Category: Fiber Transceivers

Although the 10 Gigabit Ethernet system has become the dominant deployment in telecommunication market, there are still many 1GbE infrastructures existing in today’s networks. SFP optical transceiver, as a critical component to support 1G data transmission, is also increasingly required in most Gigabit Ethernet networks. Many vendors, like Cisco, one of the most well-known and reliable company in telecommunication industry, have provided various types of SFP transceiver modules to the market. This post aims to introduce three common Cisco SFP module types for you references.

SFP Optical Transceiver Overview

SFP (small form factor pluggable) transceivers are hot-plugable and compact optical transceivers which provide instant fiber or copper connectivity for SONET, Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and other communications standards. They are a cost-effective way to connect a single network device to a wide variety of fiber cable distances and types. With the existence of SFP module, network upgrades could be easier, since SFP is interchangeable fiber connectors that can adapt to any existing network. For example, by simply replacing the pluggable optical transceiver, a media converter that was originally used in a multimode network can be re-configured to operate over a CWDM network. SFP optics come in four versions: 1000Base-T, 1000Base-SX, 1000Base-LX, and 1000Base-ZX. The 1000Base-SX will work on multimode fiber for the link length of 550 m, while the 1000Base-LX and 1000Base-ZX work only on single-mode fiber for the maximum distance of 10 km and 80 km respectively, and the 1000Base-T is the RJ-45 version. The following image shows the structure of SFP module.

Three Common Cisco SFP Module Types

GLC-SX-MM SFP: GLC-SX-MM 1000Base-SX SFP is a duplex SFP transceiver used over multimode fiber at the wavelength of 850 nm for optical communications. It is compatible with IEEE 802.3z and could support the data rate of 1Gbps for the reach of 550 meters over 50/125 multimode fiber, and 220 meters over 62.5/125 multimode fiber. But since March 8th, 2013, there is no longer GLC-SX-MM SFP modules on sale in Cisco. It is replaced by the new model SFP transceiver module—GLC-SX-MMD SFP. However, for usage and cost considerations, many users still use the old model SFP, because GLC-SX-MMD is much more expensive, and except the additional DOM function, they work as the same when used in Cisco switch. These old Cisco compatible GLC-SX-MM SFPs can be still purchased in Fiber-mart at very lower prices as shown in the following image.

GLC-LX-SM SFP: GLC-LH-SM 1000Base-LX-LH Ethernet transceiver is a LC duplex SFP transceiver used for optical networks. It operates at 1310 wavelength, rated for distances up to 10 km and a maximum bandwidth of 1Gbps. This type of SFP module is compliant with MSA (multisource agreement) and the IEEE 802.3z 1000Base-LX standard, which can both operate over single-mode fiber for the link spans of up to 10 km and up to 550 m on any multimode fibers. The following picture is Cisco GLC-LH-SM-15 Compatible 1000BASE-LXLH SFP in Fiber-mart.

GLC-T SFP: GLC-T (as shown below) is a type of copper SFP module used over standard Cat5 unshielded twisted pair copper cabling of link length up to 100 m (328ft). It provides 1Gbps data transfer and offers full-duplex Gigabit Ethernet connectivity to high-end workstations and between wiring closets over existing copper network infrastructure. Cisco GLC-T SFP transceiver module can offer a flexible and simple method to be installed into SFP MSA compliant ports at any time with no interruption of the host equipment operation. It enables for seamless integration of fiber with copper LAN connections wherever SFP interface slots can be found.

Summary

We have mentioned three commonly used Cisco SFP modules in the previous text, and each module is applied in different applications. GLC-SX-MM SFP is used for multimode fiber based equipment, while GLC-LX-SM SFP is more suitable for single-mode fiber based infrastructure and GLC-T SFP is often deployed with copper cable, like Cat5 Ethernet cable. Besides these aspects, you should also take your budget into consideration. As we all know, Cisco brand SFP transceiver is expensive, but with the increasing popularity of third-party modules, we have a good alternative. Fiber-mart provides a wide range of Cisco compatible SFP modules at affordable prices. If you have related needs, please visit fiber-mart.COM for more information.

Data transmission with higher density and bandwidth has become the trend under present networking environment. With 40 Gigabit Ethernet commonly deployed in most data centers, various network devices designed for 40 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) link are available on the market. Among them, 40G QSFP+ transceivers play an important role in driving the bandwidth to a mounting point. There are mainly two interfaces adopted by 40G QSFP+ transceivers—MTP/MPO and LC. What is the difference between these two interface types? This article will have an analysis of the 40G QSFP+ transceivers with LC interface and 40G QSFP+ transceivers with MTP/MPO interface.

