Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Do you really know “1000BASE-LX/LH SFP”?
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Fiber Transceiver: How Much Do You Know about Hot-swappable
At present, almost most of the fiber transceivers are with "hot-swappable", or also called "hot-pluggable" functions (the following contents consistently use hot-swappable) in the optics market. However, there are few articles written for hot-swappable optical transceiver, because people generally consider it just a function that will help us save money or make our work more convenient and there is unnessary to know much about it. How about you? Are you really not interested in it or just because you don't have the resource to learn it? Here is an opportunity for you to learn much about the hot-swappable optical transceiver module, mainly the "hot-swappable" in this paper.
What's "Hot-swappable" Optical Transceiver?
Hot-swappable optical transceiver, is a device with a function that can support inserting or pulling out the module without shutting down the system or without significant interruption to the system and significant interruption to the operation of the system. This function can help us to avoid complete redesigns and cutdown the exorbitant costs associated with the practice, e.g. system updating. Now, optical transceivers, such as GBIC, SFP (Small Form Pluggable), SFP+ (Small Form Pluggable Plus), 40G QSFP etc. are all hot-swappable. The following figure shows Juniper Hot-pluggable 1000BASE-SX SFP - EX-SFP-1GE-SX:
Why "Hot-swappable" is So Important to Optical Transceiver?
As we know, optical transceiver module is an important part in optical transmission system. For each management or upgrade, we should power down the device until we finish the pluggable process, if we used a "non-hot-swappable" optical transceiver. However, because of the importance of telecommunications and data transmission systems, if power cuts carry on a long time, there will be a great loss. Additionally, the restart time of some operation systems is long which also leads a big loss. This is why it is so important to find devices that are hot-swappable. Nowadays, the hot-swappable technology is widely used in data communication and transmission industry and becomes more and more important.
Key Technologies of "Hot-swappable" Function
When people wanted to add the "hot-swappable" function to the optical transceiver modules, a cascade of problems must be solved to ensure the device work well. First, the we should guarantee the safety of the laser. As we know, laser is the most important and expensive part of an optical transceiver module. It is easy to be damaged and vulnerable to static electricity damage as it is a static sensitive component. In addition, we should also consider the surge current and system bus to avoid damaging the components of optical transceiver and causing interference to data transmission.
To solve these problems, people use some of the technologies to ensure safty and feasibility of hot-swappable optical transceiver modules. MSA (Multisource Agreement) defines using the TX_fault (Transmitter fault) to indicate whether the optical transceiver module works in good condition. When we inserted an optical transceiver, there is a initializing program. And the optical transceiver begin to test by itself after the power on. If the self test is approved, it will dirve the IC (integrated circuit) to offer the current to the laser, and then laser work. Otherwise, it will not offer current to the laser. In addition, adding a shutdown pin to the circuit that can close the LD (laser diode) when failure occurs is also a solution to ensure the saftey of laser.
Meanwhile, to reduce the surge current, we can use a specific sequence of power on. Moreover, we can also add a filter circuit as well as current limit switch to further reduce the surge current. Furthermore, in order to reduce the interference of hot-swappable module on the system bus, we usually employ connect pullup resistors and precharge technologies. These are also defined by MSA.
Ensure They are Hot-Swappable When You Buy Optical Transceiver
After reading the above contents, you will understand more about the "hot-swappable" function of optical transceiver and know how it is so important. This is why "hot-swappable" optical transceiver was so popular with users. We can never underestimate the power of optical transceiver modules that are hot-swappable. 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. When devices have more flexibility and functionality, companies save money and time. In a word, to ensure the optical transceiver module is hot-swappable when you decide to buy it.
Originally published at www.fiber-optic-transceiver-module.com.
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
FAQs of Gigabit Ethernet Transceivers and Cables
Fiberstore is a professional OEM manufacturer and supplier of SFP and SFP+ modules. These SFP and SFP+ transceivers and cables are 100% compatible with major brands. According to your requirements, Fiberstore welcome any inquiry for customized SFP modules. This paper is going to introduce Fiberstore's Gigabit Ethernet Transceivers and Cables Frequently Asked Questions.
