Choose SFP+ Modules and Cables Effectively

Choosing the best type of SFP+ transceivers and cables is not always easy. You can approach the selection process by reviewing the device as a single entity or you can explore the fiber cable separately. In order to select SFP+ modules and cables effectively, it is important to know the standards set forth by the IEEE 802.3 committee. According to the IEEE 802.3 standard, the 10 Gigabit Ethernet has been ratified and is compatible with MMF and SMF transceivers. which means that the signals can maintain their signal integrity when transmitting long distances. This article will give some tips that help you make a good selection for your SFP+ modules and cables.

Ensure They are Interchangeable or Hot-Swappable

Never underestimate the power of SFP+ modules that are hot-swappable or interchangeable. They can reduce expenditures for companies, especially when devices fail prematurely because they do not have to completely shut down the system to replace the device. This is why it is so important to find SFP+ modules that are hot-swappable in order to avoid complete redesigns and the exorbitant costs associated with the practice. When the SFP+ modules have more flexibility and functionality, it can save more money and time.

Select SFP+ Modules and Cables to Optimize Your Design

SFP+ modules and cables can be used to optimize your design. Some of the best transceivers designers often choose are Cisco SFP-10G-SR compatible 10GBASE-SR SFP+ transceivers provided by Fiberstore. This type of SFP+ module is for duplex optical data communications in 10Gbit/s data transmission applications at 850 nm .Besides, there are several high density modules that are combined with high density modules to deliver exceptional performance. Many people are unaware of the functionality of these modules, but when they are incorporated, they seem to perform well.  

Verify Device Compatibility and Compliance

Compatibility and compliance are two of the primary issues that need to be resolved in order to achieve an optimal design. To have optimal operability, designs must be able to interact and be compatible with other protocols such as Ethernet, SONET/SDH/OTN, fiber channel, and PON standards.

Know the Types of SFP+ Cables and Adapters Available for Use

There are all types of SFP+ cables available for use including the SFP+ direct attach cables, SFP active copper cables, and SFP+ Loopback Adapter Modules. When you know which is the best, you’ll choose the best cable and adapter for your design. Both passive and active SFP+ devices are available in addition to other various devices. These devices can add significant functionality to a design if they are incorporated according to the specifications and designs. Ask an expert and select the device that is best for your particular design.

Select the Device That Delivers Optimal Speeds

Efficient and fast devices are recommended for the best results. If you want to achieve optimal results, you should consider selecting the best device for the optimal speeds. There are different types of devices that support various transmission speeds, helping you achieve your desired efficiency levels.

SFP+ optical transceivers are growing in popularity because they are affordable and also efficient. They complement any design as long as the appropriate type is selected. Otherwise, signals will degrade over long distances if an inappropriate SFP+ module is chosen. Where to buy reliable and high quality SFP+ transceivers? As the main manufacturer and supplier in China, Fiberstore provides a complete range of SFP+ transceiver modules which can be customized. In addition, we also provide compatible SFP+ transceivers as alternatives to those branded by Cisco (such as CVR-X2-SFP10G), HP, Juniper Networks etc. 

How to Install and Remove SFP Transceivers

The small form-factor pluggable (SFP) is a compact, hot-pluggable transceiver used for telecommunication and data communications. The form factor and electrical interface are specified by a multi-source agreement (MSA). It interfaces a network device motherboard (for a switch, router, media converter or similar device) to a fiber optic or copper networking cable. SFP transceivers can support SONET, Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and other communications standards. SFP transceivers are upgraded from the traditional version with more flexibility but a smaller size.

Sometimes you may encounter the affairs like installing or removing fiber-optic SFP modules with cables attached. In fact, this is wrong. Because that way may cause damage to the cables, the cable connector, or the optical interfaces in the SFP module. Disconnect all cables before removing or installing an SFP module. Followings are some tips when installing and removing SFP transceivers.

Installing SFP Transceivers

The following steps tell how to install SFP transceivers:
1. Attach an ESD-preventive wrist strap to your wrist and to the ESD ground connector or a bare metal surface on your chassis. SFP modules are static sensitive. Wear an ESD-preventive wrist strap so that it can prevent ESD damage.
2. Remove the dust cap and save for future use.
3. Insert the SFP module into the socket. The orientation of an SFP module within a switch varies according to the SFP module port. Be sure that the SFP module is in the right position before inserting.
4. Observe the LED. If the LED turns green, it means the transceiver and the device establishes link successfully. While if the LED is off, there may be an installing problem with the adapter.

Removing SFP Transceivers

To remove a SFP transceiver (see the picture), you should the following procedures  keep in mind:
1. Attach an ESD-preventive wrist strap to your wrist and to a bare metal surface on the chassis.
2. Disconnect the network cable from the SFP transceiver.
3. Remove the SFP transceiver carefully from the module slot.
4. Place the removed the SFP module in a static shielding bag.

In addition, to connect 1000BASE-T SFP transceiver modules (such as HP J8177C SFP transceiver) to a copper network, follow these substeps: insert the Category 5 network cable RJ-45 connector into the SFP transceiver module RJ-45 connector. And then insert the other end of the network cable into an RJ-45 connector on a 1000BASE-T compatible target device. When connecting to a 1000BASE-T-compatible server, workstation, or router, use four twisted-pair, straight-through Category 5 cabling for the SFP transceiver module port.  

