SFP+ is an enhanced version of the SFP that supports data rates up to 10 Gbit/s. 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, but SFP+ module is more compact size and measurement, leave more circuitry to be implemented on the host board instead of inside the module. Consideration needs to be given to whether the module is linear or limiting. There have been numerous different optics types and SFP+ modules introduced since 10 gigabit Ethernet have been launched years ago, but this article will introduce five of them:
10GBase-SR and 10GBase-SR Module
10GBase-SR is the original multimode optics specification, and it is still one of the most frequently used. As it uses a single, cost effective solid state laser assembly, it's also the most cost effective of the optical modules designed for a 10GbE platform. However, 10GBase-SR is highly sensitive to fiber type.
The 10GBASE-SR Module (such as Cisco SFP-10G-SR, Fiberstore 10GBASE SR SFP Module) supports a link length of 26m on standard Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) grade multimode fiber (MMF). Using 2000MHz km MMF (OM3), up to 300m link lengths is possible. Using 4700MHz km MMF (OM4), up to 400m link lengths is possible.
10GBase-LR and 10GBase-LR Module
10GBase-LR can reach up to 10km over single-mode fiber. There is no minimum distance for LR, either, therefore it is suitable for short connections over single mode fiber too.
Fiberstore provide 10GBASE-LR SFP and Cisco SFP-10G-LR Module supports a link length of 10 kilometers on standard single-mode fiber (SMF, G.652).
10GBase-LRM and 10GBase-LRM Module
The replacement for LX4, 10GBase-LRM can reach up to 220m over standard multimode fiber, but without the complexity of the LX4 optics. Instead, a single laser operating at 1310nm is utilized. This allows LRM optics to be packaged in XFP and SFP+ form factors.
Fiberstore 10GBASE-LRM Module supports link lengths of 220m on standard Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) grade multimode fiber (MMF). To ensure that specifications are met over FDDI-grade, OM1 and OM2 fibers, the transmitter should be coupled through a mode conditioning patch cord. No mode conditioning patch cord is required for applications over OM3 or OM4.
10GBase-ER and 10GBase-ER Module
10GBase-ER can reach up to 40km over single-mode fiber. Due to the laser power, attenuation is required for links less than 20km long.
The Fiberstore 10GBASE-ER Module supports a link length of up to 40 kilometers on standard single-mode fiber (SMF, G.652).
10GBase-ZR and 10GBase-ZR Module
ZR optics can reach up to 80km over single-mode fiber. Due to the extremely high transfer energy, significant attenuation is required for shorter links. Use of ZR optics should be preceded with an optical power test of the fiber span in question to ensure a problem-free deployment. Interestingly, 10GBase-ZR is actually not an IEEE standard, though most vendors provide a ZR option.
The SFP-10G-ZR provided by Fiberstore is a multirate 10GBASE-ZR, 10GBASE-ZW and OTU2/OTU2e module. It supports link lengths of up to about 80 kilometers on standard single-mode fiber (SMF, G.652). This interface is not specified as part of the 10 Gigabit Ethernet standard and is instead built according to Cisco specifications.
As one of the most confusing aspects of choosing and deploying 10Gig fiber switches, I hope that this information helps. If you have any further questions about fiber optics, please contact us with no doubt.
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