Introduction to SFP+ Converter Module

In the previous articles, a variety of transceiver module knowledge have been introduced here. But a special type of transceiver module which called SFP+ converter module has never been covered in this blog. What is it? Today, we are going to unveil its mysterious veil.
Actually, the SFP+ converter module is not a new product in the market. As early as 2009, Cisco has launched the similar product and announced that it is an ideal option for those users who want to use the 10G XENPAK / X2 interface port of a switch with EXNPAK / X2 modules or SFP+ modules. In general, the SFP+ converter module includes 10G XENPAK to SFP+ converter module and 10G X2 to SFP+ converter module. In the previous posts, we have introduced the XENPAK and X2 modules, as well as the SFP+ modules. As we know, the XENPAK and X2 modules are the earlier 10G transceiver products, and the SFP+ is the most popular 10G transceiver now. From this point of view, it is not difficult to find that the application purpose of the SFP+ converter module is for easier and cost-saving upgrade.
In terms of the appearance, the 10G XENPAK to SFP+ converter module and 10G X2 to SFP+ converter module are with the same sizes as the XENPAK and X2 module, respectively. However, if you take a close look, you will find that the optical interfaces of them are not the same. In XENPAK and X2 module, the optical interfaces are generally designed with SC type. While in the SFP+ converter module, you may find that is a port which can plug in a SFP+ module. And this design enables the EXNPAK / X2 convert to SFP+ become available. The picture below shows us the comparisons.
Module comparison
The SFP+ converter module can convert a 10G XENPAK or X2 port into a 10G SFP+ port. This function makes customers have the flexibility to use the switch ports with the favoured module without having to upgrade the switches or modules. This flexibility is critical when the specific type of interface is not available in one or the other form factor or when customers want to use the same form factor for interfaces across multiple platforms deployed in their network.
Though today is the era of 40/100 GbE, 10GbE still accounts for a large proportion of the market. In many places, switches with XENPAK and X2 port are still used. The SFP+ converter module brings an efficient way for users to upgrade the port without changing the device. Meanwhile, the design concept of this product can be used as a reference for today’s market.

What are the types of 10G SFP+ optical modules?

As everyone knows, SFP+ optical module for its small volume, low cost and high density advantages and is widely used in 10G Ethernet, in next generation mobile network, fixed access network, metropolitan area network, and data center and other fields are particularly common. So what are the types of 10G SFP+ optical modules?
Type of 10G SFP+ optical module
1, 10G, SFP+, SR optical module
10GBase-SR is one of the 10G SFP+ SR Ethernet standard, accord with the standard of the optical module, and the optical module type SR is in short distance (Short Range), meaning, which means that the transmission distance up to 300m and use it with multimode fiber. In addition, the wavelength of 10G SFP+ SR optical module is 850nm, which has the advantages of low cost, low power consumption, small size and high density.
2, 10G, SFP+, LRM optical module
The 10G SFP+ LRM optical module conforms to the 10GBase-LRM Ethernet specification, where LRM refers to the extended Multimode Reach (Long). 10G SFP+ LRM optical module can be used with OM1, OM2, OM3 multi-mode fiber, and is mainly used for FDDI networks and 10G data communications, and its low power consumption and excellent EMI can also fully meet the MSA SFF-8431 standard. In addition, the upgraded version of 10G SFP+ LRM optical module is SFP-10G-LRM2 optical module, the upgraded optical module transmission distance of up to 2km, commonly used in LAN connections.
3, 10G, SFP+, LR optical module
10G SFP+ LR optical module with 10GBase-LR Ethernet standard, LR which refers to the long distance (Long, Range) at the wavelength of 1310nm single-mode fiber on the transmission distance of the maximum is 10km, in fact up to 25km, also has the advantages of miniaturization, low power consumption and long transmission distance.
4, 10G, SFP+, ER optical module
10G SFP+ ER optical module with 10GBase-ER Ethernet standard, which is the long distance ER (Extended Range) meaning, its wavelength is 1550nm, and when used with single-mode fiber transmission distance up to 40km, is a very high cost of the ultra long distance optical module, is favored by the data center and enterprise park.
5, 10G, SFP+, ZR optical module
The 10G SFP+ ZR optical module conforms to the 10GBase-ZR Ethernet specification, but this specification belongs to CISCO proprietary. 10G SFP+ ZR optical module type ZR refers to the longest distance (Ze best Range), thus the transmission distance of optical module is very far, the transmission distance up to 80km and single-mode fiber when used together, so the light module is widely used.
6, 10G, SFP+, BIDI optical module
BIDI optical module is a single fiber bidirectional optical module, the optical module has SFP and SFP+ two package, the main difference is that the rate of BIDI SFP+ optical module is 10G, the rate of BIDI SFP optical module is fast or gigabit. BIDI SFP+ optical module using WDM technology, and there are two fiber jack, need to be used in pairs can guarantee the normal operation, but the benefits of this optical module can reduce the usage of optical fiber network deployment, thus greatly reduce the cost of network deployment.
7, 10G, SFP+, CWDM optical module
The 10G SFP+ CWDM optical module is a coarse wavelength division multiplexed optical module that is usually used in conjunction with single-mode fibers. This light module adopts CWDM technology to save fiber resources, can significantly enhance the flexibility, economy and reliability, and the power consumption of optical module is very small, the 10G SFP+ DWDM optical module 12.5%.
8, 10G, SFP+, DWDM optical module
10G SFP+ DWDM optical module is a high rate, the domestic rare large capacity DWDM optical module, usually with single-mode fiber, transmission distance up to 80km, suitable for long distance data transmission. This optical module can satisfy large capacity and long distance transmission requirements, provides a stable guarantee for multi service operation and future network upgrading, also supports a variety of networking mode, each node can be made between wavelength scheduling, has the capacity of easy expansion, flexible service access, high bandwidth utilization and high reliability etc. a variety of advantages.
9, 10G glc-t
10G port module is a package for the SFP+ photoelectric conversion module, the interface type is RJ45, and usually use super six or seven jumper network together, this optical module, the disadvantage is not to support the DOM function, and the transmission distance is 30m, because the application is not wide enough.

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.