Complete Guide to Optimal 10G SFP+ Module Selection

The significance and usage of 10G SFP+ modules in modern networking cannot be understated. Their paramount role in multi-rate high-speed data transmissions has solidified their status as a crucial component in the telecommunications and data communication industries. This guide is an all-encompassing look at 10G SFP+ modules designed to help you understand their features, types, and assist in determining the best fit for your specific networking requirements.

Introduction to 10G SFP+ Features

The 10G SFP+ is a miniaturised photoelectric conversion module specifically designed to support high-speed network communication standards such as 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE).

Speed and Performance

The 10G SFP+ module primarily stands for Small Form-factor Pluggable Plus, which operates at the data rate of 10 Gbps, making it substantially faster than its predecessor, the 1G SFP. It is particularly favoured for its outstanding performance in terms of high-speed data transmission, making it suitable for high-bandwidth applications.

Size and Power Consumption

One of the alluring features of the 10G SFP+ module is its compact size. Despite being an evolution from the standard SFP modules, it maintains an identical form factor which allows for greater port density in network devices. Moreover, these modules are recognised for their lower power consumption, which translates to cost savings and a reduced thermal footprint in data centres.

10G SFP+ Type Analysis

The different types of 10G SFP+ modules can be classified into four main categories, which can be classified according to the transmission medium (fibre optic or copper cable) used and the transmission distance. The following is a simplified classification.

  • Multimode fibre (MMF) transmission

Short Range (SR): Transmission distance is usually limited to within the data centre or between adjacent buildings (approximately 300m to 400m).Long Reach Multimode (LRM): Suitable for slightly longer transmission distances, but not enough to use single-mode fibre (about 220m).

  • Single-mode fibre (SMF) transmission

Medium/Long Range (LR): Can support transmission up to 10km, commonly used for inter-data centre or cross-campus connections.Long/Extended Range (ER): Usually used for long-distance transmission of 40km, such as long-distance network connection.Long Range (ZR): Supports transmission distances of over 80km, suitable for metropolitan area networks or carrier networks.

  • Single fibre bidirectional (BIDI) transmission

Different distances: By using a single fibre to send and receive signals simultaneously, the number of required fibre infrastructure can be reduced. Distance options include 10km, 20km, 40km, etc.

  • Copper cable transmission

Direct Attach Copper (DAC): Very short connections, such as within racks or between adjacent racks (usually within 10m).Twisted pair copper (10GBASE-T): It can be transmitted over distances of up to 100 metres using standard Cat 6a or Cat7 copper, similar to traditional Ethernet connections.

10G SFP+ Application Scenarios

In many existing infrastructures, 10G SFP+ remains a prevalent and efficient high-speed connection solution. When planning upgrades or expansions, it’s essential to consider not only the requirements of the current network but also evaluate the expected future data growth to ensure that the network can adapt to the ensuing challenges.

Application in Data Centre

The connection between the server and the switch: 10G SFP+ is primarily used to link the server to the Top-of-Rack (ToR) switch, creating a high-speed access layer network to provide ample bandwidth for data transmission between servers or between servers and storage devices.Storage network (SAN/NAS): For storage area networks requiring high throughput, 10G SFP+ can offer the necessary speed to ensure rapid data movement between storage devices and support I/O-intensive applications.Stacking between switches: To enhance network flexibility and scalability, 10G SFP+ modules can be utilised to establish connections between the core switch and the aggregation switch or access layer switch in the data centre, forming a virtual switch stack.

Application for Enterprise Networks

Core Network: In an enterprise-level network environment, the core layer typically requires higher bandwidth to manage the data flow of the entire network. 10G SFP+ is commonly used for high-speed core switch connections.Aggregation layer and access layer: To support higher-density workstation connections and facilitate bandwidth-intensive applications (such as large video conferencing systems), 10G SFP+ switches at the aggregation layer can offer higher-speed connections as uplinks.Distributed network environment: Enterprises often have multiple work areas or buildings. 10G SFP+ is employed to connect switches in different locations to ensure high-speed network access in each area.

10G SFP+ Selection Guide

Network requirements

Before opting for a 10G SFP+ module, a thorough assessment of your network requirements is essential. Understanding the data rate expectations, network architecture, and performance criteria will guide you in making an informed decision.

