speed interface (10.3125Gbps), high-priced serializer/deserializer (SERDES) is required inside the switch to support it. They add an unacceptable cost to the base system of XFP. XFP complies with protocol of XFP MSA while SFP+ complies with IEEE802.3, SFF-8431, SFF-8432. SFP+ is the mainstream design currently.

Conclusion

SFP+, with its advantages of smaller size, low-cost and meeting the demand of high-density fiber transceivers, is anticipated to give rise to the realization better speed communication networks of the next generation. fiber-mart.com, as a professional optical transceiver modules manufacturer, supplies a complete range of 10G transceiver modules that can be customized as well. SFP-10G-ER, HP J9150A, F5-UPG-SFP+-R, Finisar FTLX1471D3BCL, QFX-SFP-10GE-SR—these compatible 10G transceiver modules are all available at fiber-mart.com. If you want to know more about 10G transceiver modules, welcome to contact us.

SFP (small form-factor pluggable) transceivers, as one of the most useful technological advancements on the market are warmly welcomed by subscribers. These transceivers are some of the most reliable devices in the market because the designs are derived from a multi-source agreement (MSA) and are a pluggable form of SFF. They are hot-swappable, which is highly beneficial to designers in the industry. Besides these helpful information, here are some things you need to know about SFP transceiver modules.

Types of SFP Transceivers

SFP transceivers are available with a large amount of transmitter and receiver types. Customers can select the appropriate transceiver to provide the required optical reach over multi-mode fiber (MMF) or single-mode fiber (SMF).

Optical SFP module is commonly offered in several different categories: SX, LX, ZX, 1000BASE-T, and DWDM, etc. Each category supports a different distance that will transmit data both upstream and downstream. For instance, the SX model will transmit for 10 km, ZX will transmit up to 80 km and DWDM transceiver will achieve various distance at various wavelengths. Take Cisco SFP as an example.

For copper twisted pair cabling

Cisco 1000BASE-T SFP module (Cisco GLC-T) operates on category 5 unshielded twisted-pair copper cabling of link lengths up to 100 m.

For multi-mode fiber

GLC-SX-MMD operates on 1000BASE-SX standard links up to 550 m

Where Transceivers Are Used?

Most SFP transceivers can be found in popular networking systems such as Wide Area Networks (WANs), Metro Access Network, and Metro Core Network. SFP transceivers support fiber networking standards such as Fibre Channel, SONET, and Gigabit Ethernet. They also support a variety of other communications standards as well. A compact and hot-swappable optical transceiver can be used in all types of optical communications and telecommunications applications. These devices will connect a switch, router, or other network device.

Advantages of an SFP Transceiver

SFP transceiver is hot-swappable, which make it easy to change and easy for maintenance compared with traditional modules. SFP transceiver modules make the fiber optic network or fiber-Ethernet network easier to upgrade or maintain users can replace a single SFP module during the process instead of replacing the whole board with many modules on it.

Digital optical monitoring (DOM) is based on the new and modern optical transceiver design. Consumers have the ability to monitor real-time parameters of the SFP module. Optical inputs and output power, laser bias, and supply voltage will allow designers to monitor real-time.

In addition, A SFP transceiver is capable of transferring data rates up to 4.25 Gpbs. The XFP form factor is similar to the SFP type. But compared to XFP (10 Gigabit Small Form Factor Pluggable) transceiver, the functionality of SFP module increases about three times at 10 Gpbs. SFP transceivers have a higher optical reliability and will permit higher soldering temperatures. SFP transceivers are recommended by fiber optic component providers to ensure proper data transmission.

Conclusion

SFP modules are some of the best in the industry and will ensure that your design operates at full capacity with low failure rates. This article mainly analyzes three expects of SFP transceiver modules, namely the category of SFP module, application and advantage. fiber-mart.com offers an exceptional amount of SFP modules that are fully compatible with major brand (Cisco, HP, Finisar, Juniper, etc.). Not only GLC-SX-MMD, GLC-ZX-SMD, DS-SFP-FC8G-SW and EX-SFP-1GE-SX, but also GLC-T SFP are all available in fiber-mart.com. I cannot list all the compatible SFP transceivers here. If you are interested, you can contact us directly.

