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How to Choose the Right Type of Optical Transceiver

Choosing the right type of fiber optic


transceiver is not easy. You can approach
the selection process by reviewing the
device as a single entity or you can explore the fiber
cable separately. Either way, you need to be aware of
whats needed for your application to work optimally. If
you know what you need to edge out the competition,
youll be in a better position when youre speaking
with representatives about the fiber optic cable. Heres
what you should consider:

Which Fiber Mode Thats Required


There are two basic types of fiber: multimode fiber and
single-mode fiber. Multimode fiber will allow each
signal to travel on more than one pathway at one
time, which is best designed for short transmission
distances, and is suited for use in LAN systems and
video surveillance. Single-mode fiber is best designed
for longer transmission distances, which is used in

applications that need bandwidth that will travel over


long distances.

Determine if Youll Need Full-Duplex or Half-Duplex


Some chips will only use full-duplex configuration.
Selecting switches, HUBs, or transceivers with halfduplex mode may cause loss and conflict. Only choose
full-duplex unless you think that your application can
support half-duplex. Nowadays, Ethernet interfaces on
the switch operate at 10, 100, or 1000 Mbps, or
10,000 Mbps and in either full- or half-duplex mode.

Consider Whether Youll Need a Safety Device to


Prevent Packet Loss
Some vendors may just need to reduce costs and loss.
Thus,

they

have

to

choose

transceiver

with

maximum safety features and loss prevention.

Consider Whether the Transceivers Have Temperature


Adaptability
Optical

transceivers

transceivers

may

shouldnt
fail

run

hot.

prematurely

at

Optical
high

temperatures. That is why its important to know how


well an optical transceivers can adapt to heat if it will
be in high temperatures.

Determine if Youll Need Copper or Optical Fiber


Take an example of Gigabit Ethernet SFP module,
1000BASE-T (e.g. GLC-T) SFP module operates on
standard Category 5 wiring and has a RJ-45 connector.
1000BASE-SX SFP transceiver operates on ordinary
multi-mode fiber optic link spans of up to 550 m in
length. 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP operates on single-mode
fiber (SMF) for a maximum length of 10km. 1000BASEZX SFP using an extended wavelength operates on
single-mode optical fiber for up to 100km.

Consider the Construction of the Fiber Youll Need


There are some basic types of internal construction,
but you have to choose the one that will work best for
your application. One of the most popular types is the
distribution

or

tight

pack.

The

second

type

of

construction is the breakout or fan-out design. This


design gives each buffered fiber its own individual

jacket and is a more durable design.

Optical Transceivers The zip cord or assembly is


another type of internal construction that is offered to
the designers. This is one of the preferred internal
construction options. In this construction, one or two
buffered

fibers

in

individual

jackets

should

be

considered. Single fiber cable is recommended for


patching.

The last factor you should consider is the level of


flame resistance. Remember that there are three
different grades available: general, special, and high.
The level of flame resistance can be measured through
a variety of tests including those determining smoke
density values and flame propagation.

Choosing the Right Type of Optical Transceiver is Not


Easy
Choosing the right type of fiber is not easy. There are
lots of elements to be considered. These are typically
considered on a case-by-case basis. Consider all of the

factors mentioned such as the internal construction,


fiber mode, fiber cable jackets, and the level of flame
resistance.

OEM Optical Transceiver Solution


Fibercasa is a professional OEM manufacturer and
supplier of optical networking solutions, which can
supply

100%

compatible

Cisco

SFP

and

SFP+

transceivers, such as GLC-SX-MM, GLC-SX-MMD, GLC-T,


GLC-LH-SMD and GLC-FE-100LX, etc. According to your
requirements, Fibercasa welcome any inquiry for
customized fiber optical transceiver.
View: www.fibercasa.com for more information

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