40G QSFP+ Transceivers With LC Interface

From the figure below, we can easily understand the working principle of 40G QSFP+ transceivers with LC interface. In the transmit side, 4 channels of 10G serial data streams at different wavelengths are passed to laser drivers. The laser drivers control directly modulated lasers (DML) with wavelengths. Then the output of the four DMLs are optically multiplexed to a SMF through an industry-standard LC connector, combining as 40G optical signal. In the receive side, the 40G optical signal is demultiplexed into four individual 10G optical data streams at different wavelength. And each wavelength light is collected by a discrete photo diode and amplified by a TIA, and then outputted as electric data. In this process, a 4-wavelength CWDM multiplexer and demultiplexer is used over a pair of single-mode fibers. For transmission distance of this type of 40G QSFP+ transceiver, take 40G LR4 QSFP+ transceiver as an example, it can support an optical link length up to 10 kilometers over the single mode fiber.

40G QSFP+ Transceivers With MTP/MPO Interface

We can easily understand the working principle of 40G QSFP+ transceiver with MTP/MPO interface from the figure below. In the transmit side, the transmitter converts parallel electrical input signals into parallel optical signals through the use of a laser array. Then the parallel optical signals are transmitted parallelly through the multimode fiber ribbon terminated with MPO/MTP fiber optic connector. In the receive side, the receiver converts parallel optical input signals via a photo detector array into parallel electrical output signals. Generally, 40G QSFP+ transceivers with MTP/MPO interface are utilized for short distance transmission over multimode fiber (MMF), like 40G SR4 QSFP+ transceiver, it can support a link length up to 100 meters on OM3 cable and 150 meters on OM4 cable.

Note: there are also some 40G QSFP+ transceivers with MTP/MPO interface supporting long distance transmission over SMF. For example, 40G LR4 PSM QSFP+ transceiver, a parallel single-mode optical transceiver with an MTP/MPO fiber ribbon connector, it offers four independent transmit and receive channels, each capable of 10G operation for an aggregate data rate of 40G over SMF. That is to say, eight single-mode fibers are used to achieve parallel transmission, with transmission distance up to 10 kilometers. From the perspective of cost, this kind of 40G QSFP+ transceivers cost more than 40G QSFP+ transceivers with LC interface. Besides, in the data center fiber infrastructure, MTP patch panel has to be used to accommodate MTP cables, which would cost more than LC connectors and regular SMF cables.

4x10G Connectivity

For the 40G QSFP+ transceivers with LC interface, they cannot be split into 4x10G as they use 4 wavelengths on a pair of single-mode fibers and do not lend themselves to “splitting” into 4 pairs without substantial complexity to split out the wavelengths. For the 40G QSFP+ transceivers with MTP/MPO interface, they can be used in 4x10G connectivity via an external 12-fiber parallel to 2-fiber duplex breakout cable, which connects the 40G module to four 10G optical interfaces.

Conclusion

Generally speaking, the 40G QSFP+ transceivers with LC interface are used for long distance transmission over single-mode fiber (SMF), and 40G QSFP+ transceivers with MTP/MPO interface are utilized for short distance transmission over multimode fiber (MMF). However, for some 40G QSFP+ transceivers with MTP/MPO interface, such as 40GBASE-LR4 PSM QSFP+ transceiver, it can support long distance transmission over SMF.

In recent years, QSFP28 transceivers have been highly favored by many Ethernet users. The modules are hot-swappable input/output (I/O) device that connect the system’s module port electrical circuity with either a copper or a fiber-optic network. Transceiver installation attaches great importance to the whole Ethernet connectivity. This article provides the installation tips of 100 Gigabit QSFP28 optical transceivers.

Information About QSFP28 Transceiver

100 Gigabit (QSFP28) transceiver module is a hot-swappable, parallel fiber-optical module. The interconnect offers four channels of high-speed differential 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. These channels can terminate in another 40G QSFP+ transceiver. The QSFP+ transceiver connects the electrical circuity of the system with an optical external network.

The following figure shows the 100G QSFP28 SR4 transceiver. The transceiver is used primarily in short reach applications in switches, routers and data center equipment where it provides higher density than SFP+ modules.

Required Tools and Equipment

To install the 100G QSFP28 transceiver, you need the following tools :

Wrist strap or other personal grounding device to prevent ESD occurrences.

Antistatic mat or Antistatic foam to set the transceiver on.

Fiber-optic end-face cleaning tools and inspection equipment.

Installing 100G QSFP28 Transceiver

The QSFP28 transceiver can have either a bail-clasp latch or a pull-tab latch. Installation procedures for both types of latches are provided.