What is the distance supported by the SFP+ SR transceiver?
The supported distance is up to 300 meters depending on the quality of the multimode fiber (MMF) you use. Quality of SFP+ SR transceiver MMF is listed as OM1 (up to 33 meters), OM2 (up to 8 2 meters), OM3 (up to 300 meters), and OM4 (up to 400 meters). Check with the supplier for the cable distance supported.
Do the SFP+ optical transceivers support 1 GbE operation?
Yes, they support 1G b E and 10 G b E dual rates and can be configured for 1 GbE.
What is Gigabit Ethernet Auto-Negotiation?
The IEEE standard for auto-negotiation ensures easy migration from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps and 1000 Mbps speeds. The Auto-Negotiation standard allows devices based on several Ethernet standards, from 10BaseT to 1000BaseT, to coexist in the network by mitigating the risks of network disruption arising from incompatible technologies. This capability helps ensure a smooth migration path from Ethernet to Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet. Related product: 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet SFP.
Will the SFP+ optical transceivers auto - negotiate between 1 GbE and 10GbE?
Auto - negotiation is not supported between the 10 GE and 1 GE speed. The transceiver must be manually configured to operate at 1 GE speed.
What are the Cisco Compatible QSFP and SFP+ copper cables provided by Fiberstore?
SFP+ copper cables | |
SFP-H10GB-CU1M | Cisco compatible 10GBASE-CU SFP+ Twinax copper cable 1 meter passive 30AWG |
SFP-H10GB-CU1-5M | Cisco compatible 10GBASE-CU SFP+ Twinax copper cable 1.5 meter passive 30AWG |
SFP-H10GB-CU2M | Cisco compatible 10GBASE-CU SFP+ Twinax copper cable 2 meter passive 30AWG |
SFP-H10GB-CU3M | Cisco compatible 10GBASE-CU SFP+ Twinax copper cable 3 meter passive 30AWG |
SFP-H10GB-CU5M | Cisco compatible 10GBASE-CU SFP+ Twinax copper cable 5 meter passive 24AWG |
QSFP+ to QSFP+ copper cables | |
QSFP-H40G-CU1M | Cisco compatible 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ passive copper cable 1 meter |
QSFP-H40G-CU3M | Cisco compatible 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ passive copper cable 3 meter |
QSFP-H40G-CU5M | Cisco compatible 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ passive copper cable 5 meter |
QSFP to 4SFP+ copper cables | |
QSFP-4SFP10G-CU1M | Cisco compatible 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ to 4SFP+ passive copper cable 1 meter |
QSFP-4SFP10G-CU3M | Cisco compatible 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ to 4SFP+ passive copper cable 3 meter |
QSFP-4SFP10G-CU5M | Cisco compatible 40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ to 4SFP+ passive copper cable 5 meter |
Does the Twinax copper cable plug directly into the NIC and the switch?
Yes, the copper cable has an SFP+ or QSFP connector on both ends of the cable that directly plugs into the corresponding ports of the switch and NIC.
Should I use optical transceivers with the SFP+ and QSFP direct - attach Twinax copper cables?
No. These are direct - attach Twinax cables and come with connectors that plug directly into the SFP+ port or the QSFP port of the switch/NIC on either end. Transceiver cannot be used.
What is the advantage of SFP+ Twinax copper cable?
It is a low - cost option for shorter distances up to 5 meters.
Do Fiberstore's SFP+ direct attached Twinax copper cables work with Cisco switches?
Yes, Fiberstore offers SFP+ twinax copper cables and SFP+ active optical cables with 100% compatibility for Cisco. All of these SFP+ direct attach cables can meet the ever growing need to cost-effectively deliver more bandwidth, and they can be customized in different length to meet customers' requirements.
What is the advantage of SFP+ Twinax copper cable?
It is a low - cost option for shorter distances up to 5 meters.
Is 10GBase - T same as 10GBASE - T?
Yes. 1GBase - T is shorthand for 1000BASE - T and 10GBase - T is same as 10GBASE - T; they are the twisted pair implementations of 1 GbE and 10 GbE respectively
What are the distances supported by cables to use with the 10GBase - T ports?
