What do you know about CWDM SFP transceivers?

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.

10G Ethernet SFP+ Vs. 10G Fibre Channel SFP+

Today’s technology presents unprecedented migration incorporating a wide range of application requirements such as database, transaction processing, data warehousing, integrated audio/video, real-time computing, and collaborative projects. Fibre Channel and Gigabit Ethernet, both are the ideal solutions for IT professionals who need reliable, cost-effective information storage and delivery at fast speeds. Fibre Channel is available in 1G/2G/4G/8G/16G FC and 10GFCoE, 40GFCoE and 100GFCoE nowadays. Gigabit Ethernet is the reigning network for data center and server room. The battle between Fibre Channel and Ethernet is complicated. However, this article will help you solve it out by comparing 10G SFP+ Fibre Channel transceiver modules and 10G Ethernet SFP+ modules.
Encoding Mechanisms of Ethernet and FC
Any time we’re transmitting or storing data, we encode it in some form or another. Then we need to understand the encoding mechanisms of Ethernet and FC.
1, 2, 4, and 8 Gb Fibre Channel all use 8b/10b encoding. Meaning, 8 bits of data gets encoded into 10 bits of transmitted information, the two bits are used for data integrity. For example, Original 1Gb FC is actually 1.0625Gb/s, and each generation has kept this standard and multiplied it. 8Gb FC would be 8×1.0625, or actual bandwidth of 8.5Gb/s. 8.5*.80 = 6.8. 6.8Gb of usable bandwidth on an 8Gb FC link.
10GE (and 10G FC, for that matter) uses 64b/66b encoding. For a 10Gb link using 64b/66b encoding, that leaves 96.96% of the bandwidth for user data, or 9.7Gb/s.
10G SFP+ Fibre Channel (FC) transceiver, as the name implies, is the 10G optical transceivers used for Fibre Channel applications. 10G FC SFP+ module has the same footprint as SFP form factor and is compliant with MSA SFF-8431. 10G SFP+ Fibre Channel transceivers uses the either the 850nm VCSEL as the transmitter fro multimode fiber or 1310nm/1550nm laser as the transmitters for single-mode fibers in SONET OC-192 /SDH, 10GBASE-SW, 10GBASE-LW, 10GBASE-EW, and 10GBASE-ZW applications.
10G SFP+ Fibre Channel Transceiver Module
Cisco DS-SFP-FC10G-LW, seen in the above image, is the long-range single-mode 10G SFP+ FC optical module for a link length of 10km over 1310nm wavelength. 10GFC is backward compatible with previous generation 8G/4G/2GFC and will auto-negotiate down to the fastest speed supported by both ports. This allows 10GFC devices and switches to be seamlessly integrated into expansion segments of existing FC networks without a forklift upgrade.
10GBASE SFP+ Ethernet Transceiver Module
SFP+ 10G modules is the optical transceiver for serial optical communication applications at 10Gbps. Unlike the SFP+ FC transceivers, 10GBASE SFP+ Ethernet modules can use either copper or fiber cabling. SFP+ 10GBASE-T optical transceiver supports Cat6 RJ45 copper cables for a link length of 30m. 10GBASE SFP+ Ethernet modules are available in several 10 Gigabit Ethernet standards like 10GBASE-SR Ethernet, 10GBASE-LR, 10GBASE-LRM, 10GBASE-ER, 10GBASE-ZR, and 10GBASE-T.
HPE 10G SFP+ module
Cisco SFP-10G-LR is the 10km Cisco 10GBASE-LR SFP+ module that uses 1310nm as the transmitter type over single-mode fiber cables. 10GBASE-LR SFP+ modules cannot be auto-negotiate with 1000BASE SFP transceivers, but for most switches, SFP+ ports can support 1G SFP modules for 1Gbps data rate.
Comparison Between 10G Fibre Channel SFP+ and 10G Ethernet SFP+
From the previous description, we can easily draw a conclusion that 10G Fiber Channel SFP+ and 10G Ethernet SFP+ share several specification in common.
Footprint
They have the same form factor as 1000BASE SFP transceiver modules.
Performance
Except the application, 10G Fiber Channel SFP+ SW module and 10Gb SR SFP+ transceivers have the very similar functions with each other. For the exact information, please see the following table.
Application
10G Fiber Channel SFP+ is used in 10G Fibre Channel, yet 10G Ethernet SFP+ is utilized in 10G Ethernet networks.
2017 Prediction of Ethernet and Fibre Channel
Without denying, Ethernet is the dominating network for every data center and server room. The “old” Ethernet network—1Gb/s and 10Gb/s speeds relied heavily on TCP to deliver data, which was reliable but somewhat unpredictable. However, today’s Ethernet runs at 25, 40, 50, or 100Gb/s speeds, is no longer dependent on TCP alone. It also supports RDMA connections which lower latency and frees up CPU cycles to run applications. 100Gb/s technology is quite matured in 2017 and there are many relevant devices available on the market, such as CFP/QSFP28 optical transceivers, 100G switches and network interface cards, 24 fiber MTP cables, etc.
Fibre Channel Vs. Gigabit Ethernet
Meanwhile, FC is still transitioning to 16/32 Gb/s technology (32Gb/s is not mature), which is quite slower than what Ethernet was supporting several years ago. For 32Gb/s FC network, it still supports only block storage traffic. Other storage (and other non-storage) traffic will require an Ethernet network anyway.
If we look at what is coming in 2017, the battle will not be 10/40/100GbE Vs. 8/10/16/32Gb FC. Almost everyone would agree that it would be nice to have a single network for all traffic, and very few users want a new protocol and the challenges of changing the way that they do things.
Conclusion
FC or Ethernet, which is best for storage? 10Gb FC SFP+ has the same usable bandwidth as the 10Gb Ethernet SFP+, and without the overhead of FCoE, but you don’t get the consolidation benefits of using the same physical link for your storage and traditional Ethernet traffic. Fiberland offers reliable 10G SFP+ transceivers in Ethernet, FC, BiDi, CWDM/DWDM applications. If you are interested in our products, please contact us directly.

