Comparison Between MMF and SMF Optical Cables

According to different standards, fiber optic cables can be categorized into different classifications. One way is to classify the cable into single-mode fiber (SMF) and multimode fiber (MMF). The comparison between these two types of optical cables can assist you in choosing the most suitable cable for device. This article will compare the two kinds of cables from cable path, distance, precision termination, cost and color. Hope you can find some useful information from the article.

Single Path Vs. Multiple Paths

SMF uses laser light which usually follows a single path through the fiber. MMF takes multiple paths, which may result in a differential mode delay. Each type of fiber can be applied for different equipment. It’s important to know which application is more suitable for practical use. Otherwise, it will not operate at optimal levels.

Short Distances Vs. Long Distances

SMF is used for long distance communication, and MMF is used for distances of 500m or less. Each type is equally as effective when chosen for the proper communication device. Make sure to check the ratings to determine which type is best for your application. The distances should be clearly marked.

Thick Core Size Vs. Thin Core Size

SMF typically has a smaller core size of 8.3 to 10 microns in diameter which is more precise for signal transmission in long distance, while the core size of MMF is much larger than SMF from 50 to100 microns in diameter which is more suitable for short distance transmission owing to the signal distortion. With a thinner core size, SMF is only allowed to carry a single light-wave along a single path, while the thick core size makes MMF able to carry different light-waves along numerous paths without modal dispersion limitation.

Low Cost Vs. High Cost

MMF is typically a lower cost solution than SMF. Limited budget may prompt designers to seek solutions with MMF fiber optic cables. The equipment that’s used for communications over MMF is usually less expensive than SMF. But the typical transmission speed and distance of MMF have limitations of 100 Mbit/s for distances up to 2 km.

Color Differences

MMF and SMF cables can also be distinguished by color. Usually, yellow is used for SMF cable color and orange or aqua is used for MMF cables. It is much easier to distinguish them just by their appearance color.

Other Primary Differences

MMF is typically characterized by having a larger core diameter. In most cases, it’s larger than the wavelength of light it supports. Therefore, MMF has more capacity to gather light than SMF. A larger core size means that designers can create a lower cost electronic device and offer a lower price to the public. Also, by using light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), the costs can be driven down even more.

Conclusion

SMF and MMF are two different optic cables which have their own separate application fields. It is terribly wrong for not selecting suitable SMF or MMF patch cables according to the application. Think twice before you are certain that the cable is the best choice for your project. If you want to know more details about SMF and MMF fiber optic cables, FS.COM can solve all your problems.

The article originates from http://www.fiber-optic-cable-sale.com/comparison-between-mmf-and-smf-optical-cables.html.

Ways to Classify Fiber Optic Transceivers

You may find different types of fiber optic transceivers on the market, but how to classify these transceivers into specific categories? In this article, several factors which can influence the classification of optic transceivers will be introduced for an overall understanding of transceiver modules. The factors may include the applications of transceivers for which they are intended. Now, let’s have a look at the explanation of these criteria used to classify fiber optic transceivers.

Data Transfer Distance

Fiber optic transceivers are not possibly transferring the same distance. For instance, a multimode transceiver transmission will typically include a distance of 2 km to 5 km. A single-mode transceiver can transmit a distance from 20 km to 120 km. This is important in selecting a transceiver for an application. If the transmission distance is not adequate, the application will not function properly. Data transmission distance may be affected by whether the transceivers are single fiber or dual fiber.

Work Level/Rate Points

Work-level and rate points also have different categories, which range from 10 M to 1000 M. These points are categorized into two different types: rack-mounted fiber optic transceivers or desktop fiber optic transceivers. Desktop fiber optic transceivers are typically chosen for a low-traffic environment or one user. For instance, if we need to “meet the corridor in a single switch on the joint”, fiber optic transceivers may be used. By contrast, rack-mounted fiber optic transceivers are designed for multi-user aggregation.