Do not remove the dust plugs from the fiber-optic SFP module port or the rubber caps from the fiber-optic cable until you are ready to connect the cable. The plugs and caps protect the SFP module ports and cables from contamination and ambient light.

The above is about the installation and removing of a SFP transceiver. But keep in mind that removing and installing an SFP module can shorten its useful life. Therefore, do not remove and insert SFP modules more often than is absolutely necessary.

1000BASE-T vs 1000BASE-TX

The development of Gigabit Ethernet standards resulted in specifications for UTP copper, single-mode fiber, and multimode fiber. Since Gigabit Ethernet allows transmission speeds of up to 1000Mbps over twisted pair, IEEE 802.3ab defines the 1000BASE-T interface type which uses 4D-PAM5 line encoding to obtain 1 Gbps data throughput. 1000BASE refers to a Gigabit Ethernet connection that uses the unfiltered cable for transmission. “T” means twisted-pair cable (e.g. the common Cat5 in use today).

1000BASE-T

1000Base-T is a type of gigabit Ethernet networking technology that uses copper cables as a medium. 1000Base-T uses four pairs of Category 5 unshielded twisted pair cables to achieve gigabit data rates. The standard is designated as IEEE 802.3ab and allows 1 Gbps data transfers for distances of up to 330 feet.

1000Base-T came into wide use in 1999, gradually replacing fast Ethernet for wired local networks simply because it was 10 times as fast. Equipment and cables are very similar to previous Ethernet standards and by 2011 were very common and economical. These were the biggest factors that ensured this standard's wide acceptance. 1000Base-T can be used in data centers for fast server switching or in desktop PCs for broadband applications. The biggest advantage of 1000Base-T is that it can use existing copper cabling, negating the need to rewire the system with newer optical fiber cables.

1000BASE-TX

This is a variation of the 1000BASE-T standard. Unlike 1000BASE-T, 1000BASE-TX uses just two of the four pairs in a Cat6 or Cast7 UTP cable. 1000BASE-TX supports full-duplex transmission with a range of up to 100 meters. Because only two of the four pairs are used, Cat6 and Cat7 UTP can support two 1000BASE TX links on the same cable. 1000BASE-TX networks connected with Cat6 UTP cabling are used in Gigabit Ethernet applications that require larger bandwidth than 1000Mbps, such as multimedia content development and streaming, videoconferencing, highly available data centers, and distribution layer cabling. The 1000BASE-TX standard provides a total bandwidth of 2000Mbps using two 1000BASE TX links on the same Cat6 or Cat7 UTP cable.

1000BASE-T vs 1000BASE-TX

The main advantage of 1000BASE-T over 1000BASE-TX is obviously the increased bandwidth. Note that although Cat5 UTP supports 1000BASE-T, Cat5e is recommended because the enhanced Cat5e UTP adds specifications for far-end crosstalk.

At present, 1000BASE-T is more commonly used with the lower cost of Cat 5 cabling. However, the design of 1000Base-TX does not require hybrids, nor does it necessitate echo cancellation. Consequently, the design of 1000Base-TX allows for its electronics to be much less expensive than comparable 1000Base-T electronics. So, which is better? It must depend on the plan, budget and application of your project.

Fiber Large 1000BASE-T and 1000BASE-TX Solution

As the main fiber optics manufacturer in China, Fiberstore supplies a wide range of 1000BASE-T and 1000BASE-TX optical transceiver modules, including HP J8177C compatible 1000BASE-T SFP transceiver, Juniper EX-SFP-1GE-T compatible 1000BASE-T, Brocade XBR-000190 compatible 1000BASE-TX SFP transceiver, etc. They offer customers high-performance and cost-effective optical fiber products to fulfill their requirements, contributing this way to the customer's success and satisfaction.

Things You Need to Know About 1000BASE-SX

1000Base-SX, also known as 1000Base-SX, is a physical layer specification for Gigabit Ethernet over fiber optic cabling as defined in IEEE 802.3z. SX stands for short wavelength. And 1000Base-SX uses short wavelength laser (850nm) over multimode fiber as opposed to 1000Base-LX, which uses long wavelength laser over both multimode and single-mode fiber. The maximum distance of (multimode) fiber, based on 1000Base SX is 550m.

What Is Gigabit Ethernet?

Gigabit Ethernet is defined by the IEEE 802.3z standard. This defines the gigabit Ethernet media access control (MAC) layer functionality as well as three different physical layers: 1000Base-LX and 1000Base-SX using fiber and 1000Base-CX using copper. These physical layers were originally developed by IBM for the ANSI Fiber Channel systems and used 8B/10B encoding to reduce the bandwidth required to send high-speed signals. The IEEE merged the fiber channel to the Ethernet MAC using a gigabit media independent interface (GMII), which defines an electrical interface, enabling existing fiber channel PHY chips to be used and enabling future physical layers to be easily added.

1000Base-SX for Horizontal Fiber

1000BASE-SX is one of the IEEE802.3z standard made for the laser transceiver which work on short wavelength multimode fiber (850mm). This Gigabit Ethernet version was developed for the short backbone connections of the horizontal network wiring. The SX systems operate full-duplex with multimode fiber only, using the cheaper 850nm wavelength laser diodes. The maximum distance supported varies between 200 and 550 meters depending on the bandwidth and attenuation of the fiber optic cable used. The standard 1000Base-SX NICs available today are full-duplex and incorporate LC fiber connectors.