Caution: The QSFP28 transceiver is a static-sensitive device. Always use an ESD wrist strap or similar individual grounding device when handling QSFP28 transceivers or coming into contact with system modules.

Installation Steps:

Step1: Attach an ESD wrist strap to yourself and a properly grounded point on the chassis or the rack.

Step2: Remove the QSFP28 transceiver from its protective packaging.

Step3: Check the label on the QSFP28 transceiver body to verify that you have the correct model for your network.

Step 4: For QSFP28 transceiver, remove the optical bore dust plug and set it aside.

Step 5: For QSFP28 transceiver equipped with a pull-tab, hold the transceiver so that the identifier label is on the top.

Step 6: For QSFP28 transceiver equipped with a bail-clasp latch, keep the bail-clasp aligned in a vertical position.

Step 7: Align the QSFP28 transceiver in front of the transceiver’s socket opening and carefully slide the QSFP28 transceiver into the socket until the transceiver makes contact with the socket electrical connector.

Step9: For optical QSFP28 transceiver, reinstall the dust plug into the QSFP28 transceivers optical bore until you are ready to attach the network interface cable. Do not remove the dust plug until you are ready to attach the network interface cable.

Conclusion

Through this passage, we are clear the basic installation procedures of 100G QSFP28 transceivers and please keep the cautions and tips in mind in case of accident. If you need any of 100G QSFP28 transceiver, fiber-mart.COM is a good choice.

As we all know, common optical transceivers, like SFP+, SFP, normally require two fibers to achieve data transmission between switches, firewalls, servers, routers, etc. The first fiber is dedicated to receiving data from networking equipment, while the other is to transmit data to the equipment. With the development of technology, a new class of pluggable optical transceiver—BiDi fiber optic transceiver has been developed to combine the transmit and receive functions onto a single fiber (single-mode or multimode). The image below shows the differences between common optical transceiver and BiDi transceiver. How does BiDi transceiver achieve the transmission of optical channels on a fiber propagating simultaneously in both directions? What are the most commonly used BiDi transceivers available on the market? Is it worthwhile to use this kind of transceiver which is much more expensive than standard transceiver? The following test will provide more details from these three aspects.

How Does BiDi Fiber Optic Transceiver Work?

BiDi fiber optic transceiver is also called as WDM transceiver, since it is fitted with WDM coupler, which helps to combine and separate data transmitted over a single fiber based on the wavelengths of light. Unlike common optical transceivers use two fibers for duplex transmission, BiDi transceiver uses two different wavelengths to carry the duplex signals separately. The optical signals for transmitting and receiving are separately converted into signals of specific wavelengths as shown in the following image. This is why BiDi transceiver module can achieve the transmission of optical channels on a fiber propagating simultaneously in both directions.

Three Commonly Used BiDi Transceiver Types

Currently, there are a lot of fiber optic transceivers designed with BiDi technology available on the market, but the most commonly used ones are BiDi SFP, BiDi SFP+ and BiDi QSFP+. The following part will introduce them one by one.

BiDi SFP: BiDi SFP (shown in image below), compliant with the SFP multi-source (MSA), is specially used for the high-performance integrated duplex data link over a single optical fiber. It uses a long wavelength DFB laser diode, enabling data transmission up to 80 km on a single fiber. Generally, BiDi transceiver can be produced with LC simplex port which is used both for transmitting and receiving. Nowadays, it is one of the most popular industry formats supported by many fiber optic component vendors.

BiDi SFP+: Like BiDi SFP, BiDi SFP+ (see following image) is also connected by simplex LC fiber cable. Currently, BiDi SFP+ transceivers using 1270 nm and 1330 nm for transmission are most commonly used for 10G transmission. And it can achieve 10G data rate for the link lengths of 10 km, 20 km, 40 km, and 80 km. When you select BiDi transceivers, please take these two factors into consideration.

BiDi QSFP+: BiDi QSFP+ transceiver is a latest product used for 40G short-reach data communication and interconnect applications. Compliant with the QSFP MSA specification, it is terminated with a duplex LC connector interface to transmit data over laser-optimized OM3 and OM4 multimode fiber cables for the length of up to 100 m and 150 m respectively, that is the same as the traditional QSFP-40G-SR4. This 40G transceiver has two 20G channels, and each channel transmits and receives two wavelengths over a single multimode fiber strand. The following picture is a BiDi QSFP+ transceiver.

Why Should We Use BiDi Fiber Optic Transceiver?

Generally, BiDi fiber optic transceivers are much more expensive than common fiber optic transceivers. From fiber-mart.com, a Cisco SFP-10G-SR is 16 dollars, while a cheapest Cisco BiDi SFP+ transceiver is 50 dollars. Is it worthwhile to use this kind of transceiver? The answer is definitely yes.