Distance and Medium

The distance over which the data will need to travel significantly impacts the type of SFP+ module needed. An MMF module may suffice for shorter distances within a data centre, but for longer inter-building links, an SMF module may be necessary. The choice between single-mode and multimode fibres must also align with the existing infrastructure.

Compatibility and Cost

Compatibility with existing hardware is a critical factor when selecting a 10G SFP+ module. Ensure that your networking equipment supports the module and that firmware versions are coherent. Additionally, cost considerations should align with your budget without compromising on the required performance and reliability standards.

Summary

In conclusion, selecting the right 10G SFP+ module requires a thorough assessment of network specifications, performance requirements, and operational conditions. By adopting a strategic approach and following this guide, network administrators can choose modules that meet their current demands while also accommodating future network growth and technology advancements. Visit FS.com for more details on 10G SFP+ modules.

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How can I tell if my SFP is 1G or 10GB?

Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) optical modules play a crucial role in modern networking environments, providing the flexibility and scalability necessary for efficient data transmission. Understanding the differences between 1G and 10G SFP modules is essential for network administrators and technicians to optimise network performance and ensure compatibility. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the fundamentals of SFP optical modules and explore various methods to distinguish between 1G and 10G SFPs.

Introduction to SFP Optical Modules

SFP optical modules, also known as Mini-GBIC (Gigabit Interface Converter), are hot-swappable transceivers commonly used in networking equipment. They facilitate the transmission of data over optical fibre cables and support various data rates and communication protocols, making them versatile components in modern networks.

What is a 1g SFP module?

A 1G SFP module, also known as a 1-gigabit small form-factor pluggable module, is a type of transceiver used in telecommunications and data communications for both telecommunication and data communications applications. It is designed to support communication over fibre optic or sometimes copper networking cables at speeds up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps).There are many types of 1G SFP optical modules, mainly including single-mode and multimode. The single-mode optical module is suitable for long-distance transmission, while the multimode optical module is suitable for short-distance transmission. Additionally, there are differences between various brands and models of 1G SFP optical modules, such as the supported maximum distance, wavelength, interface type, etc., which need to be selected according to specific requirements.

What is a 10g SFP module?

The 10G SFP module, also known as a 10Gb small pluggable transceiver, is an upgraded version of the standard SFP module that supports data rates up to 10Gb per second. It usually consists of components such as packaging, interfaces, optical transceivers, and circuit boards, and transmits data between multimode and single-mode fibres through SFP + slots connected to network devices such as switches or routers. Compared with the 1G module, it is designed to handle larger bandwidths, making it very suitable for high-speed data transmission applications.

How to Differentiate Between 1G and 10G SFP+

Physical Identification

One of the primary methods to differentiate between 1G and 10G SFP modules is through physical identification. Manufacturers often label SFP modules with clear markings indicating their speed compatibility, such as “1G” or “10G”. These labels are typically located on the front or top surface of the module and provide a quick reference for identifying the speed rating.

Configuration Check

Another method involves checking the configuration settings of the SFP module within the networking device. Network administrators can access the device’s management interface and view the configured speed of the SFP port. This method provides direct insight into the operational speed of the SFP module.

Optical Power Detection

Optical power detection is a practical approach to differentiating between 1G and 10G SFP modules. By measuring the optical power output of the SFP module using a power meter or optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR), technicians can determine whether the module operates at 1G or 10G speed. Higher optical power levels typically indicate 10G operation.

Spectrum Analysis

Spectrum analysis involves examining the spectral characteristics of the optical signal transmitted by the SFP module. Technicians can use optical spectrum analysers to analyse the frequency components of the signal and identify patterns associated with specific data rates, such as 1G or 10G. This method provides a comprehensive understanding of the SFP module’s operational characteristics.
In summary, differentiating between 1G and 10G SFP modules requires a combination of physical identification, configuration checks, optical power detection, and spectrum analysis. Network administrators and technicians should leverage these methods collectively to accurately identify the speed of SFP modules within their network infrastructure. By understanding the capabilities of SFP modules, organisations can optimise network performance and ensure seamless compatibility in diverse networking environments.

