QSFP+ Interconnect Solution for 40 Gigabit Ethernet

The QSFP+ optical transceiver is the dominant transceiver form factor used for 40 Gigabit Ethernet applications. In the year of 2010, the IEEE standard 802.3ba released several 40-Gbps based solutions, including a 40GBASE-SR4 parallel optics solution for multimode fiber. Since then, several other 40G interfaces have been released, including 40GBASE-CSR4, which is similar to 40GBASE-SR4 but extends the distance capabilities.

As is know to all, two switches are connected by either transceiver modules or cables. For example, if you simply wanted to cable up two Nexus 3000s with 40GbE, the options are multi mode fiber or twinax copper. We’ll only cover the fiber throughout this post as that is where most of the questions are in recent years. So, since you are now using fiber, how do we connect these switches into the network? First, you need to insert the QSFP+ optic similar to how you would insert a fiber optic for standard 1G or 10G connectivity. For the Nexus 3000, only multi mode fiber is available, so the Cisco part number needed is QSFP-40G-CSR4. This is the equivalent of the GLC-LH-SMD or SFP-10G-SR, for 1G and 10G, respectively. The connector type for QSFP-40G-CSR4 is no longer LC, but is a MPO (multi-fiber push-on) connector.

It is worth noticing that cables for 40G Ethernet actually have 12 fiber strands internal to them to achieve 40GbE. Distance limitations are 100m using OM3 and 150m using OM4 fiber respectively. Because these cables are connected with MPO connectors, have 12 strands, and are ribbon cables for native 40GbE. They will not be able to leverage any of your existing fiber optic cable plant. So be prepared to home run these cable where needed throughout the data center.

However, you may not always need native 40GbE between two switches. Instead, you may opt to configure multiple 10GbE interfaces instead. In this case, the QSFP-40G-SR4 is still needed, but the cable selection is different with what was previously shown above and the ability to use current cable plants is possible. The cable required here would have an MPO connector on one end that would connect into the QSFP port and then “break out” into 4 individual fiber links on the other end. These breakout cables terminate with LC male connectors. I would like to call it MTP-LC harness cable. The application for this MTP-LC harness cable is to directly connect a QSFP+ port to (4) SFP+ ports. For most Data Center applications, the use of structured cabling is employed via MTP trunks and the use of patch panels.

This is great that they terminate with LC male connectors because this allows customers to leverage the current cable infrastructure assuming existing patch panels have LC interfaces and OM3/OM4 fiber is used throughout the data center. These breakout cables are also nice if you want to attach a northbound switch that only supports 10GbE interfaces. You can easily direct connect or jump through a panel in the data center to connect the Nexus 3000 via multiple 10GbE interfaces to a Nexus 7000 (or any other switch with 10GbE-only interfaces).

Accordingly, direct attach cables which are terminated with QSFP+ connector is an alternative in 40G connectivity. For instance, HP JG331A compatible QSFP+ to 4SFP+ direct attach copper cable is terminated with one QSFP+ connector on one end and four SFP+ connector on the other end.

40G QSFP+ cables can provide inexpensive and reliable 40G speed connections using either copper cables with distances reaching up to 30ft (10 meters length) or active optical cables reaching even 300ft (100 meters). Cost of local NOC connectivity is significantly reduced by avoiding the more costly fiber transceivers and optical cables.

Common Types of Fiber Optic Transceivers

Fiber optic transceivers are devices that both transmit and receive data. Fiber optic transceiver is typically used in computer networks to translate signals between optical and electric networks. In other words, the sending side of it transfers the electrical signals into optical signals, and then transmitted by the fiber, the receiving side transfers the optical signals into electrical signals. This article will introduce the common types of fiber optic transceivers on the market.

SFP Transceiver Module

SFP is short for Small Form-factor Pluggables, unlike GBIC transceiver with SC fiber optic interfaces is with LC interface and the main body size of SFP is only about half of GBIC, which makes SFP space saving. SFP transceiver module is a compact, hot-pluggable transceiver used for both telecommunication and data communications applications. SFP modules are commonly available in several different categories:850nm 550m multi-mode fiber (SX), 1310nm 10km single-mode fiber (LX), 1490nm 10km single-mode fiber (BS-D), 1550nm 40km (XD), 80 km (ZX), 120 km (EX or EZX), 1490nm 1310nm (BX), single fiber bi-directional gigabit SFP transceivers, copper SFP with RJ45 connector, CWDM SFPs, DWDM SFPs, SGMII SFPs, etc. The following Cisco GLC-LH-SMD compatible 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP transceiver provided by Fiberstore is high performance and cost-effective module operating at the wavelength of 1310nm and supporting 10km transmission distance over single-mode fiber.

SFP + Transceiver Module

As its name suggests, SFP+ transceiver module (small form-factor pluggable plus) is an upgraded version of the SFP transceiver module that supports data rates up to 10Gbit/s. SFP+ transceiver modules are with lower power consumption for less than 1W and it is even cost effective. These optical transceivers are with managed digital optical monitoring and superior high temperature performance. SFP+ supports 8 Gbit/s Fiber Channel, 10 Gigabit Ethernet and Optical Transport Network standard OTU2. It is a popular industry format supported by many network component vendors. In comparison to earlier XENPAK or XFP module, SFP+ module is with more compact size and measurement, leave more circuitry to be implemented on the host board instead of inside the module. Consideration has to be given to whether the module is linear or limiting. Linear SFP+ modules are most appropriate for 10GBASE-LRM; otherwise, limiting modules are preferred.