As we have mentioned above, compared to traditional optical transceivers, BiDi transceivers uses fewer fibers (about 2 fibers) to support signal transmission, which can save an amount of money for you. Take BiDi QSFP+ transceiver as an example, if you are building a new 40G data center fabric in the traditional way, you would need to run 8-multimode fiber strands between your access and aggression layer: a cost of $2000 per port. However, with BiDi QSFP+ transceivers, you can get 40G performance using just 2 fiber strands: a quarter of cabling. For a standard server rack (384 ports), that translates to a savings of more than $550,000.

Summary

Although the label price of BiDi fiber optic transceiver is higher than standard optical transceiver, it is of much more value in practical applications. With the existence of BiDi fiber optic transceiver, the cost of fiber infrastructure will reduce, while the network capacity will increase. But keep in mind that BiDi transceiver is usually deployed in matched pairs to get the work most efficiently, since it uses two different wavelengths for transmission.

In optical communication networks, optical transceivers are some of the most fundamental pieces of hardware for a smooth network. Nowadays, as telecommunication market is surrounded by a sea of fiber optic transceivers of different brands, originals or third-party ones, users are met with many choices. But since many name-brand networking companies charge too much for their transceivers, in most cases, users often buy smart, plug-and-play, and hot-swappable compatible transceiver modules to save money. For instance, if you’re in need of 10GBASE-LR SFP+ for your HP networking, you can turn to Fiber-mart.com for 100% HP compatible SFP+ transceivers (JD094B) which deliver the same value and costs you only a few, US$ 48.00.

Most people often hear such a question: Will I be able to use the existing equipment with the new wiring? The answer is certainly yes. Actually, a third-party fiber optic transceiver is fully compatible with name-brand hardware. There’s simply no difference between good quality third-party ones and the original ones. In this article, I will list several reasons why you should choose HP compatible transceivers, including the compatibility, cost, and support.

100% Compatibility

One thing that a lot of people don’t really realize about optical networking equipment is that there are only a host of factories in the world which are certified to produce it. As a matter of fact, anyone who supplies top-grade optical transceivers is getting them from the same few vendors. And Fiber-mart.com uses them too.

HP compatible SFP+ transceivers are fully MSA-compliant, so they adhere to all relevant standards for optical equipment. Take JD094B for example, this HP compatible 10GBASE-LR SFP+ works at a wavelength of 1550nm over single-mode fibers (SMfiber-mart), with a maximum link length at 40km. All these performances are just the same as what can be expected from the original HP SFP+ transceiver. Neither your HP networking will detect the difference, nor you can tell the difference, since the only difference lies in the name on the package.

Carrier-Grade Quality

Some companies use the exact same ODMs (original design manufacturers) that the major switch OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) use. However, since optical transceivers are the primary business for some third-party transceiver companies, they may understand which ODMs provide the highest quality part for a given data rate or transport protocol. It is not inconceivable for some third-party optics companies to provide more reliable components than those offered by the major switch OEM companies.

Low Cost

The lower costs of third-party optics really cannot be overstated. Typically third-party transceivers cost substantially less than name brands. Why you pay hundreds of dollars for a device that only cost much less, say dozens dollars from third-party? In many cases, a full loadout of third-party transceivers can shave so much money off of an upgrade budget to fund entirely new pieces of hardware. Or they can put a piece of equipment within range, which wouldn’t have been if name-brand ports had to be purchased. There’s no compelling reason to over-pay for the name brand optics.

Reduced Inventory Cost Due To Interoperability

By definition third-party providers of optical transceivers are not tied to a specific switch or router platform. Therefore, their optics will typically interoperate across multiple platforms. This means one specific inventoried part number can be used in both a HP switch and a Cisco switch, as an example. Thus, this approach effectively reduces sparing inventory as well as the operational headaches associated with maintaining inventories for each switch platform.

Instant Shipment & In-stock

Since selling transceivers is the primary business for most third-party transceiver companies, most strive for immediate availability of product. Fiber-mart.com keeps a full stock of our transceivers in-house and ready to ship. There is no complicated ordering process, and once you’ve made an order, you don’t have to wait days or weeks for the items to be delivered. Usually, the products are shipped the same day when you place an order.

Conclusion

HP compatible SFP+ transceivers are cheaper, 100% compatible and in large stock. Whether you need 10GBASE-LR，10GBASE-ER ports, or 10BASE-SR, Fiber-mart.com can meet your needs rapidly for lower prices, no waiting. Certainly, HP compatible SFP optics are also available here, like HP J4858C. For more information about HP compatible transceivers, you can visit Fiber-mart.com directly.