Summary

Mastering SFP management is crucial for robust, efficient networks. Knowing how to distinguish between 1G and 10G SFPs enables better network setup and performance. If you require assistance in selecting the most suitable product, feel free to consult our sales team for expert guidance.

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FS 10G BiDi SFP+ Transceiver Solution

FS 10G BiDi SFP+ transceiver offers a cost-effective solution for transmitting and receiving signals over a single-strand fibre. It effectively utilizes existing fibre deployments, maximizing capacity and bandwidth for 10 Gigabit Ethernet.


Figure 1: FS 10GBASE BiDi SFP+

Features and Specifications

Utilising WDM technology, FS 10G BiDi SFP+ transceiver features a single fibre port directly on the transceiver itself. This technology employs two distinct wavelengths: one for upstream and one for downstream communication, enabling bidirectional data transmission over a single fibre. FS 10G BiDi SFP+ transceivers are offered in four configurations: 1270nm-TX/1330nm-RX, 1330nm-TX/1270nm-RX, 1490nm-TX/1550nm-RX, and 1550nm-TX/1490nm-RX. Detailed parameters are outlined in the chart below:

WavelengthMax. Data RateAvailable DistanceConnectorOptical ComponentsDOM SupportProtocols
1270nm-TX/1330nm-RX10.3125Gbps10km, 20km, 40km, 60kmLC simplexDFB BiDiYesSFP+ MSA Compliant, CPRI, eCPRI
1330nm-TX/1270nm-RX10.3125Gbps10km, 20km, 40km, 60kmLC simplexDFB BiDiYesSFP+ MSA Compliant, CPRI, eCPRI
1490nm-TX/1550nm-RX10.3125Gbps80km, 100kmLC simplexDFB BiDiYesSFP+ MSA Compliant, CPRI, eCPRI
1550nm-TX/1490nm-RX10.3125Gbps80km, 100kmLC simplexDFB BiDiYesSFP+ MSA Compliant, CPRI, eCPRI

Note: BiDi transceivers must be used in pairs, which means if you use 1270nm-TX/1330nm-RX at one end, the other end of the link must be a 1330nm-TX/1270nm-RX transceiver.

Platform Support

FS 10G SFP+BiDi transceivers support multiple device brands including Cisco, Juniper, Brocade, Dell, Extreme, HW, Ciena, FS and other switch vendors.

BrandSeriesModel
FSS5850 SeriesT5850-48S6Q-R
CiscoWS SeriesWS-C4500X-24X-ES
CiscoWS SeriesWS-C3850-48XS-F-E
CiscoWS SeriesWS-X4904-10GE
CiscoNexus SeriesNexus 9000 N9K-C9396PX
CiscoNexus SeriesNexus 7000 N77-F348XP-23
CiscoASR SeriesASR 9000 A9K-RSP440-TR

Application

FS BiDi SFP+ transceivers are designed for long-haul 10Gb links. Nowadays, many enterprises and campuses are using BiDi transceivers to replace the legacy duplex SFP+ transceivers. Especially for campus environments requiring fibre connectivity to a large number of endpoints, FS brings the solution. The following figure shows a common 10G link between SFP+ switches via BiDi SFP+ transceivers and an LC simplex cable.

Ordering Information

Plenty of 10G BiDi SFP+ transceivers inventory is available in FS global warehouses. Customised product compatible brand, transmission distance, and wavelength are provided. For more available brands or series of products, please check out the product page or contact your account manager.

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FS 10G XFP Transceiver Solution

FS offers a variety of 10G transceiver form factors, such as SFP+, XFP, X2, and XENPAK, catering to diverse 10G links. The 10G XFP transceivers are compatible with an extensive array of switches, routers, and other equipment from various vendors.

FS 10G XFP Transceiver FS 10G X2 Transceiver FS 10G XENPAK Transceiver

Figure 1: FS 10G XFP/X2/XENPAK Transceiver

Features and Specifications

FS 10G XFP transceivers come in various types: standard XFP transceivers, BiDi XFP transceivers, CWDM transceivers, DWDM transceivers, and DWDM tunable transceivers. All variants feature DOM capabilities. Below are the specifications for each transceiver form factor.

