Data transmission distance primarily governs the choice of fiber optic transceiver type and optical fiber. When working with distances up to 2 km, use multimode optical-fiber cable. Singlemode optical-fiber cable, however, is more bandwidth-intensive and has less potential for modal dispersion and noise than multimode optical-fiber cable, translating to the ability to transmit beyond the distance limitations of multimode. Achieving long distance transmission with fiber optic transceivers is not difficult with the proper network tools. Single strand fiber solutions are the simplest way to long distance transmission. In this page we will introduce the application of fiber optic transceiver in the network construction progress which combines with this experience.
Use Optical Transceivers Rather Than Copper for Shorter Distance Applications
Copper SFPs provide a high-speed RJ45 data connector interface for unshielded, twisted-pair copper cable. The 1000BASE-T copper SFP allows a maximum link distance of up to 100 m. For 1Gbps Cisco SFP modules, if the optical transmission distance is less than 275 metres, multimode or single-mode optical fibre and any type of transceiver (figure shown below is a Cisco GLC-SX-MMD OEM SFP) can be used. If the transmission distance is between 275 and 500 metres, 50/125-micron multimode or single-mode optical fibre and any type of transceiver can be used.
Use Single- module SFP Transceivers for Long Distance Fiber Network Applications
If the transmission distance exceeds 500 metres, only single-mode optical fibre and a long wave laser transceiver can be used.
With the IEEE802.3ae tandard, seven new media types were defined for LAN, metropolitan area network and wide area network connectivity:
- 1000BASE-SX SFP for Multimode Fiber Only – link lengths up to 550m
- 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP for Both Multimode and Single-Mode Fibers – link lengths up to 10km on SMF and up to 550m on MMF.
- 1000BASE-EX SFP for Long-Reach Single-Mode Fibers – link lengths up to 40km.
- 1000BASE-ZX SFP for Long-Reach Single-Mode Fibers – link lengths up to 70km.
Use Dual-rate Optical Transceivers for Long-Reach Fiber Network Applications
The dual-rate SFP is interoperable with the IEEE 100BASE-LX and 1000BASE-LX/LH standards. In a dual-fiber single network configuration, it takes a group of fiber optic transceivers to achieve the desired electrical signal and light signal. When fiber optic transceivers are arranged in a group, they may exchange electrical signals and light signals. Fiber optic transceiver ports can be configured in adaptive mode.
Use 1000BASE-BX10 SFPs for Single-Fiber Bidirectional Applications
As we known, the 1000BASE-BX-D and 1000BASE-BX-U SFPs, compatible with the IEEE 802.3ah 1000BASE-BX10-D and 1000BASE-BX10-U standards, operate on a single strand of standard SMF. The1000Base-BX10 specification provides single-mode, single fiber support at a signaling speed of 1250 Mbps for a span of 10 km or greater depending on fiber type. The two wavelength ranges employed are:
- Downlink at 1480 to 1500 nm
- Uplink at 1260 to 1360 nm
Single-mode fiber enjoys lower fiber attenuation than multimode fiber and retains better fidelity of each light pulse, as it exhibits no dispersion caused by multiple modes. Thus, information can be transmitted over longer distances. Like multimode fiber, early single-mode fiber was generally characterized as step-index fiber meaning the refractive index of the fiber core is a step above that of the cladding rather than graduated as it is in graded-index fiber. Modern single-mode fibers have evolved into more complex designs such as matched clad, depressed clad, and other exotic structures.
Originally published at www.sfp-transceiver-modules.com