When points are discussed according to work, the full duplex mode occurs when the data transmission is transmitted by two different transmission lines. There is communication at both ends of the device and are used for both sending and receiving operations. Generally, in this type of transceiver configuration, there is no time delay generated by the operation.

The half-duplex mode is used with a single transmission line that is used for both reception and transmission. The communication cannot occur simultaneously in the same direction. And this is the reason why it is called the half-duplex system.

Managed Vs. Unmanaged Transceivers

Unmanaged Ethernet optical transceivers are typically plug and play. They may have electrical interfaces with hardware Dual In-line Package (DIP) switch settings mode. With managed Ethernet fiber optic transceivers, they support a carrier-grade network management.

Built-In Power Supply Vs. External Power Supply

A built-in power supply fiber optic transceiver can support equipment power protection, filters, and a wide power supply voltage regulator. This type of configuration reduces the external point of failure. An external power supply is preferred because the device is affordable and compact.

These ways for classification will come into play when your design requires fiber optic transceivers. You are capable to choose the right type of transceiver for application, and your clients may also be satisfied with dependability of the transceiver you pick for them. On the contrary, once you fail to select the suitable transceiver for not referring to the classification, the equipment will break down prematurely and become less reliable. In order to prevent the undesirable consequences, it is important to know the classification of optic transceiver modules.

The article originates from http://www.sfp-transceiver-modules.com/wiki/a/105/Ways-to-Classify-Fiber-Optic-Transceivers.

How Much Do You Know About Fiber Connectors

Fiber connector is an inseparable part for connecting optic fiber with network devices. An optical fiber connector terminates the end of an optical fiber, and enables quicker connection and disconnection than splicing. The connectors mechanically couple and align the cores of fibers so light can pass. Without fiber connector, data can not be easily transmitted, therefore it is a better way for fiber optic transmission. But how much do you know about it?

Four Commonly Used Fiber Connectors

Here is the introduction to some commonly used fiber connectors:

SC Connector  SC connector, being square, has a nickname of "Square Connector", which some people believe to be the correct name, rather than the more official name of "Subscriber Connector". Other terms often used for SC connectors are “Set and Click” and “Stab and Click”. It is a snap-in connector used for high performance transmission. First invented by Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) in 1980s. SC connector has a 2.5mm ceramic ferrule for providing accurate alignment. It is now one of the most popular connectors in the world because of its cheaper price, easier push-off installation, high-temperature and high-pressure resistance.

LC Connector  As a widely used fiber optic connector for jointing equipment with optic fiber, the LC connector solution was developed in response to customer needs for smaller and easier-to-use fiber optic connectivity. LC stands for “Lucent Connector”, and sometimes to be called as “Little Connector”. The shape of LC looks like SC connector but is usually considered to be the replacement of SC connector due to a 1.25mm ferrule, which is only half the size of SC connector. LC connector is available for the push-pull function which is convenient for installation and uninstallation and is favored for single-mode.

ST Connector  ST connector refers to having a “Straight Tip” because of its tipped shape on the top. Other names including "Set and Twist", "Stab and Twist", and "Single Twist" are referring to how it is inserted. It is a quick release bayonet style connector with a 2.5mm keyed ferrule. Developed by American Telephone & Telegraph (AT&T), ST connector is thought to be the first actual standard connector for most commercial wiring which took the leading role of industry in the late 80s and early 90s. But due to its usage limitation for single-mode fiber and FTTH, it is less welcomed than before.

 

FC Connector  FC connector is short for “Ferrule Connector” or “Fiber Channel”. It is a screw coupling type connector with 2.5mm ferrule which was also the first optical fiber connector to use a ceramic ferrule. The FC standard is made for NTT installations, developed by Nippon Electric Co. (NEC). But since the growth of SC and LC connectors, its usage has been declined.