Data center s ha ve a large installed base of Cat 5/6/7 twisted pair cables for the last 10+ years - initially for 1000BASE - T and now for use with 1/10GBase - T infrastructure. Distances supported at 10 Gbps speed:
- CAT 6A and CAT 7 cables supporting 100 meters
- CAT 5e and CAT 6 cables supporting 55 meters
How do I use the SFP+ ports for 1000BASE - T?
You need to purchase SFP+ to 1000BASE - T adapter ( SFP+/ Copper RJ45 ).
Friday, May 8, 2015
Fiberstore 100G CFP and CFP2 Module Solution
Next Generation 100G CFP Modules - CFP2 & CFP4
As 100-Gbps transmission is reaching the field, work is already underway on the second generation of the technology. Upcoming advances will lower costs, increase efficiency, and make 100G applicable to a wider variety of carrier and data center applications. But similar to what has happened in the 10G market, we expect that a different set of optical components will dominate the second and third generation of coherent 100G deployments, where power dissipation, density, and cost are key. Among these optical components, the small form factor pluggable transceiver which supports 100G is one of the essential part, because fiber connectivity in higher-speed active equipment is being condensed and simplified with plug-and-play, hot-swap transceiver miniaturization. And when it comes to providing 100G coherent functionality in a pluggable form factor, CFP and its next generation modules (e.g. 100GBASE-LR4 CFP2) will come to be discussed.
100GBASE-LR4 CFP2 Transceiver
The CFP Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) is currently defining two next generation 100G form factors - CFP2 and CFP4. Compared to the existing CFP form factor, CFP2 and CFP4 will respectively double and quadruple front panel port density. The new form factors take advantage of advances in optics and IC integration, and increase in electrical I/O rate from 10G to 25G. They will support existing and future duplex single-mode fiber (SMF) and parallel multi-mode fiber (MMF) interfaces. The following picture shows the evolution of 100G transceiver modules during 2010 - 2015. Through increasing in front panel density, the next generation of CFP modules will be with a smaller module size and lower power. This is enabled by increased integration of optics and ICs, and by increase in electrical I/O rate from 10G to 25G reducing the I/O width from 10 lanes to 4. In fact, this motivation of immediately taking advantage of advances in integration and I/O technology is similar with the 10G modules.
Evolution of 100G CFP during 2010-2015
CFP2 and CFP4 modules are defined to support existing and future SMF applications. The primary application is 100GE-LR4 10km duplex SMF, with CAUI-4 electrical I/O to be defined in. CFP2 will support 100GE-ER4 40km and 100G DWDM optics when integration technology matures. CFP2 and CFP4 can also support the future 100G structured data center 1000m duplex SMF application. In addition, CFP and CFP2 modules support 100GE-SR10 parallel MMF with CAUI interface. CFP2 and CFP4 modules can also support 100GE-SR10 with CAUI-4 electrical I/O by using a 4:10 Gearbox IC. In fact, an extension of the 100GE-SR10 application is break out of the parallel MMF cable into ten duplex MMF fiber pairs to enable high 10GE-SR front panel density. 10x10G electrical I/O can directly support this functionality. However, CAUI-4 electrical I/O does not support this because it breaks up 10GE lanes into 5G Virtual Lanes. To preserve 10GE lanes, the Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) is defining a Multi Link Gearbox (MLG) standard which will support 10:4 multiplexing and 4:10 de-multiplexing of ten 10GE asynchronous streams across a 4x25G electrical I/O interface. We can see the differences between CFP, CFP2 and CFP4 in the following picture.
Comparison of CFP, CFP2 and CPF4
Fiberstore Launched the 100G CFP and CFP2 LR4
CFP is widely available in the market, especially with the development of 100G Ethernet in recent years. Fiberstore, the leading manufacturer and supplier of optical communication products, strives to offering the best solution for their customers. Except offering the 100G CFP LR4, they recently announced that they will launch the 100G CFP2 LR4 with high quality and a competitive price. Additionally, it is said that, this CFP2 product can be designed to be compatible with many major brands.