Table 1: Regular XFP Transceiver Specifications

Form FactorWavelengthMax Cable DistanceConnectorMediaOptical ComponentsProtocols
10G XFP SR850nm300m over OM3 MMFLC duplexMMFVCSEL 850nmSFP+ MSA Compliant, CPRI, eCPRI
10G XFP LRM1310nm220m over OM3 MMFLC duplexMMFFP 1310nmSFP+ MSA Compliant, CPRI, eCPRI
10G XFP LRM1310nm2kmLC duplexSMFFP 1310nmSFP+ MSA Compliant, CPRI, eCPRI
10G XFP LR1310nm10kmLC duplexSMFDFB 1310nmSFP+ MSA Compliant, CPRI, eCPRI
10G XFP ER1550nm40kmLC duplexSMFEML 1550nmSFP+ MSA Compliant, CPRI, eCPRI
10G XFP ZR1550nm80kmLC duplexSMFEML 1550nmSFP+ MSA Compliant, CPRI, eCPRI
10G XFP ZRC1550nm100kmLC duplexSMFEML 1550nmSFP+ MSA Compliant, CPRI, eCPRI

Table 2: BiDi/CWDM/DWDM XFP transceiver specifications

Form FactorWavelengthMax Cable DistanceConnectorMediaOptical ComponentsProtocols
10G BiDi XFP1270nm-TX/1330nm-RX;1330nm-TX/1270nm-RX10km, 20km, 40km, 60km, 80kmLC simplexSMFDFB BiDiSFP+ MSA Compliant, CPRI, eCPRI
10G CWDM XFP1270nm~1610nm20km, 40km, 80kmLC duplexSMFDFB CWDMSFP+ MSA Compliant, CPRI, eCPRI
10G DWDM XFPC17~C6140km, 80kmLC duplexSMFEML DWDMSFP+ MSA Compliant, CPRI, eCPRI

Platform Support

FS 10G XFP transceivers are compatible with a diverse array of equipment, encompassing Cisco, Juniper, Brocade, Dell, Extreme, HW, Ciena, FS and various other switch vendors. Below are listed some of the equipment models that FS 10G XFP transceivers support.

BrandSeries
CiscoCisco ASR 9000 Series, Cisco 7600 Series, Cisco CRS Series, Cisco SCE8000 Series, Cisco SPA Series
JuniperJuniper MX960 Series
BrocadeBigiron RX Series, Netiron Series, Fastiron FGS Series, Netiron MLX Series, Netiron CES 2000 Series, Fastiron FESX Series, Fastiron X Series, Netiron CER 2000 Series

Ordering Information

Plenty of 10G XFP transceivers inventory is available at FS global warehouses. Apart from XFP transceivers, we also carry other form factors such as X2 and XENPAK. For further information on available brands or product series, please visit FS.com or reach out to your account manager.

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400ZR: Enable 400G for Next-Generation DCI

To cope with large-scale cloud services and other growing data center storage and processing needs, the data center systems have become increasingly decentralized and difficult to manage. And applications like artificial intelligence (AI) urgently need low-latency, high-bandwidth network architectures to support the large number of machine-to-machine input/output (I/O) generated between servers. To ensure the basic performance of these applications, the maximum fiber propagation between these distributed data centers must be limited to about 100 km. Therefore, these data centers must be connected in distributed clusters. In order to ensure high-bandwidth and high-density data center interconnection at the same time, 400G ZR came into being. In this post, we will reveal what 400ZR is, how it works and the influences it brings about.

What Is 400ZR?

400ZR, or 400G ZR, is a standard that will enable the transmission of multiple 400GE payloads over Data Center Interconnect (DCI) links up to 80 km using dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) and higher-order modulation. It aims to ensure an affordable and long-term implementation based on single-carrier 400G using dual-polarization 16 QAM (16-state quadrature amplitude modulation) at approximately 60 gigabaud (Gbaud). Developed by Optical Interconnect Forum (OIF), the 400ZR project is essential to facilitate the reduction of the cost and complexity of high-bandwidth data center interconnects and to promote interoperability among optical module manufacturers.

400G ZR

Figure 1: 400G ZR Transceiver in DCI Switch or Router

How Does 400ZR Work?

