How Much Do You Know About SFP Transceivers

SFP transceiver is a hot-pluggable fiber transceiver, of which the SFP stands for Small Form-factor Pluggable. The mechanical, electronic, and optical design and gratifaction derive from a Multi-source Agreement (MSA) within the fiber telecom industry. It is a pluggable form of SFF. SFP may be the interface between a network device mother board and a fiber optic or copper network cable.

Where is a SFP transceiver used?

SFP transceiver is able to support most of the fiber networking standards for example Gigabit Ethernet, Fiber Channel, SONET, along with a quantity of other communications standards. As a compact and hot-pluggable optical transceiver, it is utilized in optical communications for telecommunication and data communication applications. It connects a switch, router, or any other network devices to a fiber cabling plant. SFP transceivers can be found in Metro Access Network, Metro Core Network, Wide Area Networks (WANs), etc.

What types will the SFP transceiver have?

SFP transceiver has an immense variation available, each with different transmitters or receivers. This enables the user to configure and customize the transceiver to get the proper optical reach with either a multimode fiber (multi mode SFP) or single-mode fiber type.

The SFP module commonly is available in four categories which are SX (850nm), LX (1310nm), ZX (1550nm) and DWDM (DWDM wavelengths). All of them have an interface of a copper cable which permits a mother board to speak via UTP (unshielded twisted-pair) network cable. Click here for a good example of 10G SR SFP+ 850nm. There also exist a CWDM and single-mode bi-directional fiber optic cables which are 1310/1490nm upstream and downstream.

Tips: FYI, the industry has developed enhancements to the SFP MSA, known as SFP Plus (SFP+), that is designed for higher data rates, lower cost and better thermal performance. By using SFP+ transceivers, data rate at 10 Gbps could be achievable, including the 8 Gigabit Fiber Channel. When compared with XENPAK or XFP type of modules that have all of their circuitry inside, an SFP+ module leaves some of its circuitry to be implemented on the host board.

What benefits will the SFP transceiver have?

Firstly, SFP transceiver is pluggable that makes it easy to alter the optical interface in the last step of card manufacturing. It’s also easy to accommodate different connector interfaces or a mix of SX and LX SFP.

Practically available, the SFP transceiver has the capability transfer rates as high as 4.25 Gbps. XFP, a form factor that is virtually identical to the SFP type, increases this amount by nearly three times, at 10 Gbps. The SFP transceiver is specified making compatible through the MSA between manufacturers, to ensure that different users who may use equipment from various manufacturers and providers can function effectively and smoothly without having to worry about errors and inconveniences.

Digital optical monitoring (DOM) or digital diagnostics monitoring (DDM) functions are based on the modern optical SFP transceiver according to the industry specifications of the SFF-8472 MSA. The consumer has the ability to constantly monitor real-time parameters of the SFP, for example optical input/outp power, supply voltage and laser bias current due to this feature.

A SFP cage is surface mounted to the PCB board to simply accept the transceiver. This not just provides easy replacement and reconfiguration, but additionally eliminates extra manufacturing steps and reduces cost. Because the optical component is taken away from soldering process, SFP transceivers have high optical reliability and permits the use of higher soldering temperatures.

SFP transceiver is a very popular format that’s recommended by a large number of fiber optic component providers. These businesses carry SFP transceivers for those Cisco devices along with transceiver modules for many other manufacturers. So, if you want technology solutions for the networking applications, at this point you know what to consider. Here is a nice web store you can purchase Cisco SFP modules.

When It's Best to Use GBIC and When to Use SFP?

Recently many users ask when they choosing a card for their switch/router, they should choose either cards that take SFP or cards that take GBIC. It seems to be a headache for them because they are not clearly know the differences of them. Thus, today, we are mainly going to discuss that when it's best to use GBIC and when to use SFP.

GBIC (gigabit interface converter)

GBIC is a hot-swappable input/output device that plugs into a Gigabit Ethernet port or slot, linking the port with the network. GBIC is a standard for transceivers, commonly used with Gigabit Ethernet and fiber channel. GBIC module is hot pluggable, this feature allows a suitably designed enclosure to be changed from one type of external interface to another simply by plugging in a GBIC having the alternative external interface. Generally, GBIC is with the SC connector. The GBIC standard is non-proprietary and is defined by the Small Form Factor committee in document number 8053i. The first publication of the proposal was in November 1995. A few corrections and additions were made through September 2000.

SFP (small form-factor pluggable)

SFP is a specification for a new generation of optical modular transceivers. The form factor and electrical interface are specified by a multi-source agreement (MSA). SFP is also known as a Mini GBIC as its function is somewhat similar to the GBIC transceiver while SFP is smaller than it. SFP transceivers are designed to support SONET, gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and other communications standards. Due to its smaller size, SFP is now more and more widely used for both telecommunication and data communications applications.

GBIC & SFP Interface Types

For every type of GBIC and SFP transceivers, it works with different wavelengths at a designated location or distance. For examples, SX SFP uses 850nm for a maximum of 550 meters, LX SFP uses 1310nm for a maximum 10km, ZX SFP could reach 80km or copper SFP RJ45 interface. We can easily distinguish via the information in their names or models, ie. 1000BASE-T SFP, 1000BASE-SX SFP, 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP, 1000BASE-ZX SFP, 1000BASE-CWDM SFP, or 1000BASE-DWDM SFP. In addition, the DOM function for an SFP is discretionary. It supports the users to locate the real-time working status of SFP. The famous brand of GBICs or SFPs are Cisco, Finisar, HP, Juniper, Extreme Network and so on. There is a little difference in the features of each brand's GBICs and SFPs and they support their corresponding brand's switches/routers.