1000Base-SX SFP Modules

The 1000BASE-SX SFP transceiver is a small form hot-swappable fiber optical module compatible with the IEEE 802.3z 1000BASE-SX standard. It operates on legacy 50 um multimode fiber links up to 550 m and on 62.5 um Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI)-grade multimode fibers up to 220 m. It can support up to 1km over laser-optimized 50 um multimode fiber cable. For example, the transmission span of Finisar FTLF8519P2BNL compatible SFP module from Fiberstore can reach up to 550m on 50/125μm multimode fiber and 300m on 62.5/125μm multimode fiber. It is compatible with Duplex LC connector and can operate under extended operating temperatures ranging from -20°C to 85°C. The 1000BASE-SX SFP modules can be used and interchanged on a wide variety of Cisco products and can be intermixed in combinations of IEEE 802.3z compliant 1000Base-SX interfaces on a port-by-port basis. They're made to interact with printed circuit boards to convert light communications data into electronic signals.

If you want to purchase reliable and cost-effective compatible 1000Base-SX SFP modules online, Fiberstore may be the best choice. As one of the largest fiber optics manufacturers in China, Fiberstore offers various types of SFP modules, like Palo Alto networks PAN-SFP-SX, Cisco GLC-LH-SMD 1000BASE-LX/LH, Cisco SFP-GE-S 1000BASE-SX, etc.

Cisco SFP Modules Overview

As we all know, Cisco is one of the most famous brands in the field of telecommunications. Cisco compatible SFP transceiver modules are widely used for Gigabit Ethernet applications in data centers and network systems. The hot-swappable input/output device plugs into a Gigabit Ethernet port or slot. Optical and copper models can be used on a wide variety of Cisco products and intermixed in combinations of 1000BASE-T, 1000BASE-SX, 1000BASE-LX/LH, 1000BASE-EX, 1000BASE-ZX, or 1000BASE-BX10-D/U on a port-by-port basis.

1000BASE-T SFP for Copper Networks

The 1000BASE-T SFP operates on standard Category 5 unshielded twisted-pair copper cabling of link lengths up to 100 m. Cisco 1000BASE-T SFP modules support 10/100/1000 auto negotiation. The following is Fiberstore's Cisco compatible 10/100/1000BASE-T copper SFP transceiver, compliant with the Gigabit Ethernet standard as specified in IEEE STD 802.3 and can fully satisfy the 10/100/1000BASE-T application.

1000BASE-SX SFP for Multimode Fiber Only

The 1000BASE-SX SFP, compatible with the IEEE 802.3z 1000BASE-SX standard, operates on legacy 50 μm multimode fiber links up to 550 m and on 62.5 μm Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI)-grade multimode fibers up to 220 m. It can support up to 1km over laser-optimized 50 μm multimode fiber cable. For example, Fiberstore's Cisco SFP-GE-S compatible 1000BASE-SX SFP operates on legacy 50 μm multimode fiber links up to 550 m with digital diagnostics monitoring function.  

1000BASE-LX/LH SFP for Both Multimode and Single-Mode Fibers

The 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP (GLC-LH-SMD) is compatible with the IEEE 802.3z 1000BASE-LX standard and operates on standard single-mode fiber-optic link spans of up to 10 km and up to 550 m on any multimode fibers. When used over legacy multimode fiber type, the transmitter should be coupled through a mode conditioning patch cable.

1000BASE-EX SFP for Long-Reach Single-Mode Fibers

The 1000BASE-EX (GLC-EX-SMD) SFP operates on standard single-mode fiber-optic link spans of up to 40 km in length. A 5-dB inline optical attenuator should be inserted between the fiber-optic cable and the receiving port on the SFP at each end of the link for back-to-back connectivity.

1000BASE-ZX SFP for Long-Reach Single-Mode Fibers

The 1000BASE-ZX SFP operates on standard single-mode fiber-optic link spans of up to approximately 70 km in length. The SFP provides an optical link budget of 21 dB, but the precise link span length depends on multiple factors such as fiber quality, number of splices, and connectors. When shorter distances of single-mode fiber (SMF) are used, it might be necessary to insert an inline optical attenuator in the link to avoid overloading the receiver. A 10-dB inline optical attenuator should be inserted between the fiber-optic cable plant and the receiving port on the SFP at each end of the link whenever the fiber optic cable span loss is less than 8 dB.

1000BASE-BX10-D and 1000BASE-BX10-U SFP for Single-Fiber Bidirectional Applications

The 1000BASE-BX-D and 1000BASE-BX-U SFPs, compatible with the IEEE 802.3ah 1000BASE-BX10-D and 1000BASE-BX10-U standards, operate on a single strand of standard SMF. A 1000BASE-BX10-D device is always connected to a 1000BASE-BX10-U device with a single strand of standard SMF with an operating transmission range up to 10 km.

Fiberstore's SFP transceivers for Gigabit Ethernet are designed for the Gigabit networks with different types to fit for 1000Base-SX, 1000Base-LX/LH, 1000Base-EX, 1000Base-ZX and 1000Base-T applications. All these modules come with digital diagnostics monitoring (DDM) functions and are very cost-effective. We can supply 100% compatible fiber optic transceiver modules of many famous brands, like Cisco, Dell, D-link with incredible discounts. In particular, you can find a full product line of our New Cisco SFP with a good price and enjoy same-day shipping.