Applications

The application of fiber optic connectors can reach various aspects of the telecommunication industry. They are applied to the quicker connection and disconnection between optic fiber and equipment, and different types connectors also have different practical areas. SC connector is widely used in datacom and telecom, Gigabit-Capable PON (GPON), Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON), GBIC offering an excellent packing density. And LC connector is replacing SC connector for the high-density connection on small form-factor pluggable transceivers, such as SFP, SFP+ and XFP transceivers. ST connector is usually used for short distance applications and long line systems in datacom and telecom premise installation and test lab. With the screw-on connection, FC connector is suitable for datacom, telecom, measurement equipment, single-mode lasers, especially for high vibration environments for that the spring-loaded ferrule can be firmly mated.

Conclusion

On the whole, different types of fiber connectors provide an easier and quicker solution for connecting and disconnecting the optic fiber with network devices. Fiberstore provides cost-effective but high quality connectors with many different choices, you can find any type of fiber connectors you want in the website. So what are you waiting for? Please come to FS.COM to start your new shopping journey.


The article originates from http://www.chinacablesbuy.com/how-much-do-you-know-about-fiber-connectors.html.

Reasons for Choosing Optic Fiber Over Copper Cable

 Nowadays, facilities like studios and control rooms are being upgraded to support the 4G or even 5G networks. This calls for fiber-based infrastructures to support the higher data rates. Optic fiber can provide substantial advantages of high performance over longer distances, virtually unlimited bandwidth, reduced sensitivity to electrical interference, lower cost and design of greater space and lighter weight. These benefits make optic fiber much better than the average copper cable. Followings are some specifically explanatory reasons for choosing optic fiber over copper cable.

 Firstly, the virtually unlimited bandwidth of optical fiber is better than the bandwidth limit of copper coaxial cable (coax). With a relatively low attenuation, the unlimited bandwidth is able to produce some rather surprising increases in capacity and range. Here’s an example, some fiber optic product combinations can reach the link length of more than 100km while a copper cable can only handle 3G for up to 75m. It can also carry multiple signals and a wide range of signal formats in a single cable. Moreover, the virtually unlimited bandwidth makes it possible for optic fibers to transmit bidirectional wavelengths with one in the forward direction and another in the reverse direction. 

 Secondly, the cost of fiber is not that expensive as it was before. In general, fiber cable is more expensive than copper cable in the short run, but it may be less expensive in the long run. The typical published price in the US for a single core PVC jacketed single-mode fiber is even cheaper than broadcast quality coax cable, suitable for HD-SDI, thus it is not a dream to make the cost of other optic fibers less than the cost of copper cable in the future. When transmitting the different signal types of digital systems, for instance, two video signals with four channels of audio, this benefit is required to make the digital systems affordable for people. In a word, bandwidth costs money, and fiber offers a way to minimize these costs. 

 Thirdly, the design of size and weight of the optic fiber is better than the copper cable. For example, a 2.9mm single core fiber weighs about 9 grams per meter, but a 1694A coax is about 61 grams per meter which is over six and a half times heavier than optic fiber. This kind of advantage is especially benefit for production trucks or OB vans which can solve the tight space and weight problems.

 From the discussion above, we may have a general understanding of why we should choose optic fiber rather than copper cable. In addition, there are also some ways for easier fiber transition. 

 One is the using of Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) fiber optic transceiver. SFP fiber modules are small, hot-pluggable devices used to provide fiber connectivity to 3G/HD/SD devices. The single-mode SFP fiber optic transceiver helps devices to be used over long range without degrading signal quality. The most important benefit is that SFP simplifies the migration to fiber. 

 Another method is the utilizing of CWDM fiber. It is ideally used to meet the demand of carrying multiple and different signals across long distances, either building-to-building or truck-to-truck. The CWDM MUX unit can combine at most 18 different wavelengths into a single optical fiber, and it is the same for CWDM DEMUX in reverse. Signal types are irrelevant to these units, thus different signals like AES, MADI, DVB-ASI, 3G/HD/SD-SDI or Ethernet can travel on the same fiber link. 