Order Information
Model | Unit Price | Wavelength (nm) | Transmission Distance | Fiber Type | Connector Type | Temp. Range |
100GBASE-LR4 CFP | $ 7,000.00 | 850nm | 100m(OM3) | MMF | MPO/MTP | 0~70 |
100GBASE-SR10 CFP | $ 1,492.00 | Ten lanes 840 to 860 | 100m(OM3) 150m(OM4) |
MMF | MPO/MTP | 0~70 |
100GBASE-LR4 CFP2 | $ 8,000.00 | Four lanes: 1295.6, 1300.1, 1304.6, 1309.1 |
10km | SMF | LC | 0~70 |
For more information, please contact Fiberstore Team over sales@fiberstore.com or visit: www.fiberstore.com/c/100g-transceiver_1159.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Phone Line Tester Overview
Description of Phone Line Tester
Phone line tester is a pockets-sized device used for basic troubleshooting of analog phone systems as well as the line polarity. It monitors phone lines for digital-tone quality and signal power, tests of correct jack polarity (detects reversed tip and ring), and indicates call addressing for correct telephone extensions.
What is Phone Line Tester Used For?
Phone line tester or telephone line tester is mainly applied to check the operating parameters of the telephone company's wiring at the modular connector which includes the open circuit or “on-hook” line voltage, the ringer voltage, and the polarity of the line. The phone line's voltage conditions are indicated by a meter and the polarity of the line connections is indicated by an LED. The wires in the phone cables are color-coded, with the green wire being the positive side, and the wire being the negative side. When there is no load on the line, that is, when all phones in your home or office are oil hook, the measured voltage at your phone's modular connector should be greater than 40-volts DC, give or take a smidgen. And normally, polarity is normally not a problem for most standard phones will work regardless of the polarity of the DC voltage on the telephone line. However, reversed line polarity can interfere with certain kinds of switching equipment, in particular, some of the low-cost conference and multi-use switchers, so we've provided for that test.
How does a Phone Line Tester work?
The phone line tester shown in the following picture is connected to the phone line through modular connector P1. The tester only uses two of its four connectors-the red and the green. If it is correct-that is, if the green wire is the positive side-and the red wire is the negative side, nothing will happen. If the situation is reversed. The LED will light. With switch SI Set for LINE/RING. Both S1-a and S1-b are open and the meter indicates the condition of the line-voltage. Any line voltage reading in the LINE OK range (more on the meter in a moment) indicates a line voltage higher than 40-volts DC. If the telephone is caused to ring, either by using a ring back number or by dialing from another phone, the meter will indicate RING OK, and the LED will pulse (indicating AC), if the ringing voltage/current is correct. The actual position of the meter's pointer depends on how ringers are connected across the line. (Three or more of the old-fashioned ringers can excessively load the ringing voltage if the local telephone company has not corrected for your ringer load.) When S1 is closed the voltage range of the meter is changed and a nominal load resistance of 230 ohms (R5 and R6) is connected across the line to emulate the off hook load of the telephone. If the meter indicates LOOP OK, you can be certain that you have sufficient loop voltage for satisfactory telephone operation. If you place another load on the line, perhaps by taking an extension telephone off hook, the meter reading will almost invariably drop below the LOOP OK range. That is perfectly normal; the line is operating properly when a single loop load results in a LOOP OK meter reading. That is how to test telephones for proper connection. If lifting the handset causes the meter reading to drop, you can at least be certain that the telephone's hook switch is working and that the repeat coil is connected to the line.
Features of Phone Line Tester
- Receiving and reproducing telephone system dial tone to determine the quality of the tone
- Equipped for jack and cross-connect systems access
- Receiving tracing signals for identifying specific conductors in a cable run (TRACE function requires a separate tone generator)
- Volume control to adjust test tones
- Durable, moisture-resistant case and speaker for long-life durability
Except for phone line tester, there are many other types of test equipments and tools for the communications applications, such as EXFO FTB-200, RJ45 tester, underground wire tracer and visual fault locator, etc.