Global Optical Transceiver Market Is Expected to Grow $6.7 Billion by 2019

Market Research Store releases a new market research report "Global Optical Transceiver, Transmitter, Receiver, and Transponder Component Market 2013 Forecast to Industry Size, Shares, Strategies, Trends, and Growth 2019" to add to its collection of research reports.

Global optical transceiver market are poised to achieve significant growth as the data in networks expands exponentially. As cloud systems proliferate and wireless data takes hold the efficiencies brought by high speed end-to-end optical networks are needed by carriers and in the data center. According to Susan Eustis, lead author of the study, "Optical transceivers are used to update the communications networks to manage broadband, to update the data center networks to make them manage traffic with higher speeds, to implement the backbone network for mobile communications. Everything is going mobile. This evolution is driven by mobile smart phones and tablets that provide universal connectivity.

With 6 million cell phones in use and one million smart phones, soon to be 6 million smart phones, a lot of people have access to mobile communication. Video, cloud-based services, the internet, and machine-to-machine (M2M) provide mobile connectivity.

All these devices are networked and drive significant traffic to the broadband network, stimulating the need for optical transceivers." The Optical Transport Network (OTN) is a set of optical network elements connected by optical fiber links. Optical network elements provide transport, multiplexing, switching, management, supervision and survivability of communication channels.

Carrier Ethernet is emerging. Optical transceiver, transmitter, receiver, and transponders support the implementation of the new network capacity.

Optical transceiver components are an innovation engine for the network. Optical transceiver components support and enable low-cost transport throughout the network.

Optical transceivers are needed for high speed network infrastructure build-outs. These are both for carriers and data centers.

Network infrastructure build-out depends on the availability of consultants who are knowledgeable. Consultants with extensive experience are needed to bring optical component network design, installation, upgrade and maintenance into development. Optical components are being used to equip data centers, FTTx, metro access or core networks.

They are used for long-haul and WAN. A palette of pluggable optical transceivers includes GBIC, SFP, XFP, SFP+, X2, CFP form factors. These are able to accommodate a wide range of link spans.

Vendors work closely with network planners and infrastructure managers to design high speed optical transport systems. Optical transceivers are evolving that are compliant with the 10Gbps Small Form Factor Pluggable (XFP) Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) specification for next generation optical transceiver devices. The 10Gbps optical transceiver can be used in telecom and datacom (SONET/SDH/DWDM/Gigabit Ethernet) applications to change an electrical signal into an optical signal and vice versa. The 10Gbps optical transceiver is generally compliant with XENPAK Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) specification for next generation optical transceiver. A typical 1550nm chirp managed directly modulated laser is in a butterfly package and is used for 10G/200km. A solution for upgrading metro networks to 10Gbps is enabled by the transceivers.

New components are more tolerant of dispersion. They provide a smaller footprint, lower power consumption, and cost savings for equipment vendors. Optical transceiver market driving forces relate to the increased traffic coming from the Internet. The optical transceiver signal market is intensely competitive.

There is increasing demand optical transceivers as communications markets grow in response to more use of smart phones and more Internet transmission of data. The market for network infrastructure equipment and for communications semiconductors offers attractive long-term growth: There is expected to be tremendous investment in wireless cell tower base stations as the quantity of network traffic grows exponentially. Carriers worldwide are responding to the challenges brought by the massive increase in wireless data traffic.

The advent of big data and exponential growth of data managed by the enterprise data centers is a significant market factor. The global optical transceiver market will grow to $6.7 billion by 2019 driven by the availability of 100 Gbps devices and the vast increases in Internet data traffic. Internet traffic growth comes from a variety of sources, not the least of which 1.6 billion new smart phones sold per year. Smartphone market growth is causing the need for investment in backhaul and cell tower technology. Worldwide optical transport market revenues are forecast to grow through 2019. This is in the context of a world communications infrastructure that is changing.

Why Plug-and-Play Transceivers Are So Popular

Plug-and-play is a technology that allows the operating system to detect and configure internal and external peripherals as well as most adapters. It has the ability to find and configure hardware components without having to reset DIP (dual in-line package) switches and jumpers. Plug-and-play transceivers refer to hot-swappable or hot-pluggable optical transceivers, such as SFP transceivers or XFP transceivers, which can be quickly plugged into an interface of fiber optical devices. Here are the reasons why plug-and-play transceivers play such an important role in data center communications.

Designed to Handle Mission Critical Applications

Plug-and-play transceivers are the basics of linking and transmitting data in mission critical applications which are the foundation of a company's business, like telecommunications company or networking technical company which depend heavily on data center. Therefore it is essential that these applications run efficiently or the entire company will be stuck in trouble. The faster data can reach, the faster decisions can be made. That's why it's so important to ensure that the applications are up and running 99.99 percent of the time. Even if plug-and-play transceivers fail to work well, there is relatively little downtime because the devices can be replaced without powering down the entire system.

Time-saving and Cost-effective

There's nothing worse than a malfunctioning transceiver that needs repair or replacement. Imagine that if you have to redesign an application every time one component malfunctions. Redesigns are not favorable because they are expensive and time consuming. Using plug-and-play transceivers can avoid redesign, because they are highly compatible and can be easily replaced. This is an important factor why plug-and-play transceivers are more popular than standard transceivers, because you can save time and money with plug-and-play transceivers and avoid redesigns that could ruin the efficiency of your work.