 To sum up, the benefits of choosing optic fiber are more than choosing copper cable. Because fiber cable costs less than it was once, becomes physically smaller, and weighs less. Also, compared to one copper coax, a single fiber is available to carry 18 full 3G signals, and a fiber signal path can be 500 to 1000 times longer than that of copper coax. From a system design, installation and maintenance perspective, the application of SFP fiber and CWDM fiber also helps a simpler proposition for optic fiber cable. Hence, optic fiber is highly recommended to be used in all broadcast facilities, as well as at pay TV operator networks. Optic fiber is a better choice for everyone.

Different Types of DAC & AOC

SFP+ to SFP+ DAC is the direct attach twinax copper cable that connects a SFP+ on one terminal end and another SFP+ on the other end. It provides input and output of 10G Ethernet through the SFP+ small form factor. SFP+ to SFP+ DAC can be categorized into passive SFP+ to SFP+ DAC and active DAC. The passive copper uses straight wire which does not consume power and usually used in short distance up to 12m, while the active copper uses power-consuming electronic components which is lighter and thinner with a limitation distance from 15 to 20m.

QSFP+ to QSFP+ DAC is a type of direct attach twinax copper cable that links two QSFP+ transceiver modules on each terminal end which eliminates the connector. QSFP+ to QSFP+ DAC operates in 40G Ethernet by using the quad small-form factor pluggable plus with integrated duplex serial data links for bidirectional communication. There are classifications of passive QSFP+ to QSFP+ DAC and active QSFP+ to QSFP+ DAC. The former is cheaper but not includes electronic components, while the latter is more expensive but possesses electronic components with higher performance.

 QSFP+ to 4 SFP+ DAC is the direct attach twinax copper cable which has one QSFP+ module on one end and four SFP+ modules on the other end. It is designed to be applied in 40 Gigabit Ethernet. The port with a QSFP+ is available to provide the data rate of 40Gbps, and the port with four SFP+ is able to reach the rate of 10Gbps for each module. This type of DAC enables the cable to reach more than one device at the terminal end, which is more effective and useful for multiple devices performing at the same time. And it has two sorts of passive QSFP+ to 4 SFP+ DAC and active QSFP+ to 4 SFP+ DAC.

SFP+ to SFP+ AOC is the active optical cable that attaches two SFP+ transceivers to each end. It is used for 10G Ethernet transmission for a much longer distance than direct attach copper cable which can reach up to 100 meters. The material of AOC is made of optic fiber to convey electronics and optics. This makes SFP+ to SFP+ AOC have a higher performance and lower power consumption. Since the SFP+ to SFP+ AOC is always active, it has no other classifications.

QSFP+ to QSFP+ AOC is the active optical cable which connects an QSFP+ transceiver on one end and a QSFP+ transceiver on the other end. QSFP+ to QSFP+ AOC can reach a wider bandwidth of 40G in Ethernet which enables a faster transmitting speed. The connected distance is limited up to 100m which is longer than DAC products. QSFP+ to QSFP+ AOC transmits electronic and optical data via optic fiber which provides a better functionality, and it is keeping to be active all the time.

QSFP+ to 4 SFP+ AOC is the active optical cable, one of its terminal end is linked to an QSFP+ module and the other end is linked to four different SFP+ modules. It is applied in the 40G Ethernet with a higher transmission speed than 10G products. The QSFP+ to 4 SFP+ AOC can be connected to more than one device which greatly improved the effectiveness of devices. With the development of AOC, it is now acting as the replacement of DAC for a higer performance with optic fiber.

Direct Attach Cable & Active Optical Cable

Direct Attach Cable (DAC) is the cable that links the integrated duplex data transceivers for bi-directional communication, and the modules and cable can not be separated. It is designed for 10 Gigabit Ethernet, and is only available for 10G port. DAC can be classified into passive and active ones. The passive DAC only provides direct connection between cable ends, transmission through copper wire, while the active DAC can provide electronics and optics within connectors, transmission through fiber. Therefore, DAC is can be either passive or active but Active Optical Cable (AOC) which belongs to the category of active DAC is active all the time. 