Article Source: Introduction of Phone Line Tester
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Overview Of Aerial Fiber Cables
Aerial Fiber Optic Cables are used very commonly in optical communication nowadays. We can even see the aerial cables hanging in the pole around our daily life. In order to adjust to the harsh outdoor environment and prevent fiber theft, the aerial fiber optic cable is made up of different materials, which is not the same as a typical fiber optic cable. Today, we will take you to learn more about the aerial fiber optic cables.
What is Aerial Fiber Optic Cable?
Aerial fiber optic cable is a type of fibre optic cables that is usually used for outside installation on poles. Due to its installation environment, the design of aerial fiber optic cable must consider to protect it from the destruction of the nature and man-made damage or theft. Aerial cable's laying method is not hard to implement as it can utilize the existing overhead pole line to install that saves more in construction costs and shortens the construction period. Aerial fiber cables are mainly used for secondary trunk level and below and usually applied to flat terrain or low fluctuation area. They are easily affected by the natural disasters, such as typhoons, ice, floods etc. as well as the influence of an outside force and the mechanical strength weakening in themselves. Therefore, the failure rate of aerial fiber optic cables are higher than the pipeline or directly buried fiber optic cables.
Types of Aerial Fiber Optic Cables
According to the installation methods, aerial fiber optic cables can be generally classified as two types: catenary wire and self-supporting. Catenary Wire Aerial Cable is regular outdoor loose tube cables that can be helically lashed to a messenger or another cable (common in CATV). Self-Supporting Aerial Cable, or All-Dielectric Self-Supporting (ADSS) cable (the common style such as Figure-8 Aerial Cables also called Figure-8 cables), has cable bonded to an insulated steel or all-dielectric messenger for support. ADSS Cables are usually made of heavier jackets and stronger metal or aramid strength members. Nowadays, the self-supporting aerial fiber optic cables are more widely used by people.
As a familiar self-supporting aerial cables, figure-8 self-supporting aerial cables are designed for easy and economical one-step installation and widely used in long-haul and building network communication. According to the structures and materials of the cables, there are several kinds of figure-8 self-supporting aerial fiber cbales in the market, such as GYTC8S, GYXTC8Y, GYXTC8S etc. We can see the differences between GYTC8S, GYXTC8Y and GYXTC8S through the detailed information below.
GYTC8S
GYTC8S is a typical self-supporting outdoor fiber optic cable. It's suitable for aerial applications while its nice moisture resistance performance and crush resistance performance are suitable for duct and buried method. The mental strength member is made up of stranded wires as the supporting part that are completed with a polyethylene sheath to be figure 8 structure. Corrugated steel tape armored and polyethylene outer sheath provide the crush resistance and gun shot resistance features. As the central strength, the steel-wire strength member improves the tensile strength. In addition, it is surrounded by the loose tube and water blocking system.
Features:
- Excellent mechanical and environmental performance
- Small cable diameter, self-supporting, easily to install
- Low dispersion and attenuation
- Corrugated steel tape armored and polyethylene outer sheath providing crush resistance and gun shot resistance features
- Cross section shows figure 8
- Stranded wires as self-supporting member providing excellent strain performance and convenient installation
- Steel-wire strength member provides good tensility, ensures tensile strength
- Water blocking system to improve the waterproof ability
GYXTC8Y
GYXTC8Y is a light self-supporting cable with the figure-8 shape in the cross section that is suitable for installation in aerial environment for long haul communications. High tensile strength of stranded wires meet the requirement of self-supporting. It can also be used for duct and buried method. The mental strength member is similar to the GYTC8S. Steel wires and loose tubes filled with waterproof compound to ensure compact and longitudinally water blocking.
Features:
- Excellent mechanical and environmental performance
- Small cable diameter, light cable weight, self-supporting, easily to install
- Low dispersion and attenuation
- Medium density polyethylene jacket: low friction installation, excellent protection from environmental hazards
- Stainless steel or galvanized steel self-supporting
- Load-supporting element is made of zinc-coated wire provides high resistance grade to long tension
- High strength loose tube that is hydrolysis resistant
- Light self-supporting cable with the figure-8 shape
GYXTC8S
GYXTC8S is also suitable for installation in aerial environment for long-haul communications. This kind of figure-8 aerial cables is usually for 4-core to 12-core types. The water resistant tape provides water tight property. Corrugated steel tape and the polyethylene outer sheath provide crush resistance and gun shot resistance. The figure-8 steel wire works as self-supporting member providing excellent strain performance and convenient installation.
