What you should know about optical modules and the latest trends
What you should know about optical modules and the latest trends
In the modern communications industry, the fiber optic module (Optical Transceiver) is the core component of data centers, carrier networks and enterprise networks. Its role is to convert between optical and electrical signals to achieve high-speed, long-distance data transmission.
◼️ First, the working principle of fiber optic module
Fiber optic module is usually composed of two parts: the transmitting end (Tx) and the receiving end (Rx).
▪️ Transmitter (Tx): the electrical signal is converted into an optical signal and transmitted through the optical fiber.
▪️ The receiving end (Rx): receives the optical signal and converts it back into an electrical signal for processing by the device.
This is like a courier, the transmitting end of the package into an optical signal, sent to the destination, the receiving end and then unpacked to restore the electrical signal.
Second, the classification of fiber optic modules
◼️ Classification by package type
The encapsulation of the fiber optic module determines its applicable equipment interface, common types are:
▪️ SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable): the most common small hot-swappable module, widely used in enterprise networks and data centers.
▪️ SFP+: An upgraded version of SFP that supports higher rates (10Gbps).
▪️ QSFP (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable): A four-way optical module that supports higher bandwidth (40G, 100G).
▪️ QSFP-DD (Double Density): High-density optical module supporting 400G and 800G, mainstream choice for future data centers.
▪️ CFP/OSFP: Suitable for ultra-high-speed networks (200G/400G/800G), some vendors have launched 800G OSFP modules.
◼️ Categorized by transmission rate
Different customers have different bandwidth requirements and need to match the corresponding rate:
▪️ 1G (Gigabit, commonly used in traditional enterprise networks)
▪️ 10G (data center base rate, mainstream model: SFP+)
▪️ 25G/40G (applicable to cloud computing data center)
▪️ 100G/200G (applicable to cloud computing, AI training network)
▪️ 400G/800G (dedicated to mega data centers and AI computing clusters)
◼️ Categorized by transmission distance
▪️ Short Range (SR): Generally within 300m, commonly used for data center internal connection.
▪️ Long Range (LR): generally refers to more than 10km, applicable to metro and backbone networks.
▪️ Extended Range (ER): more than 40km, applicable to carriers and cross-city connections.
Purchasing Suggestion
▪️ The original brand (such as Cisco) has high price, but high market recognition.
▪️ Compatible module (Third-party OEM) cost-effective, suitable for customers with limited budget.
▪️ Whether compatible modules are accepted, or must purchase original products.
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Source: LinkedIn
Credits: Ms. Xingxing Wang W.