Active Optical Cable (AOC) is a kind of cable linked to transceiver modules without connectors. The connection can not be separated, if the transceiver or cable needs to be changed, they should be removed together. It is an active DAC to provide electronics and optics within connectors, transmission through fiber. AOC has the advantage of a wider bandwidth which can reach up to 40Gbps with QSFP+, a lighter weight compared with direct attach copper cable and the electromagnetic (EMI) immunity. But the shortage of AOP is the expensive price in light of its cost.

Fiber optic connector is the terminal end of an optic fiber, it is easier and faster for people to joint different devices with connector instead of splicing which needs other tools for connection. The connector allows light pass through optic fiber. There are many types of connectors, such as SC connector, LC connector, FC connector, ST connector, and MTP/MPO connector. Different kinds of connectors are varied in different connector size or connecting ways. Generally, one system will use the same type of connectors.

MPO connector is a Multi-fiber Push-On/Off connector used for the joint between devices and optic fiber. It is designed for high-density light transmission in high-speed bandwidth and data network. The difference between MPO connector and other types of connectors is its larger size of multiple connectors on one end and a single connector on the other end. MPO product is available with 8, 12, 24 and 48 connectors which allows the operator to change channels simply by repatching the fanned-out side of the cable. There are two structures of MPO plug, one is the female plug with guide hole, and another is male plug with guide pin. 28.LC connector is a widely used fiber optic connector to joint equipment and optic fiber together. 

MOP connector

LC connector stands for lucent connector. It is a small form-factor fiber optic connector designed to provide horizontal light waves vary from 1280nm to 1624nm. It is considered to be the replacement for SC connector due to a 50% smaller size of a 1.25mm ferrule.The shape of connector is the same as SC connector but also smaller. LC connector is available for the push-pull function which is convenient for installation and uninstallation and is favored for single-mode. 

LC connector

SC connector is a snap-in connector used for high performance transmission. First invented by Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) in 1980s. SC is abbreviated for Square Connector owing to its square shape, and has a 2.5mm ceramic ferrule for providing accurate alignment. It is adopted in the same coupling way and pin as FC connector. SC connector is now one of the most popular connectors in the world because of its cheaper price, easier push-off installation, high-temperature and high-pressure resistance.

SC connector

MPO Fiber Optic Patch Cable

MPO fiber optic patch cable is one of the fiber optic patch cables for the use of connecting the ends of two different computer devices. MPO is short for Multi-fiber Push On, it is a technique for the high integration level of fiber paths. It usually has two to twelves multiple cores, and twenty-four cores at most. And the cable connector has two different ends of a female one and a male one. It also can be classified into single-mode and multiple-mode according to different distance. In a word, with the multiple cores in optic fiber, the performance of fiber is highly improved.

Multimode Fiber Patch Cable

Multimode fiber patch cable is a kind of fiber patch cable to connect one network device with another. In contrast with single-mode fiber patch cable, it has a larger diametral core of 50μm or 62.5μm and can transmit light waves through multiple paths which decreases the cost and increases the bandwidth. However, this kind of mode will cause more loss while transmitting the light waves due to chromatic dispersion. In this way, multimode fiber patch cable is usually used for short distance transmission. The color of this mode is also unique as orange or grey for distinction.

Single-Mode Fiber Patch Cable

Single-mode fiber patch cable is a type of patch cable used for the connection of two network device ends. As for the meaning of single-mode, it is a form of data transmission which uses only one single path to transmit light signals. This greatly reduces the signal loss during the transmission process, thus single-mode fiber patch cable is normally used for long distance transmission. It only restricts the mode of waves not the frequencies, therefore multiple waves can join in the fiber with different frequencies. And single-mode fiber patch cable has its own yellow color to make a distinction from other mode fiber patch cables.