Features:
- With small cable diameter, light cable weight, self-support
- Excellent mechanical and environmental properties
- Proper design and precise control for fiber excess length
- Corrugated steel tape and the polyethylene outer sheath ensure crush resistance and gun shot resistance
- The water resistant tape provides water tight property
Article Source: Aerial Fiber Optic Cables Tutorial
Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Fiberstore Compatible 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP modules
1000BASE-LX/LH was standardized six years after the initial gigabit fiber versions as part of the Ethernet in the First Mile task group. It is very similar to 1000BASE-LX, but achieves longer distances up to 10 km over a pair of single-mode fiber due to higher quality optics. The 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP module, 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. Duplex LC/PC connector.
Features
- Compliant with SFP MSA standard
- Compliant with IEEE 802.3z
- +3.3V single power supply and TTL Logic Interface
- 10km with 9/125 µm SMF
- 1310nm FP laser and PIN photodetector for 10km transmission
- Hot-pluggable SFP footprint duplex LC connector Interface
- Class 1 FDA and IEC60825-1 Laser Safety Compliant
- Duplex LC connector
- Compliant with SFF-8472
- ROHS compliant
- Average Output Power:-9~ -3dBm
- Receiver Sensitivity:-21dBm
Applications
- 1000BASE-LX/LH Ethernet
- Data storage networks
Fiberstore 1000Base-LX/LH SFP module over single-mode fiber, which is a high performance and cost effective transceiver. It is designed to meet Gigabit Ethernet (1000Base) application. The transceiver consists two sections: the transmitter section consists of a high reliability 1310nm FP LD with monitor photo detector (MPD) in eye safety; the receiver section consists of a high-speed InGaAs PIN photodiode (PD) and trans-impedance preamplifier. The output of the PD drives the post-amplification, quantizing, and optical signal detection circuits. The receiver is built in the LOS monitoring function. For further information, please see SFP MSA and SFF-8472 standard.
With plenty experience in interoperability with 3rd party standard based network equipment such as Cisco, HP, Finisar, Juniper, Netgear, 3 Com, Alcatel-Lucent, D-LINK, Extreme, and HuaWei, Fiberstore’s fiber optic transceiver are able to fulfill enterprises, service providers, telecom operators and SAN providers to build and fulfill their existing and future network expansions.
Compatible Fiber Optic Transceiver List
Brand | Model | Description |
Brocade | E1MG-LX-OM | 1000BASE-LX SFP SMF 1310nm 10km LC DDM |
Cisco | GLC-LH-SM | 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP SMF 1310nm 10km LC |
Cisco | GLC-LH-SMD | 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP SMF 1310nm 10km LC EXT DDM |
Dell | 320-2879 | 1000BASE-LX SFP SMF 1310nm 10km LC DDM |
Extreme | Extreme 10052 | 1000BASE-LX SFP SMF 1310nm 10km LC DDM |
Finisar | FTLF1318P3BTL | 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP SMF 1310nm 10km LC DDM IND |
HP | JD119B | 1000BASE-LX SFP SMF 1310nm 10km LC DDM |
HP | J4859C | 1000BASE-LX SFP SMF 1310nm 10km LC DDM |
Juniper | EX-SFP-1GE-LX | 1000BASE-LX SFP SMF 1310nm 10km LC DDM |
Juniper | JX-SFP-1GE-LX | 1000BASE-LX SFP SMF 1310nm 10km LC DDM |
Netgear | AGM732F | 1000BASE-LX SFP SMF 1310nm 10km LC DDM |
To save more money, We suggest that compatible 3rd transceiver modules may be another good choice however, you should make sure that your vendor is reliable. Fiberstore's SFP transceivers are 100% compatible with major brands, they are backed by a lifetime warranty so that you can buy with confidence. Additionally, customize SFP transceivers to fit your specific requirements are available. If you have any requirement of transceivers, Fiberstore will be a good choice for you.
Article Source: Compatible 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP