Optical modules are the core components of fiber optic communication. Nowadays, there are many types of optical modules on the market. What factors should we consider when purchasing optical modules? This article provides a comprehensive introduction to the precautions for selecting optical modules, helping everyone to choose a suitable and cost-effective optical module.
The encapsulation of optical modules includes:
SFP: used for 155M, 1.25G, 2.5G, and 6G optical modules
SFP+: the mainstream encapsulation for 10G optical modules
SFP28: the encapsulation for 25G optical modules
QSFP+: the encapsulation for 40G optical modules
QSFP28: the encapsulation for 100G optical modules
When selecting optical modules, the relevant main equipment will clearly support the optical module encapsulation and rate.
The transmission distance of optical modules can be divided into three types: short distance, medium distance, and long distance. Usually, short-distance transmission refers to a transmission distance of less than 2km, medium distance refers to 10-20km, and a distance ≥30km is a long-distance transmission, such as the commonly used 40km, 80km, 120km, etc. We can choose a suitable optical module according to the actual usage. Additionally, we need to note that the transmission distance of the selected optical module should be slightly larger than the actual application distance, so as to ensure the transmission quality. For your information, we have 400g optical module for sale.
Optical modules can be divided into single-fiber optical modules and dual-fiber optical modules according to the transmission mode. Single-fiber optical modules have only one fiber interface, and one fiber simultaneously transmits and receives optical signals. Dual-fiber optical modules have two fiber interfaces, connecting two fibers, with one sending and one receiving fiber each. When selecting optical modules, we need to pay attention to whether the opposite end optical module is a single-fiber or dual-fiber module, and choose a consistent one to ensure connection. And we attach importance to transceiver modules compatibility matrix.
Common optical modules have LC, SC, and MPO interfaces, while the electrical module uses an RJ45 interface. To achieve information exchange between optical modules, two kinds of optical modules need to be connected. When selecting an optical module, we need to match the connector of the jumper to be connected.
As a reliable optical module supplier, we remind you that common wavelength of optical modules includes 850nm, 1310nm, 1550nm, CWDM, DWDM, etc. We need to note that the wavelengths of the two interconnected optical modules in dual-fiber transmission mode must be consistent. Single-fiber optical modules need to be used in pairs. For example, if one end has a wavelength of TX1310/RX1550nm (TX is the transmission wavelength, RX is the receiving wavelength), the opposite end must choose an optical module with a transmitting wavelength of TX1550/RX1310nm.
Optical modules can be divided according to temperature into:
Commercial-grade temperature (0-70°C): used in data centers and enterprise machine rooms. As data centers and machine rooms will install air conditioners to maintain room temperature.
Extended temperature range (-20-85°C): if used in outdoor nodes in tropical areas, extended temperature modules can be considered.
Industrial-grade temperature (-40-85°C): used in environments with large temperature variations such as outdoors, remote mountainous areas, and tunnels. Industrial-grade optical modules will import temperature compensation software, which is used to ensure stable current supply to the optical module. When the temperature changes, the temperature compensation software will take effect.
During the operation of optical modules, the temperature has a considerable impact. If the operating temperature of the optical module is too high or too low, the optical power will generally decrease, sensitivity will decrease, and eye pattern will deteriorate. In severe cases, communication data will have errors or even cause the optical module to be scrapped. Therefore, we must choose the appropriate temperature level optical module based on the actual usage environment.
The equipment manufacturers of optical modules will encrypt their equipment to different degrees, which is what we call compatibility. Modules of one's own brand can only be used on their equipment, and modules of other brands cannot be matched with their own equipment. Compatible manufacturers need to perform different compatibility adaptations on the optical module. Whether they can perfectly solve the compatibility problem is particularly important.
Nowadays, more and more suppliers have the option of choosing compatible optical modules. The quality of these modules can completely rival that of original optical modules, but the price is very competitive, which can help save a lot of costs.
If problems occur in the first 1-2 years of using optical modules, it can be judged that it is a quality problem with the optical module. Therefore, when buying compatible optical modules, we must choose a trusted optical module manufacturer.
Above are the comprehensive precautions for selecting optical modules compiled by the editor. Basic requirements are mentioned above. By following these points, buying a suitable and cost-effective optical module is effortless.