Patch Cable

Patch cable, also known as patch cord or patch lead, is the copper wire or fiber optic cable for the connection between one electronic or fiber device to another. It is often used for short range connection. There are different types of patch cable, each of them is distinguished in a specific color. For instance, the Multimode Fiber Patch Cable is usually in orange or grey and Single-mode Fiber Patch Cable in yellow. Patch cable is generally made from stranded sheathing in order to enable pliability to reduce the risk of breaking them when carrying or unplugging them.

FC SFP

Fiber Channel (FC) SFP is the transceiver using the technology of fiber channel for the high speed optical signal transmission. Fiber channel is a mature technology for serial interface standardized by American National Standards Institute (ANSI), it is applied for the connection between the storage controller and computer drivers. Nowadays, FC has played as a replacement for the Small Computer System Interface (SCSI) in high-performance storage systems, because fiber channel is faster in transmission speed, and more flexible in the transmitting mode with or without fiber in accordance with the transmission range.

SONET SFP

Synchronous Optical Networking (SONET) SFP or Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) SFP is a kind of transceiver based on the SONET/SDH standard. SONET is the physical standard for fiber optical transmission, first brought out by Bellcore in 1980s and then standardized by American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for the popularization in the whole world. In the SONET standard, it mainly stipulates the transmission rate, fiber interface, operation and maintenance in optical fiber transmission. With the help of SONET, the communication device around the world can connect with each other, which greatly improved the efficiency of fiber communication.

DWDM SFP

Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing Small Form-factor Pluggable (DWDM SFP) is the hot-pluggable transceiver used for Gigabit Ethernet which gathers different wavelengths together onto one single fiber. DWDM SFP has a more intensive wave spacing for a high performance of data communication, nowadays it can reach the speed up to 400Gbps on one optic fiber. The wave intervals are varied in 0.4nm, 0.8nm, 1.6nm etc. according to people’s need. The port of this transceiver still used the SFP interface for over 1 gigabit optical data transmission.

CWDM SFP

CWDM SFP is a kind of single mode transceiver used for Gigabit Ethernet and fiber channel applications. It is made up of three parts: a uncooled laser transmitter, a PIN photodiode integrated with a trans-impedance preamplifier and a MCU control unit. The wavelengths of CWDM SFP are between 1470nm and 1610nm distinguished by different colors. Most commonly used CWDM SFP transceivers include CWDM SFP 1470, CWDM SFP 1490, CWDM SFP 1510, CWDM SFP 1530, CWDM SFP 1550, CWDM SFP 1570, CWDM SFP 1590, CWDM SFP 1610. CWDM SFP can support the high performance of 1.25Gbps data rate and 80km distance of signal transmission.

DWDM

Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing(DWDM) is used for carrying multiple optic waves into one single optic fiber. Compared with CWDM, the CWDM possesses a much more dense wavelength intervals which can support up to 80 channels at present. And each channel can carry the 2.5Gbps light signal. Therefore, DWDM maintains a more stable wavelength than CWDM and is available for long diatance optical transmission. But the biggest shortage of DWDM is the high cost of device price and energy consumption, it is not suitable for the use among ordinary people.

CWDM

Coarse Wavelength-Division Multiplexing (CWDM) is an economical technique to save fiber resources through transmitting multiple wavelengths on one optic fiber. Especially, CWDM has the benefit of low cost becuase of its uncooled modulating lazer which only consumes 0.5w power. The cost of CWDM system only takes up 30% of the DWDM expense. Thus, CWDM is suitable for the application in short distance, high bandwidth and areas with dense access points. However, the disadvantage of CWDM is that its supportable wavelengths are limited, usually for five or six different optic wavelengths between 1270nm and 1610nm with a 20nm interval.