The widely acknowledged Ethernet speed upgrade path was 10G-40G-100G. However, a new development indicates the latest path for server connection will be 10G-25G-100G with potential for future upgrading to 400G. But why 25G? Because moving from 10G to 40G is a big jump and it turns out the incremental cost of 25G silicon over 10G is not that great. This new standard will require improved cables and transceiver modules capable of handling this additional bandwidth, under this circumstance, QSFP28 and SFP28 are promoted.

25GbE Ethernet—An Emerging Standard

25 Gigabit Ethernet (25GbE) has passed the first hurdle in the IEEE standards body with a successful Call for Interest (CFI) in July, 2014. It is a proposed standard for Ethernet connectivity that will benefit cloud and enterprise data center environments. 25GbE leverages technology defined for 100 Gigabit Ethernet implemented as four 25-Gbit/s lanes (IEEE 802.3bj) running on four fibers or copper pairs. The follow picture shows 25G Access Network.

Significant Performance Benefits—25G Over 40G

The value of 25GbE technology is clear in comparison to the existing 40GbE standard. Obviously, 25GbE technology provides greater port density and a lower cost per unit of bandwidth for rack server connectivity. For applications that demand substantially higher throughputs to the endpoint, there exists 50GbE—using only two lanes instead of four—as a superior alternative to 40GbE in both link performance and physical lane efficiency.

The proposed 25GbE standard delivers 2.5 times more performance per SerDes lane using twinax copper wire than that available over existing 10G and 40G connections. A 50GbE link using two switch/NIC SerDes lanes running at 25 Gb/s each delivers 25% more bandwidth than a 40GbE link while needing just half the number (four) of twinax copper pairs. Therefore, a 25GbE link using a single switch/NIC SerDes lane provides 2.5 times the bandwidth of a 10GbE link over the same number of twinax copper pairs are used in today’s SFP+ direct-attach copper (DAC) cables.

Perhaps the most important benefit of 25GbE technology to data-center operators is maximizing bandwidth and port density within the space constraints of a small 1U front panel. It also leverages single-lane 25Gb/s physical layer technology developed to support 100GbE.

Cloud Will Drive to QSFP28 and SFP28

QSFP28 is used for 4x25GE and SFP28 is used for a single 25GE port. SFP28 module, based on the SFP+ form-factor, suports the emeraging 25G Ethernet standard. It enables error-free transmission of 25Gb/s over 100m of OM4 multi-mode fiber and a new generation of high-density 25 Gigabit Ethernet switches and network interface cards, facilitating server connectivity in data centres, and a conventional and cost-effective upgrade path for enterprises deploying 10 Gigabit Ethernet links today in the ubiquitous SFP+ form factor.

The QSFP28 (25G Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable) transceiver and interconnect cable is a high-density, high-speed product soluon designed for applicaons in the telecommunicaons, data center and networking markets. The interconnect offers four channels of high-speed signals with data rates ranging from 25 Gbps up to potentially 40 Gbps, and will meet 100 Gbps Ethernet (4×25 Gbps) and 100 Gbps 4X InfiniBand Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) requirements.

The demonstration showed QSFP28-SR4 modules and a compatible Finisar FTLX1471D3BCL 10GBASE-LR SFP+. The QSFP28 SR4 module is a vertically integrated solution that meets IEEE 802.3 standards and MSA requirements with power dissipation well under 3.5W. The module supports both 100GBASE-SR4 as well as 4x25G breakout applications. Both the QSFP28 SR4 and SFP28-SR modules are sampling now.