XFP Transceiver Module

XFP are standardized 10GBASE hot-swappable and protocol-independent modules. They typically operate at optical wavelengths of 850 nm, 1310 nm or 1550 nm. Principal applications include 10 Gigabit Ethernet, 10 Gbit/s Fiber 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. They can operate over a single wavelength or use DWDM techniques. XFP modules use an LC fiber connector type to achieve high density. XFP modules are commonly available in several different categories: SR - 850 nm, for a maximum of 300 m, LR - 1310 nm, for distances up to 10 km, ER - 1550 nm, for distances up to 40 km, ZR - 1550 nm, for distances up to 80 km. The XFP packaging was smaller than the XENPAK form-factor.

QSFP+ Transceiver Module

QSFP+ interfaces a network device motherboard (for a switch, router, media converter or similar device) to a fiber optic cable. It is an industry format jointly developed and supported by many network component vendors, supporting data rates from 4x10 Gbit/s. The QSFP+ transceiver supports Ethernet, Fiber Channel, InfiniBand and SONET/SDH standards with different data rate options. For example, HP JG709A compatible QSFP+ transceiver from Fiberstore supports link lengths of 300m over multimode fibers, at a wavelength of 850nm. It primarily enables high-bandwidth 40G optical links over 12-fiber parallel fiber terminated with MPO multifiber connectors and can also be used in a 4x10G module for interoperability with 10GBASE-SR interfaces.

CFP Transceiver Module

CFP is a multi-source agreement to produce a common form-factor for the transmission of high-speed digital signals. The "C" stands for the Latin letter C used to express the number 100 (centum), since the standard was primarily developed for 100 Gigabit Ethernet systems. The CFP was designed after the SFP interface, but is significantly larger to support 100 Gbit/s. CFP transceiver supports a wide range of 40 and 100 Gb/s applications such as 40G and 100G Ethernet, OC-768/STM-256, OTU3, and OTU4. Different versions of CFP modules can support various link distances over either multimode or single mode fiber optics. The CFP module includes numerous innovative features like advanced thermal management, EMI management and enhanced signal integrity design, as well as an MDIO-based management interface.

Fiberstore provides a full range of optical transceivers, such as SFP+ (SFP Plus) transceiver, X2 transceiver, XENPAK transceiver, XFP transceiver, SFP (Mini GBIC) transceiver, GBIC transceiver, CWDM/DWDM transceiver, 40G QSFP+ & CFP, 3G-SDI video SFP, WDM Bi-Directional transceiver and PON transceiver. All these fiber optic transceivers are 100% compatible with major brands like Cisco, HP, Juniper, Nortel, Force10, D-link, 3Com. They are backed by a lifetime warranty, and you can buy with confidence. We also can customize optical transceivers to fit your specific requirements.

Benefits of Pluggable Fiber Optic Transceivers

Fiber plug-and-play solutions for data center applications are necessary to transmit data with a high degree of integrity, reliability, and efficiency. At the same time, pluggable fiber optic transceivers are becoming more and more popular. There are many benefits of pluggable optical transceivers. For instance, a 120km reach module can have low power consumption and a small footprint. These modules are designed to simplify wavelength management and provide a solution to fiber exhaust. Here are some more benefits that explain why pluggable optical transceivers are so important in data center communications.

Easy to Replace or Repair

Pluggable fiber optic transceivers are easy to replace or repair and can be placed into a variety of applications. In most cases, they do not have to be powered down for replacement. This is why most designers prefer pluggable optical transceivers. SFP pluggable devices are recommended. If the device malfunctions or requires an upgrade, it will be easy with a pluggable fiber optic transceiver. When you open the device to replace the transceiver, it only requires a few simple steps, and the process is complete. Experts can help with the process, but most people with some technical skills can perform the process easily.

Compatible With Many Other Devices

Pluggable optical transceivers are compatible with many other devices including discrete components. They are also compatible to multiple setups across both fiber optic and copper channels. Whether you need both long or short distance communication, SFP transceivers can help. The electronics are universal and will ensure that meets Gigabit standards for all types of networks. Besides, designers do not have to get new hardware every time a transceiver needs replacement. For example, Cisco GLC-LH-SMD compatible transceiver provided by Fiberstore offers the same function with Cisco branded GLC-LH-SMD and is fully compatible with Cisco SFP devices.

Communication Distance

SFP transceivers are adept at passing data and information across fiber from one network to the next. Communication is possible because of the copper wiring or fiber optics through which signals are being sent. Optical transceiver modules are also capable of helping to deliver signals. Networks can generate both long and short distance communication, and there are transceivers to handle both types of communication.

Data Rate

Transceivers, typically, are sold with a set speed that moves data. The faster data can reach its destination, the faster decisions can be made. Pluggable optical transceivers which support selectable data rates can create self-healing redundant links for mission critical applications or support physical layer multicast broadcasts of any protocol within its range. Most applications require a faster data transfer rate, but “how fast” will depend upon the application. For instance, Finisar FTLF8524P2BNV SFP transceiver can support up to 4.25Gb/s bi-directional data links to maximum 15om distance and 2.125Gb/s data rate to maximum 300m when using different types of fiber cables.

There are numerous benefits of pluggable fiber optic transceivers. The benefits make them valuable to any network. Because of the universality of the transceivers, they can operate in many different types of networks. That’s why pluggable fiber optic transceivers are preferred by many designers because they are flexible, scalable, and affordable. In the future, designers hope to make them more compatible and have a faster data transfer rate.

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.

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.