WDM

WDM is the acronym of Wavelength-Division Multiplexing, it is a technique to carry different wavelengths through a single optic fiber. The system uses one multiplexer at the transmitting end to combine several signals with each other, and a demultiplexer at the receiving end to split the signals apart. According to the differences of channel space, there are mainly two kinds of WDM techniques, one is DWDM (Dense Wavelength-Division Multiplexing), and the other is CWDM (Coarse Wavelength-Division Multiplexing). WDM makes bidirectional communication come ture, which greatly saves the cost of optical fiber.

BiDi SFP

BiDi SFP, known as Bi-Directional SFP, is the fiber optic transceiver for over 1 gigabit data transmission. The core technology of this kind of transceiver is BiDi transmission which uses Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) technique for bidirectional transmission of two different waves with only one optical fiber. Since the BiDi module just has one port , it must be employed in pairs. For example, when one port is used for receiving 1310nm and transmitting 1550nm optical signals, the other should receive 1550nm and transmit 1310nm signals, and vice versa. In this way, BiDi products usually cost more money than ordinary ones, but it is a better way to use BiDi transceivers to save the optical fiber expenditure.

QSFP28 Transceiver

QSFP28 is a 4-channel transceiver available for the transmission and reception of light and electricity data in fiber communication. 28 stands for the highest possible rate of 4x28Gbps in transmission. Compared with SFP+ and product, it is capable of transmitting the information on 100G Ethernet and consumes lower power for over 50% reduction. In general, QSFP28 is an evolvement version of QSFP, it is used on 100G Ethernet while QSFP transceiver on 40G Ethernet. The application of QSFP28 is often employed on high-speed interconnects within and between switches, routers and transport equipment, on server-server clusters, super-computing interconnections and on various backplanes.

CXP Transceiver

CXP is the fiber optic transceiver with a high integration level for data communication. It works for 100G Ethernet and chassis interconnections equipped with 12 channels. These 12 channels achieved the duplex transmission for both receiving and sending signals which greatly enhanced the transmission speed. And it supports multirate transmission up to 12.5Gbps per channel. CXP is 45mm long and 27mm wide which is a little bigger than XFP packaging. Up till now, the technology for CXP is still in progress, but it will become the development tendency for the use of fiber optic transceivers.

CFP4 Transceiver

CFP4 is an optical transceiver module to transmit and receive light or electricity information. It is an upgraded version of CFP2 which reaches a smaller size of only 21mm width, that is one quarter the size of CFP and half the size of CFP2. CFP4 is applied for 100G Ethernet communication and long distance transmission up to 10km. In view of the better functionality of CFP4, it costs much higher than the average transceivers, thus is not so commonly used by ordinary people. In the future, when technology matures, it may be available as the mainstream product for a 400G network.

CFP2 Transceiver

CFP2 is an evolved version of CFP used as an 100G form-factor pluggable transceiver for fiber optical communication. With a higher integration level, CFP2 is only half the size of CFP in 41mm. It consumes lower power and possesses a more compact port and higher production capacity. Besides these small differences, the functionality of CFP and CFP2 is identical. As for transmission range, CFP2 is usually used for long distance network applications up to 10km. Followed by CFP2, CFP4 is now designed to satisfy the further development of fiber optical transmission.

CFP Transceiver

In the near future, 100G network will be applied as mainstream. In order to meet people’s need, CFP transceiver is developed for a faster transmission of light and electricity information. CFP is short for Centum Form-factor Pluggable, it is a new type transceiver for the 100G fiber optical network. It can replace many former transceivers like SFP+, SFP, XFP etc., and provide a more efficient ability of information transmission. Although CFP can realize the 100Gbps speed, it has an inconvenient big bulk. Then CFP2 and CFP4 came out to solve the volume problem of CFP.

QSFP Transceiver

Today, people are no longer satisfied with 10G bandwidth in network communication, therefore 40G QSFP transceiver is designed to replace SFP whose transmission speed is at most 10Gbps. QSFP is the acronym for Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable, it is a fiber optic transceiver with four channels used for transmitting and receiving light or electricity signals. Compared with the one channel SFP transceiver, QSFP is obviously more efficient and has a higher density. And the volume of QSFP is only 30% bigger than SFP, it is still portable and light for people to carry and install.