What is XENPAK Transceiver ?

XENPAK is a multisource agreement (MSA) for a 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) transceiver package. It’s the oldest 10G fiber optic transceiver. XENPAK transceivers is designed with XAUI interface and Digital Diagnostic Monitor Interface, which comply with the XENPAK MSA protocol and satisfy the application of 802.3ae Ethernet protocol 10GB. XENPAK transceivers are supplied for physical layer interfaces supporting multi-mode and single mode fiber optic cables and InfiniBand copper cables with connectors like as CX4. Transmission distances vary from 100 metres (330 ft) to 80 kilometres (50 mi) on fiber and up to 15 metres (49 ft) on CX4 cable. Newer XENPAKs using the 10GBase-LX4 standard operated using multiple wavelengths on legacy multi-mode fibres at distances of up to 300 metres (980 ft), eliminating the need to reinstall cable in a building when upgrading certain 1 Gbit/s circuits to 10 Gbit/s.
The XENPAK form factor was initially supported by numerous network equipment manufacturers and transceiver optics vendors. However, advances in technology led to more compact form factors for 10 Gigabit Ethernet applications. Soon after the standard was introduced in 2001, two related standards emerged: XPAK and X2. These two standards have the same electrical interface as XENPAK (known as XAUI) but a smaller mechanical properties. XENPAK was replaced by X2 or SFP+ transceiver that providing higher port density and most of the transceiver vendors stop to provide to market. Nowadays,however,there is quite few ethernet switch or routers with Xenpak port worked, a Xenpak to SFP+ converters was produced to meet the needs.
Types of XENPAK
Classified by Applications: XENPAK CWDM,XENPAK DWDM,Dual fiber XENPAK, XENPAK BIDI
Classified by Distance: CX4 for 15m on copper, SR for 300m,LRM for 220m, LR for 10km or 20km, ER for 40km, ZR for 80k

How to choose a 40G QSFP+ Transceiver?

In the 40GbE and IB-FDR(56Gb) interconnect solutions, 40Gb QSFP+ transceivers account for a large percentage of the market share. QSFP+ SR4, QSFP+ eSR4, QSFP+ IR4 and QSFP+ LR4 are the most popular optical modules.
QSFP+ SR4(QSFP-40G-SR4) offers 4 independent transmit and receive channels, each capable of 10Gbps operation for an aggregate data rate of 40Gbps over 100 meters on OM3 multi-mode fiber(MMF) or over 150 meters on OM4 MMF.
QSFP+ eSR4(QSFP-40G-CSR4) that works in the same principle as SR4, can be considered an enhanced QSFP+ SR4. 40GBASE-eSR4 QSFP+ Modules extend the reach of the IEEE 40GBASE-SR4 interface to 300 meters and 400 meters on laser-optimized OM3 and OM4 MMF respectively.
How to choose a 40G QSFP+ Transceiver?
QSFP+ IR4 module(WSP-Q40G-LR4L) works with signals over four wavelengths, which were multiplexed and demultiplexed within the device. QSFP+ IR4 supports link lengths of up to 2 kilometers on a standard pair of single-mode fiber(SMF) with duplex LC connectors.
QSFP+ LR4(QSFP-40G-LR4): fiber components adopt CWDM technology to integrate signals: multiplexing and demutiplexing. QSFP+ LR4 only connects with one pair of LC duplex: Tx and Rx, supporting link length up to 10km.
There is a parallel single-mode type of QSFP+ LR4 optic we call it PSM(QSFP-LR4PSM), which transmits 4 transmitted signals and 4 received signals directly. An 12-core MPO/MTP fiber patch cord cable will be used to connect with it, links 1.4 to 10km.
Application
QSFP+ LR4 can be connected with QSFP+ LR4 by LC duplex patch cords, as solution showed below. The central wavelengths of the 4 CWDM channels are different: 1271, 1291, 1311 and 1331 nm.
QSFP+ LR4 PSM can be linked with QSFP+ LR4 PSM on MPO SMF cable. If you would like it to be split in 4 pairs signals, that is easy. Use an MPO to 8LC SMF patch cord cable to connect with 4 SFP+ LR modules(SFP-10G-LR). See connect solution here:
Theoretically, the central wavelength of QSFP+ LR4 PSM is 1310 nm for all 4 channels. However, by the strong R&D ability, Fiberland is available to customize 4 different CWDM wavelengths on customers’ requirements.