Conclusion

The dominant next-generation server connection speed is going to be 25G as it providing a cost competitive longer reach option for mainstream customers. fiber-mart.com is excited to introduce several products that will drive the next generation of data centre and enterprise interconnects. We currently do not supply 100G QSFP28 and 25G SFP28 based switches, but we do manufacture a full range of tranceivers, such as SFP+, X2, XENPAK, XFP, SFP, GBIC, CWDM/DWDM, 40G QSFP+ & CFP, etc. Compatible Finisar FTLX1471D3BCL and FTLF8524P2BNL are offered with minimum price and high quality. If you are interested, please feel free to contact us.

An optical fiber cable uses light wave for voice and data transmission, its data transmission capacity is 4.5 times more than conventional copper cables. So in the past several decades, we have seen that fiber optic cables are superior to traditional copper twisted-pair cable or coaxial cable because of its unique physical characteristics, allowing information to travel at speeds increasingly approaching the speed of light without interference between adjacent wavelengths. In leading market, the global drive to implement FTTx into more new venues is good news for the market of optical fiber cables. Another good trend is that the price erosion of optical fiber cables had been 10 to 15 percent annually, in result that the demand of optical fiber cable is expected to continue growing in the foreseeable future. And the growing data transmission workloads placed by high-performance computers, servers and network storage systems is helping spur growth in the market. Consequently, fiber optic cables are now the indispensable backbone of today’s communication network. This article will analyse the global optical fiber cable market in three main applications, including long-distance communication, submarine cable and FTTx network.

Global Optical Fiber Cable Market to Grow at 9.8% till 2021

According to the report “Fiber Optics Market by Cable – Global Forecast to 2021”, the optical fiber cable market is anticipate to grow at a CAGR of over 9.8% during 2016-2021. The growing importance of cloud computing, data transfer & storage, and IoT is driving the use of Internet, which is driving the fiber optic cable market, as it acts as the backbone for data transmission. Moreover, growing technological advancements increase in number of connected devices and data centers are expected to positively influence global optical fiber cable market. In addition, next generation technologies such as LTE and FTTx, which require last mile connectivity, is expected to propel the demand for optical fiber cables in the coming years. All these factors have led to an increase in Internet users, which in turn has led to the higher usage of optical fiber cable to transfer information over the Internet, thus driving the fiber optics market.

Optical Fiber Cable Market in Long-distance Communication

Currently, the growing adoption of optical technology in the telecommunications appears to be promising. Optical fiber has virtually unlimited capacity and low signal attenuation allowing long distances without amplifier or repeater, no exposure to parasite signals or crosstalk, and no electromagnetic interference (EMI). So fiber optic cable is especially advantageous for high-speed data transfer services in long-distance communications over electrical cabling. Furthermore, the increasing cloud-based applications, audio-video services, and Video-on-Demand (VoD) services further stimulate the demand for optical fiber cable installations.

Submarine Optical Fiber Cable Market

Submarine optical fiber cables are undersea cables used for carrying data across interconnected networks between continents. With the advancements of technology, most of the submarine optical fiber cables that currently form the backbone of the Internet connect the U.S. to Europe and Asia by crossing the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. Instead, there is a proposal for deployment of Trans-polar submarine cable system in Arctic Ocean. Laying an undersea fiber optic cable is meant to connect Asia and Europe by crossing the Arctic Circle – the shortest practical distance yet for Internet signals traveling between the two continents. According to the report by Global Industry Analysts (GIA), cumulative installations of submarine optical fiber cables globally are projected to reach 2 million kilometers by 2020, driven by the growing demand for fiber broadband and the ensuing deployment of fiber optic cables in the Internet backbone. Presently, submarine optical fiber cables transmit 100% of the international Internet traffic, and more than 95% of the world’s combined data and voice traffic.

Optical Fiber Cable Market in FTTx Networks

In recent years, the market for optical fiber cable has shifted dramatically to local deployments, away from long haul and regional. This is the impact of FTTx, which calls for far more dense applications in neighborhoods, cities and other highly focused areas. Optical fiber cable is being caught up in the global move to broadband in the near future. The next generation of high bandwidth applications, along with the proliferation of connected devices, is expected to require faster and higher bandwidth networks which will require the use of multimode fiber cable for data transfer. This growth in the FTTx networks in turn is expected to drive the fiber optics market. Future Market Insights (FMI) forecasts the global fiber to the home (FTTH) market’s value will grow from $9.5 billion in 2017 to more than $37 billion by the end of 2027, a 14.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). In the leading Asian economies, more than 44% of all homes and buildings are already directly connected to the fiber optic cable network; in North America penetration is 8.4%, in Europe 5.6%.