Upgrade When Needed

This will allow you to keep your capital liquid and invest in other aspects of your business. When new devices are introduced on the market, it will be easy to drop them into your existing design. Many of the transceivers are 100% compatible and are backed by a warranty. Thus, designers have nothing to fear by waiting to upgrade. If the upgrade doesn't work, they'll be refunded for the cost of the device.

Increase Productivity and Efficiency

As mentioned above, plug-and-play transceivers allow people to replace transceivers easily without completely shutting down their entire system or redesigning the application. When it's not required to power down the device for replacement or repair, productivity and efficiency improves. This is why so many telecommunications company and networking technical company are choosing plug-and-play devices over standard devices, especially the plug-and-play transceivers. Currently, fiber plug-and-play solutions for data center applications are very necessary to transmit data with a high degree of integrity, reliability and efficiency.

All in all, there are so many reasons that plug-and-play transceivers are preferred over standard transceivers. Fiberstore provides a wide range of plug-and-play transceivers, such as CiscoCVR-X2-SFP10Gcompatible module, Cisco SFP-GE-S compatible SFP module and other transceiver modules compatible with many other famous brands.  

How to Choose the 10G Transceivers

From the origin of 10G Ethernet, 10G optical transceivers have been developed along the way to meet the increasing demand for higher-performance servers, storage and interconnects. However, selecting the best type of 10G optical transceivers is not always easy. There are a variety of factors that must be considered. To be able to select a matching transceiver for a given application and hardware, all below stated parameters must be considered.

Transceiver “form-factor” / MSA Type

The transceiver has to mechanically and electrically fit into a given switch, router etc. Transceiver MSAs define mechanical form factors including electric interface as well as power consumption and cable connector types. XENPAK is the first MSA for 10 Gigabit Ethernet. The XENPAK MSA defines a fiber optic or wired transceiver module which conforms to the 10 Gigabit Ethernet standard of the IEEE 802.3 working group. Then X2 followed with smaller size. XFP specification was launched after X2 with more contact size. SFP and SFP+ are the newest and the most common form factors which enable 10G Ethernet.

Transport Media

Choose the right 10G optical transceivers according to the transport media, namely the fiber type. There are a number of 10 Gb/s media systems, with a few of the most widely used systems specified in the standard described here:

• 10GBASE-CX4
  10 Gb/s Ethernet over short-range copper cable assemblies (15 m maximum).
• 10GBASE-T
  10 Gb/s Ethernet over unshielded and shielded twisted-pair cables. Category 6A or better twisted-pair cables are required to reach the maximum distance specified.
• 10GBASE-SR
  10 Gb/s Ethernet over short-range multimode fiber optic cables.
• 10GBASE-LR
  10 Gb/s Ethernet over long-range single-mode fiber optic cables.

Connector Type

Choose the right transceivers which are compliant with the proper connectors. The connectors widely-used mainly have following types: Duplex LC connector, MPO connector, and MTP connector (a high performance MPO connector). For instance, HP 455883-B21 10GBASE-SR SFP+ transceiver module provided by Fiberstore is compliant with the Duplex LC connector.  

Transmission Distance

When we choose the ideal 10G optical transceivers, we must consider the transmission distance and the reach requirements we need in reality. The most common types of transceivers divided by its transmission distance can reach up to 100m, 150m, 300m, 400m, 1km, 2km, 10km, 40km, etc. For example, Cisco SFP-10G-SR compatible 10GBASE-SR SFP+ transceiver supports link lengths of 300m over multimode fiber cables. And Juniper XFP-10G-L-OC192-SR1 compatible 10GBASE-LR transceiver provides superior performance for SONET /SDH and Ethernet applications at up to 10km links.  

Wavelength

The wavelength the transceivers operate with is an important factor in choosing the proper 10G optical transceivers. For instance, Fiberstore's 10G CWDM XFP is designed for single mode fiber and operates at a nominal wavelength of CWDM wavelength. There are fourteen center wavelengths available from 1350nm to 1610nm, with each step 20nm.

Fiberstore provides various types of 10G optical transceivers including single-mode and multi-mode with different channels and wavelengths. In order to achieve a fast and successful selection of the 10G optical transceivers, we should consider all the above-mentioned factors comprehensively.

Guide to Mode Conditioning Patch Cord

As we all know, 1000BASE-LX transceiver modules can only operate on single-mode fibers. Thus, if we use a Cisco SFP-GE-L 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP module in a multi-mode fiber system, it might pose a problem. When a single-mode signal is launched into a multi-mode fiber, a phenomenon known as differential mode delay (DMD) will appear. This effect can confuse the receiver and produce errors. To solve this problem, a mode conditioning patch cord is needed.

What Is Mode Conditioning Patch Cord?

A mode conditioning patch cord is a duplex multi-mode cord that has a small length of single-mode fiber at the start of the transmission length. The basic principle behind the cord is that you launch your laser into the small section of single-mode fiber, then the other end of the single-mode fiber is coupled to multi-mode section of the cable with the core offset from the center of the multi-mode fiber (see diagram below).

This offset point creates a launch that is similar to typical multi-mode LED launches. By using an offset between the single-mode fiber and the multi-mode fiber, mode conditioning patch cords eliminate DMD and the resulting multiple signals allowing use of 1000BASE-LX over existing multi-mode fiber cable systems. Therefore, these mode conditioning patch cords allow customers an upgrade of their hardware technology without the costly upgrade of their fiber plant.