When it's best to use GBIC and When to use SFP?

According to the above definitions of GBIC and SFP, you may have a further understanding on both of them. There is only one difference of them. SFP is smaller than GBIC. Because the smaller size of SFP (almost half the volume of GBIC), we can configure double number of ports on the same panel which increases the utilization rates of switches/routers. Other basic functions of SFP is almost the same with the GBIC and they are equal in performance. Though there are some users still using the GBIC as their old divice which can not be updated to support SFP, GBIC will gradually be obsoleted and replaced by SFP. So the answer to the question "When it's best to use GBIC and When to use SFP?" is obvious. SFP is your choice. Of course, except GBIC and SFP, there are SFP+, XFP, QSFP/QSFP+ etc. new generation of transceivers which can meet all kinds of your requirements. These new types of transceivers will be discussed in other aticle and not state here one by one. If you are interested in them, please focus continuously on my blog. Or if you need these products, Fiberstore will be a good place for you.

Recommendation of The Best-selling Brand Compatible Transceivers

• Cisco: GLC-SX-MM, GLC-SX-MMD, GLC-LH-SMD, GLC-T, SFP-GE-T
• Finisar: FCLF-8521-3, FTRJ8519P1BNL, FTLX8571D3BCV
• Netgear: AFM735, AGM734, AGM731F
• HP: J4858C, 455883-B21, J9143B, JD089B
• D-Link: DEM-310GT, DEM-311GT

Article Source: GBIC or SFP transceiver

Talk About Some Details of Cisco 1000base SFP Transceiver

Cisco, as we know, one of the top 500 companies in the world, mainly supplies network and communications products and service. Its SFP transceiver is widely used with their routers and switches. Cisco SFP is an upgraded version fiber optic transceiver from the traditional one, which is smaller and more flexibility. Cisco SFPs include a wide range of the transceivers due to different working wavelengths and distances. Now I will introduce you something about the Cisco 1000Base SFP transceivers, such as GLC-SX-MM, GLC-LH-SM and GLC-ZX-SM.

Cisco SFP GLC-SX-MM

Cisco GLC-SX-MM is compliant to 1000Base SX standard for Gigabit Ethernet, used for short wavelength applications. GLC-SX-MM works with 850nm multimode fiber, its max working distance is about 1640 feet and typical data rate is 1Gbps. It uses LC duplex fiber optic connector interface.

The GLC-SX-MM transceiver consists of three sections: a VCSEL laser transmitter, a PIN photodiode integrated with a trans-impedance preamplifier (TIA) and MCU control unit. All modules satisfy class I laser safety requirements. The GLC SX MM transceivers are compatible with SFP Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) and SFF-8472. By the way, I want to say something about Cisco GLC-SX-MMD, The transceiver has the same content with GLC-SX-MM

Cisco SFP GLC-LH-SM

Cisco GLC-LH-SM SFP is compliant to 1000Base-LX/LH standard for Gigabit Ethernet, used for long wavelength and long haul applications. GLC-LH-SM is working at 1300nm wavelength, its max working distance can reach 10km and data transfer rate at 1Gbps. GLC-LH-SM could used with both multimode optical fiber and single mode optical fiber, it is small size transceiver with LC interface, easy to use, no need further configuration.

The GLC-LH-SM transceiver consists of three sections: a FP laser transmitter, a PIN photodiode integrated with a trans-impedance preamplifier (TIA) and MCU control unit. All modules satisfy class I laser safety requirements. It fully complies with the Multi-sourcing agreement (MSA) which enables it to work in all MSA compliant platforms. The GLC-LH-SM must be operated within the specified temperature(-40°C to +85°C) and voltage limits.

Cisco SFP GLC-ZX-SM

Cisco GLC-ZX-SM SFP transceiver is compliant to 1000Base-ZX standard for Gigabit Ethernet. It works with 1550nm single mode fiber for extended working distance from 70km to 100km, with duplex LC interface and data transfer rate at 1Gbps. The GLC-ZX-SM is carrier-class quality and can be fully trusted for your most demanding LAN/WAN applications, voice projects, or network deployments.

The GLC-ZX-SM transceiver consists of three sections: a DFB laser transmitter, a PIN photodiode integrated with a trans-impedance preamplifier (TIA) and MCU control unit. All modules satisfy class I laser safety requirements. The GLC-ZX-SM transceivers are compatible with SFP Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) and SFF-8472. It fully complies with the multi-sourcing agreement (MSA) which enables it to work in all MSA compliant platforms.

Well, Cisco GLC-SX-MM, GLC-LH-SM and GLC-ZX-SM these Cisco SFP transceiver have in common is that their applications all include Gigabit Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, Fiber Channel, Fiber Channel,Switched backplane applications, Router/Server interface,and other optical transmission systems.

Fiberstore offers many kinds of Cisco SFP fiber optical transceivers, which includes Cisco CWDM or DWDM SFP,Cisco Bidi SFP and many other Compatible SFP transceivers. The Cisco 1000Base SFP transceivers supplied by Fiberstore are economic price but high quality. Their Cisco SFP modules fully tested to ensure the compatibility with equipment from Cisco and other companies. More, they come with good price and lifetime advance replacement warranty. The same time there is a good news it that Fiberstore is making with 30% discount of the price and if you want to know more, welcome to visit our online store.

Article Source: http://www.fiberopticshare.com/