Final Thought

Fiber optic cable is widely used for data transmission and is increasingly being used in place of metal wires because of its efficiency and high transmission capacity. Since the use and demand for great bandwidth and fast speed, there is no doubt that fiber optic transmission will bring more opportunities and be continuously researched and expanded to cater for future demands. However, although fiber optic cable in itself is considered a long-term stable investment, it also faces huge challenge. The major restraint in the fiber optics market is the growing use of wireless communications systems in remote areas.

With the advances in fiber optic technology and transmission systems, reliable cabling systems are becoming even more important. Active optical equipment, which is often worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, is all connected into the network via the humble fiber optic patch cord or patch lead. The risk of network downtime due to unreliable cabling is one that should be avoided. Therefore, these types of networks, along with many other Data Center and high speed Commercial networks require reliable cabling infrastructure in order to maximize performance and to ensure long term reliability. Today’s article will introduce Grade A optical fiber cables.

What Are Grade A, Grade B, Grade C Fiber Optic Connector?

IEC standards dictate the connector performance requirement for each grade of fiber optic patch cord connector. These standards guide end users and manufacturers in ensuring compliance to best practices in optical fiber technology.

According to IEC 61753 and IEC 61300-3-34 Attenuation Random Testing Method, Grade C connectors have the following performance characteristics.

Attenuation: 0.25dB-0.50dB, for >97% of samples.

Return Loss: 35dB

According to IEC, Grade B connectors have the following performance characteristics

Attenuation: 0.12dB-0.25dB, for >97% of samples.

Return Loss: 45dB

Grade A connector performance (which is still yet to be officially ratified by IEC) has the following performance characteristics. Average Insertion loss of 0.07dB (randomly mated IEC Standard 61300-3-34)and a Maximum Insertion Loss of 0.15db max, for >97% of samples.

While the return loss using IEC 61300-3-6 Random Mated Method is >55dB (unmated–only angled connectors) and >60dB (mated), this performance level is generally available for LC, A/SC, SC and E2000 interfaces.

How are Grade A Connectors on Optical Fiber Patch Cords Identified?

Grade A fiber optic patch cords are identified with the letter ‘A’ printed on the connector side. The symbol is actually the letter ‘A’ enclosed within a triangle (“A”).

This identification marker is proof that you are using a high quality fiber optic patch cord. Grade A connectivity is also available for Optical fiber through adapters. The same rule applies for A grade fiber optic Adapters which also have the letter “A” clearly marked.

What Does a Fiber Optic Patch Cord Meet the Grade A Criteria?

Firstly a high quality Grade A fiber optic patch cord begins with using high quality zirconia ferrules and high quality optical fiber cable. However, the manufacturing and testing process must be first class.

In order to meet the stringent performance criteria of ‘A’ Grade connectors on patch cords, high quality manufacturing, inspection, testing and Quality Assurance (QA) procedures are required. Without the proper expertise in optical fiber technology, many other manufacturers are unable to meet these requirements.

To consistently achieve ‘A’ Grade performance, high accuracy testing using state of the art test equipment as well as constantly assessing testing methods are all required. Analysing and ensuring mechanical end face limits and that parameters are within range, ensures that Grade A connectivity is achieved.

Grade A connectors offer virtually the same IL performance as a fusion splice, with the added benefit of providing a physical contact which can be connected, disconnected and moved when required.

Conclusion

It is important to fully understand the benefits of using reliable, good quality optic fiber patch cords and connectivity. Good quality connectors with low Insertion Loss will meet large bandwidth and high speed requirements of the latest active optical equipment allowing large streams of data to be transmitted reliably over long distances. Grade A connectors on optical fiber patch cords are an example of the advances in this technology.