Some Tips When Using Mode Conditioning Patch Cord

After learning about some knowledge of mode conditioning patch cords, but do you know how to use it? Then some tips when using mode conditioning cables will be presented.

• Mode conditioning patch cords are usually used in pairs. Which means that you will need a mode conditioning patch cord at each end to connect the equipment to the cable plant. So these patch cords are usually ordered in numbers. You may see someone only order one patch cord, then it is usually because they keep it as a spare.
• If your 1000BASE-LX transceiver module is equipped with SC or LC connectors, please be sure to connect the yellow leg (single-mode) of the cable to the transmit side, and the orange leg (multi-mode) to the receive side of the equipment. The swap of transmit and receive can only be done at the cable plant side.
• Mode conditioning patch cords can only convert single-mode to multi-mode. If you want to convert multi-mode to single-mode, then a media converter will be required.
• Besides, the requirement for mode conditioning patch cables is specified only for 1000BASE-LX/LH transceivers transmitting in the 1300nm window. They should never be used in 1000BASE-SX links in the 850nm window.
  

Conclusion

Mode conditioning patch cords play an important role in telecommunication networks by significantly improving the data signal quality and increasing the transmission distance. Fiberstore offers mode conditioning patch cords in all varieties and combinations of SC, ST, MT-RJ and LC fiber optic connectors. All of Fiberstore's mode conditioning patch cords are at high quality and low price.

FAQs About Cisco 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP Transceiver

Existing and emerging network technologies are driving the need for optical transceivers which support increased data rates in the data center. With the emergence of 1000BASE-LX specification, 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP transceiver module is widely used in optical network systems. Here are the most frequently asked questions we might have when using Cisco 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP (GLC-LH-SM or GLC-LH-SMD) transceivers.

1. Can 1000BASE-LX be compatible with 100BASE-LX?

1000BASE-LX and 100BASE-LX are very different standards. 1000BASE-LX SFP (GLC-LH-SMD) and 100BASE-LX SFP (GLC-FE-100LX) are two module types, one for GE and one for FE slots. The GLC-LH-SMD does not operate at 100Mbps. You will need to use a 100Mb module to connect to another device at 100Mb. Check optical transceiver compatibility with your equipment by reviewing the Cisco Fast Ethernet SFP module compatibility document and choose the one it says is compatible.

2. What is the difference between LH and LX modules?

The 1000BASE-LX, 1000BASE-LH and 1000BASE-LX/LH all refer to Gigabit Ethernet transmission. Among them, the 1000BASE-LX is a standard specified in IEEE 802.3 Clause 38 which uses a long wavelength laser, while the 1000BASE-LH and 1000BASE-LX/LH are just terms widely used by many vendors. Long Haul (LH) denotes longer distances while Long Wavelength (LX) denotes less energy which is obviously shorter distance. The 1000BASE-LX SFP modules compatible with the IEEE 802.3z 1000BASE-LX standard can achieve a distance up to 10km over single mode fiber. Unlike 1000BASE-LX SFP modules, 1000BASE-LH SFP modules operate at a distance up to 70km over single mode fiber.

3. Does 1000BASE-LX SFP work with 1000BASE-LH SFP? What does it mean if a module says like "Cisco 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP"?

Yes, the 1000BASE-LX works with the 1000BASE-LH. For instance, Cisco 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP is either made for single mode (long distance) / multimode (short distance). But this module can be used for both Single-mode and Multimode. The Cisco 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP, compatible with the IEEE 802.3z 1000BASE-LX standard, operates on standard single-mode fiber-optic link spans of up to 10 km and up to 550 m on any multimode fibers. When used over legacy multimode fiber type, the transmitter should be coupled through a mode conditioning patch cable.

4. GLC-LH-SM SFP to 1000BASE-LX GBIC won't link over MMF?

Cisco compatibility document says: "Some customers might be tempted to connect 1000BASE-LX/LH devices over short reaches of MMF jumper cables without MCP cables. There is a risk associated to this type of nonstandard deployment, especially when the jumper cable is an FDDI-grade or OM1 type. In such case the power coupled directly into a 62.5-micron fiber could be as high as a few dBm (typically 5 to 6 dBm), and if the jumper cable is short, the adjacent receiver will be saturated, causing high bit error rate, and eventually irreversibly damaged. We recommend the use of MCP, but if the customer remains reluctant to the deployment of MCP, a 5-dB attenuator for 1300nm should be used and plugged at the transmitter of the optical module on each side of the link."

5. Does GLC-LH-SMD work with GLC-LH-SM?

Yes. Both the GLC-LH-SM and GLC-LH-SMD transceivers support the IEEE 802.3 1000BASE-LX/LH standard and so are compatible with each other. The difference between the two is that the GLC-LH-SMD transceiver has additional support for Digital Optical Monitoring capability.

Fiberstore offers a wide range of 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP transceiver modules which are compatible with major brands, like Cisco, Juniper, Dell, Finisar, Brocade, or Netgear (AGM732F) in 10/20 km options. Fiberstore’s optical transceivers are able to fulfill enterprises, service providers, telecom operators and SAN providers to build and fulfill their existing and future network expansions. Besides the compatible 1000Base-LX/LH SFP modules, we also provide the 1000BASE-EX (like Cisco GLC-EX-SMD), 1000BASE-SX (like Cisco GLC-ZX-SM), 1000BASE-BX (like Cisco GLC-BX-D) and so on.