400G ZR proposes a technology-driven solution for high-capacity data transmission, which could be matched with the 400GE switch port. It uses a unique design of advanced coherent optical technology for small, pluggable form factor modules. Although the product form factor is not specified in the IA (implementation agreement), the companies or groups contributing to the 400ZR have defined this specification to fit the solution. These form factors defined separately by Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) bodies specify compact mechanical transceivers like QSFP-DD and OSFP, which are connectorized and pluggable into a compatible socket in a system platform. That is to say, the compatible 400ZR solutions that come to market will also be interoperable since the OIF and form factor MSAs are industry-wide organizations. And the interoperability of the 400ZR solutions offers the dual benefit of simplified supply chain management and deployment.

400ZR+ for Longer-reach Optical Transmission

Like other 400G transceivers, the pluggable coherent 400ZR solution can support 400G Ethernet interconnection and multi-vendor interoperability. However, it is not suitable for next-generation metro-regional networks that need transmission over 80 km with a line capacity of 400 Gb/s. Under such circumstances, 400ZR+, or 400G ZR+ is proposed. The 400ZR+ is expected to further enhance modularity by supporting multiple different channel capacities based on coverage requirements and compatibility with installed metro optical infrastructure. With 400ZR+, both the transmission distance and line capacity could be assured.

What Influences Will 400ZR Bring About?

Although 400ZR technology is still in its infancy, once it is rolled out, it will have a significant impact on many industries as the following three: hyper-scale data centers, distributed campuses & metropolitan areas and telecommunications providers.

400ZR Helps Cloud and Hyperscale Data Centers Adapt to the Growing Demand for Higher Bandwidth

The development of DCI and 400ZR could help cloud and hyper-scale data centers adapt to the growing demand for higher bandwidth on the network. They could deal with the exponential growth of applications such as cloud services, IoT devices, and streaming video. As time goes by, 400G ZR will contribute more to the ever-growing applications and users for the whole networking.

400ZR Will Support Interconnects in Distributed Data Centers

As is mentioned above, 400ZR technology will support the necessary high-bandwidth interconnects to connect distributed data centers. With this connection, distributed data centers can communicate with each other, share data, balance workloads, provide backup, and expand data center capacity when needed.

400ZR Allows Telecommunications Companies to Backhaul Residential Traffic

400G ZR standard will allow telecommunications companies to backhaul residential traffic. When running at 200 Gb/s using 64 Gbaud signalings and QPSK modulation, 400ZR can increase the range of high loss spans. For 5G networks, 400G ZR provides mobile backhaul by aggregating multiple 25 Gb/s streams. 400ZR helps promote emerging 5G applications and markets.

400ZR+/400ZR- Will Provide Greater Convenience Based on 400ZR

In addition to the interoperable 400G mode, the 400ZR transceiver is also expected to support other modes to increase the range of addressable applications. These modes are called 400ZR + and 400ZR-. “+” indicates that the power consumption of the module exceeds the 15W required by IA and some pluggable devices, enabling the module to use more powerful signal processing technology to transmit over distances of hundreds of kilometers. “-” indicates that the module supports low-speed modes, such as 300G, 200G, and 100G, which provide network operators with more flexibility.

Will 400ZR Stay Popular In the Next Few Years?

According to the data source below from LightCounting, 400ZR will lead the growth of optical module sales in 2021-2024. The figure below shows the shipment data of high-speed (100G and above) and low-speed (10G and below) DWDM modules sold on the market. It is clear that modules used in Cloud or DCI have an increasing tendency in 2021-2024. That means 400ZR will lead annual growth from 2021.

Source

In addition, with the first 100Gbps SerDes implementation in switching chips expected in 2021, the necessary data rate will move to 800 Gbps within the next 1-2 years for the optics interface. Since the OSFP form factor has been defined to allow an 8x 100GE interface without changing the definition of the transceiver. Similarly, in parallel, the coherent optics on the line side will transition to support 128GBaud 16QAM within a similar time frame, making it easy to migrate from the current 400ZR to the next-generation 800ZR. Therefore, 400ZR is crucial no matter in the current or the future network development.

Article Source

https://community.fs.com/blog/400zr-enable-400g-for-next-generation-dci.html

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