How to choose a 40G QSFP+ Transceiver?

In the 40GbE and IB-FDR(56Gb) interconnect solutions, 40Gb QSFP+ transceivers account for a large percentage of the market share. QSFP+ SR4, QSFP+ eSR4, QSFP+ IR4 and QSFP+ LR4 are the most popular optical modules.
QSFP+ SR4(QSFP-40G-SR4) offers 4 independent transmit and receive channels, each capable of 10Gbps operation for an aggregate data rate of 40Gbps over 100 meters on OM3 multi-mode fiber(MMF) or over 150 meters on OM4 MMF.
QSFP+ eSR4(QSFP-40G-CSR4) that works in the same principle as SR4, can be considered an enhanced QSFP+ SR4. 40GBASE-eSR4 QSFP+ Modules extend the reach of the IEEE 40GBASE-SR4 interface to 300 meters and 400 meters on laser-optimized OM3 and OM4 MMF respectively.
How to choose a 40G QSFP+ Transceiver?
QSFP+ IR4 module(WSP-Q40G-LR4L) works with signals over four wavelengths, which were multiplexed and demultiplexed within the device. QSFP+ IR4 supports link lengths of up to 2 kilometers on a standard pair of single-mode fiber(SMF) with duplex LC connectors.
QSFP+ LR4(QSFP-40G-LR4): fiber components adopt CWDM technology to integrate signals: multiplexing and demutiplexing. QSFP+ LR4 only connects with one pair of LC duplex: Tx and Rx, supporting link length up to 10km.
There is a parallel single-mode type of QSFP+ LR4 optic we call it PSM(QSFP-LR4PSM), which transmits 4 transmitted signals and 4 received signals directly. An 12-core MPO/MTP fiber patch cord cable will be used to connect with it, links 1.4 to 10km.
Application
QSFP+ LR4 can be connected with QSFP+ LR4 by LC duplex patch cords, as solution showed below. The central wavelengths of the 4 CWDM channels are different: 1271, 1291, 1311 and 1331 nm.
QSFP+ LR4 PSM can be linked with QSFP+ LR4 PSM on MPO SMF cable. If you would like it to be split in 4 pairs signals, that is easy. Use an MPO to 8LC SMF patch cord cable to connect with 4 SFP+ LR modules(SFP-10G-LR). See connect solution here:
Theoretically, the central wavelength of QSFP+ LR4 PSM is 1310 nm for all 4 channels. However, by the strong R&D ability, Fiberland is available to customize 4 different CWDM wavelengths on customers’ requirements.

Features of 1000Base-T Copper SFP Transceivers

Copper transceiver is high performance, cost effective module compliant with the Gigabit Ethernet and 1000BASE-T standards as specified in IEEE 82. 3-22 and IEEE 82.3ab, which supporting 1Mbps data- rate up to 1 meters reach over unshielded twisted-pair CAT 5 cable. Copper SFPs enable system manufacturers to populate SFP ports with either copper or optical transceivers.
1000Base-T copper SFP is used for copper networks, which refers to GbE over copper, primarily Category 5, 5E, and, increasingly, Category 6 twisted-pair cable. Typical 1000Base-T SFP includes Cisco-GLC-T and SFP-GE-T, these SFP modules are used in Gigabit networks and they are fully compatible with 1000Base-T. SFP-GE-T is the copper SFP that are with extended working temperature and DOM support.
1000Base-T SFP copper transceiver is designed for single mode (SM) optical fiber. This transceiver is compliant with Gigabit Ethernet and 1000BASE-T standards as specified in IEEE802.3-2002 and IEEE 802.3ab for 1.25 Gigabit over unshielded twisted-pair category-5 cable. It operates on standard Category 5 unshielded twisted pair copper cabling of up to 100m length. This transceiver is also compliant with RoHS, SFP MSA, FCC 47 SFR Part 15, Class B and SONET/SDH recommendations for OC-48 specifications. It is widely used in serial telecom and datacom applications.
The 1000Base-T SFP copper module is compliant with Gigabit Ethernet and 1000BASE-T standards as specified in IEEE802.3-2002 and IEEE 802.3ab for 1.25 Gigabit over unshielded twisted-pair category-5 cable. It offers 1000Mbps full duplex data-links with 5-level Pulse Amplitude Modulation (PAM) signals. This transceiver is also compliant with RoHS, SFP MSA, FCC 47 SFR Part 15, Class B and SONET/SDH recommendations for OC-48 specifications. It is widely used in serial telecom and datacom applications. Cisco 1000BASE-T SFP module supports 10/100/1000 auto-negotiations and Auto MDI/MDIX.