Fiberstore Pluggable Fiber Optic Transceivers

Pluggable fiber optic transceivers refer to hot-swappable or hot-pluggable optical transceivers which can be quickly plugged into an interface of fiber optical devices. An optical transceiver can best be described as a device that converts high-speed data from a cable source to an optical signal for communication over optical fiber. Optical transceivers are used to update the communications networks to manage broadband, to update the data center networks to make them manage traffic with higher speeds, and to implement the backbone network for mobile communications.

Pluggable fiber optic transceivers provide connectivity options for Ethernet over twisted pair copper and fiber optic cables with transition speeds from 100 Megabits per second to 100 Gigabits per second. Twisted pair copper transceivers support transmission distances of up to 100 meters and fiber optic transceivers support multi-mode and single-mode fiber optic cable types with transmission distances up to 120 kilometers. Followings are some of the most common types of pluggable transceivers from Fiberstore.

GBIC Transceivers

For transceivers that plugs into Gigabit Ethernet and links to a fiber optic network, the Gigabit Interface Converter (GBIC) is the standard and SFP is for small form factor pluggable transceiver. The GBIC transceiver module operates as an input and output transceiver and is linked with the fiber optic network generally through the optic patch cords. GBIC transceivers are deemed to be ideal for any interconnections over the Gigabit Ethernet centers and for switches environment. The converters are virtually intended for high performance and continuing interactions that have need of gigabit or fiber channel interconnections.

XENPAK Transceivers

XENPAK is the first MSA for 10 Gigabit Ethernet. The XENPAK MSA defines a fiber optic or wired transceiver module which conforms to the 10 Gigabit Ethernet standard of the IEEE 802.3 working group. XENPAK transceiver module is a hot-swappable, highly integrated and serial optical transceiver module for 10Gbit/s data transmission applications. It is designed to transmit and receive optical data of link length of 300m, 10km, 20km, 40km and up to 80km. 10G XENPAK solution includes dual fiber XENPAK, CWDM XENPAK and DWDM XENPAK transceivers which enable high port densities for 10 Gigabit Ethernet systems. A 70 pin electrical connector and a duplex SC connector optical interface assure that connectivity is compliant to the XENPAK MSA.

SFP Transceivers

SFP transceiver is a compact and hot-pluggable transceiver and a popular industry format jointly supported by many network component vendors. The devices are designed to use together with small form factor connectors and offer high speed and physical compactness, providing instant fiber connectivity for your networking gear. It is a cost effective way to connect a single network device to a wide variety of fiber cable distances and types. SFP transceiver modules are designed to support SONET/SDH, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel and other communications standards.

SFP+ Transceivers

The small form-factor pluggable plus (SFP+) can be referred to as an enhanced version of the SFP that supports data rates up to 16 Gbit/s. SFP+ transceiver supports 8Gbit/s Fiber Channel, 10 Gigabit Ethernet and optical transport network standard OTU2. The SFP+ product family includes cages, connectors, and copper cable assemblies. The SFP+ transceiver modules are specified for 8Gbps/10Gbps/16Gbps Fibre Channel and 10-Gigabit Ethernet applications. Besides, converter modules for X2 and XENPAK ports are also available in Fiberstore. For example, the following Cisco CVR-X2-SFP10G compatible oneX converter module for X2 ports converts a 10 Gigabit Ethernet X2 port into a 10 Gigabit Ethernet SFP+ port. With the OneX converter module, customers have the flexibility to use the 10 Gigabit X2 interface port of a switch with X2 modules or SFP+ modules.

Fiberstore's pluggable optical transceivers include GBIC, SFP, XFP, SFP+, X2. CFP form factors are available as well. These high quality transceivers support for a large variety of cable types and transmission distances. Fiberstore also provide third-party compatible optical transceivers including 100BASE (like Cisco GLC-FE-100LX SFP), 1000BASE (like Cisco SFP-GE-S SFP), as well as 1G to 100G optical transceivers.

10GBASE-T for Broad 10 Gigabit Adoption in the Data Center

With the demand for improved bandwidth, greater flexibility, infrastructure simplification, ease of migration, 10GBASE-T specification was lauched as a cost-effective solution to reach the majority of switches and servers in the data center. This article looks at what is driving choices for deploying 10 GbE and how 10GBASE-T will lead to broader deployment. It also compares 10GBASE-T with other media options for 10 Gb Ethernet.

What Is 10GBASE-T

10GBASE-T is an IEEE 802.3an standard which supports the creation of technology that is capable of transmitting 10 Gigabit Ethernet up to 100 meters over four pairs of CAT-5 balanced copper cabling system. It is an exciting technology that provides end users with cost-effective media to achieve 10Gbps data rates.

Advantages of 10GBASE-T

Today, data center administrators have a number of 10 GbE interfaces to choose from including CX4, SFP+ Fiber, SFP+ Direct Attach Copper (DAC). However, limitations with these interfaces have kept them from being broadly deployed across the data center. Fiber connections are not cost-effective for broad deployment, and SFP+ DAC is limited by its seven-meter reach, and requires a complete infrastructure upgrade. CX4 is an older technology that does not meet high density requirements. Widespread deployment requires a cost-effective solution that is backward compatible and has the flexibility capable of reaching the majority of switches and servers in the data center.