Fiber optic cable is considered as one of the most effective transmission medium today for safe, and long-reach communications, and it also offers a number of advantages over copper. In general, fiber optic cable consists of a core, cladding, coating, strengthening fibers, and a cable jacket, which has been clearly introduced in the previous article. Today’s article will focus on the several materials in fiber optic cable construction, as well as their features and applications.

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) is one of the most commonly used thermoplastic polymers in the world. The PVC cable is typically used for patch connections in the data center, wiring closet, and at the desktop. PVC is produced in two general forms, first as a rigid or unplasticized polymer (RPVC or uPVC). The following image shows a ST single-mode pre-Terminated cable (0.9mm PVC Jacket).

Features:

Good resistance to environmental effects. Some formulations are rated for -55 to +55.

Good flame retardant properties. Can be used for both outdoor and indoor fiber optic cables.

PVC is less flexible than PE (Polyethylene).

PE (Polyethylene)

Polyethylene is a kind of polymer that commonly categorized into one of several major compounds of which the most common include LDPE, LLDPE, HDPE, and Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polypropylene. Polyethylene fiber has a round cross section and has a smooth surface. Fibers made from low molecular weight polyethylene have a grease like handle.

Features:

Popular cable jacket material for outdoor fiber cables

Very good moisture and weather resistance properties

Very good insulator

Can be very stiff in colder temperatures

If treated with proper chemicals, PE can be flame retardant.

Kevlar (Aramid Yarn)

The word Aramid is a generic term for a manufactured fiber in which the fiber forming substance is a long chain synthetic polyamide in which at least 85% of the amide linkages are attached directly to the two aromatic rings as defined by the U.S. federal trade commission. Kevlar fiber is based on poly (P-phenylene terephthalamide). Aramid yarn is the yellow fiber type material found inside cable jacket surrounding the fibers. It can also be used as central strength members.

Features:

Aramid yarn is very strong and is used in bundle to protect the fibers.

Kevlar is a brand of aramid yarn. Kevlar is often used as the central strength member on fiber cables which must withstand high pulling tension during installation.

When Kevlar is placed surrounding the entire cable interior, it provides additional protection for the fibers from the environment.

Steel Armor

The steel armored fiber cable, using light-steel tube, can provide maximum bend radius, strong protection and flexible cabling. Steel armor jacket is often used on direct burial outdoor cables and it provides excellent crush resistance and is truly rodent-proof. Since steel is a conductor, steel armored cables have to be properly grounded and loss fiber optic cable’s dielectric advantage. Armored fiber optic cable are often used in the outdoor direct burial cables and for the industrial environment where cables are installed without conduits or cable tray protection. The following image shows a single-mode armored fiber optic cable.

Various types of these light-steel armored fiber cables are in stock in fiber-mart.COM, including pre-terminated armored fiber patch cables, armored fiber trunk cables and field-terminated armored fiber cables for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Features:

Provides excellent crush resistance for outdoor direct burial cables

Protects cables from rodent biting

Decreases water ingress into the fiber which prolongs the fiber cable’s life expectancy

Central Strength Member

Strength member is used to increase the tensile force that will be applied on the cable during installation. Strength member will take the pulling force and will keep the fibers safe during installation. For large fiber count cables, a central strength member is often used.

The central strength member provides strength and support to the cable. During fiber optic cable installation, pulling eyes should always be attached to the central strength member and never to the fibers. On fiber splice enclosure and patch panel installations, the cable central strength member should be attached to the strength member anchor on the enclosure or patch panel.

Conclusion

When you choose to use which type of the fiber optic cables, the fiber optic cable construction, along with the mechanical and environment requirements should all be taken into account. All the above materials in the fiber optic cable construction are specifically required to meet the network infrastructure. fiber-mart.COM fiber optic cables come in various types with detailed specifications displayed for your convenient. These quality cables are designed with best-in-class performance. For more information about fiber optic cables or patch cords, you can visit fiber-mart.com.