XENPAK Transceiver

XENPAK is short for 10 Gigabit Ethernet Transceiver Package. When the Ethernet Network involved into a 10G network, XENPAK was invented to support the fiber optical telecommunication of such speed. It has been put into use since 2001 and belongs to one of the earlist 10G transceivers, nowadays it can only be used for some old equipments. The shape of XENPAK is pretty ponderous which can not fit the present standard, and it costs more power than the later transceivers of same functions. We can say that this kind of transceiver is nearly out of date, but we can not deny that it is a milestone during the advance of fiber optic transceivers.

X2 Transceiver

X2 is an updated product of XENPAK, it is a kind of optical transceiver for the transition of light and electricity in electro-optical communication. Based on the same function of transmitting 10G signal and same connectors as XENPAK, X2 transceiver is created to be only half the volume of XENPAK which is easier for installation and carrying. And it can realize the high-density application which XENPAK can not achieve. With the development of technology, X2 is later replaced by SFP+ and many other new-fashioned transceivers for a more effective use.

XFP Transceiver

XFP is a hot-swappable optical transceiver for the transition of light and electricity signals in high-speed computer network and telecommunication links that use optical fiber. XFP means 10 gigabit small form factor pluggable. Before it came out, the transmission speed could only reach 1.25Gbps, 2.5Gbps or 4Gbps. However, this speed can not adapt to the network development, therefore XFP was designed for transmitting 10G data per second which greatly enhanced the communication speed. XFP is cheaper than SFP+ which can also provide the same transmission capacity, but due to its large size, people may choose a smaller-sized transceiver like SFP+.

SFP+ Transceiver

SFP+ is a kind of fiber optic transceiver for the conversion of light and electricity signals, its full name is enhanced small form-factor pluggable. SFP+ is the upgraded version of SFP which can transmit a faster speed of 10 Gbps. It has the same appearance and connector as SFP but can provide a higer speed than SFP. Generally, when a SFP can support over 8Gbps, it will be called as SFP+. Although the price of SFP+ is more expensive than SFP, it costs less than XFP and has a more dense form factor package than XFP.

SFP Transceiver

SFP is a type of fiber optic transceiver used for the conversion of light and electricity signals, it is the abbreviation of small form-factor pluggable. SFP is a mini version of GBIC, it has all the functions of GBIC, for example, SFP can also transmit over 1 gigabit signals and it is hot-pluggable. The advantage of this transceiver is its small size which is easier for people to carry and install. SFP came into being in 2001 right after GBIC, it lead people to a smaller-sized era of fiber optic transceiver.

GBIC Transceiver

GBIC stands for gigabit interface converter, which is a fiber optic transceiver module used for optical communication. Also, it is the first standardized optical transceiver which can transmit or receive over 1 gigabit signals in the Gigabit Ethernet. After its appearance in 2000, people could achieve long distance signal transmission regardless the limitation of bandwidth. GBIC is the hot-pluggable transceiver which can be moved in or out without cutting off the electricity. However, with the development of technology, GBIC can no longer meet the demand of people because of its large bulk, people prefer a smaller and more portable transceiver for the convenience of transmission.

Fiber Optic Transceiver

Fiber optic transceiver is a device used for the transition of light and electricity in fiber optical communication. It is made up of functional circuit, optical interface and optoelectronic device, among which optoelectronic device is the most important part. Optoelectronic device has two functions: transmitting the electricity signal into light signal and receiving light signal into electricity signal. According to different capacity needs, there are different connectors of fiber optic transceivers , and the most commonly used ones are SFP, SFP+ and XFP. The parameters of central wavelength, transmission rate and transmission range will also limit the functions of fiber optic transceivers.