Like all BASE-T implementations, 10GBASE-T works for lengths up to 100 meters, giving IT managers a far greater level of flexibility in connecting devices in the data center. With flexibility in reach, 10GBASE-T can accommodate either top of the rack, middle of row, or end of the row network topologies. This gives IT managers the most flexibility in server placement since it will work with existing structured cabling systems. Because 10GBASE-T is backward-compatible with 1000BASE-T, it can be deployed in existing 1 GbE switch infrastructures in data centers that are cabled with CAT6 and CAT6A (or above) cabling, enabling IT to keep costs down while offering an easy migration path to 10 GbE.

10GBASE-T vs 10GBASE SFP + DAC

DAC is a lower cost alternative to fiber, but it can only reach 7 meters and it is not backward-compatible with existing GbE switches. DAC requires the purchase of an adapter card and requires a new top of rack (ToR) switch topology. The cables are much more expensive than structured copper channels, and cannot be field terminated. This makes DAC more expensive than 10GBASE-T. The adoption rate of DAC for LOM will be low since it does not have the flexibility and reach of 10GBASE-T. 10GBASE-T offers the most flexibility, the lowest cost media, and is backward-compatible with existing 1 GbE networks.

The Future of 10GBASE-T

Broad deployment on 10GBASE-T will simplify data center infrastructures, making it easier to manage server connectivity while delivering the bandwidth needed for heavily virtualized servers and I/O-intensive applications. As volumes rise, prices will continue to fall, and new silicon processes have lowered power and thermal values. These advances make 10GBASE-T suitable for integration on server motherboards. This level of integration, known as LAN on Motherboard (LOM) will lead to mainstream adoption of 10 GbE for all server types in the data center.

Fiber Store Solutions for 10 Gigabit Ethernet

As one of the most professional optical manufacturers in China, Fiberstore’s solutions for 10 Gigabit Ethernet include 10G SFP+ fiber, 10G SFP+ DAC. Besides, we also  provide high quality 10G SFP transceivers, like  SFP-10G-ZR, SFP-10G-SR, SFP-10G-LR-X, etc.

XFP Transceiver Overview

Since the module multi-source agreement (MSA) association announced the XFP specification, MSA form factors for 10 Gbit/s optical transceivers have evolved along two separate paths that are now converging on XFP as a universal long-term solution. XFP transceiver is an ultra-small, hot-pluggable, 10 Gbit/s optical transceiver designed to help drive cost and power consumption out of 10 Gbit/s optical networking applications, and enables rapid advances in port density after the previous X2 and XPAK transceiver as well.

Features of XFP Transceiver

• Supports 10GBASE Ethernet and OC-192/STM-64 data rates
• Hot-swappable input/output device plugs into a XFP port
• Provides flexibility of interface choice
• Available for various transmission distance ranging from 300 m to 80 km
• Operates over a single wavelength or use dense wavelength-division multiplexing techniques
• Compliance with XFP Multi-Source Agreement (MSA)
• Digital diagnostic monitoring
• Uses LC fiber connector type to achieve high density
• A 1310nm directly modulated laser with PIN for 10 km
• A 1550nm cooled EML with PIN for 40 or 80 km
Besides, XFP transceiver costs approximately 30% to 40% less than earlier MSA form factors, and is far more compact, giving two to three times the density. As it is multiprotocol and hot-pluggable, it's not surprising that the industries are lining up behind it. Its versatility, low cost, and small footprint are making XFP transceiver the choice for an ever-growing set of 10 Gbit/s communications applications.

Applications of XFP Transceiver

XFP transceiver supports 10 Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gbit/s Fibre Channel, synchronous optical networking (SONET) at OC-192 rates, synchronous optical networking STM-64, 10 Gbit/s Optical Transport Network(OTN) OTU-2, and parallel optics links. The XFP transceiver can be applied in longer reach applications for the metro-WDM market, which requires a cost-optimized, managed platform supporting different services and suitable for applications in diversified network topologies. For example, XFP-10G-L-OC192-SR1 transceiver provided by Fiberstore can support diverse applications for SDH/Sonet equipment including FEC (9.95Gb/s to 10.7Gb/s), as well as Ethernet LAN(10.325Gb/s) and WAN(9.95Gb/s) applications. The high performance uncooled 1310nm DFB transmitter and high sensitivity PIN receiver provide superior performance for SONET /SDH and Ethernet applications at up to 10km links. Digital diagnostics functions are available via a 2-wire serial interface, as specified in the XFP MSA.

Developing Trend of XFP Transceiver

The developing trend of transceiver depends on customers' needs. And the fact is that customers always need faster, smaller, and more cost-effective transceivers with lower power consumption. Different package of transceivers have come to the market as technology develops. With the fact that the new generation of transceiver package form will gradually replace the older generation, the old version also need to upgrade otherwise it has to be replaced gradually till disappear. For example, when XFP came to us, the transponder was replaced gradually. By adding tunable technique, the 10G transponders have still been in the market so far. But now SFP+ transceiver module also achieves tunable technique which indicates that the need for XFP is gradually decreasing.

Fiberstore manufactures and supplies a complete range of XFP transceiver modules which can be customized. In addition, Fiberstore also provides compatible XFP transceivers as alternatives to those branded by Cisco, HP, Juniper Networks. The aim is to offer customers high-performance and cost-effective products to fulfill their requirements, contributing this way to the customer's success and satisfaction.