Recently we met a big project that involved the network channel installation about digital optical transmission equipment, in fact, it is not so complex as the organization network ways, just we can use with SDH and downward access with switches over backbone line, but because of the SDH equipment covers all the site in the progress of construction, so it need to be solved for long distance network connections by another way. Fortunately, we have much experiences in using fiber optic transceiver, this page we will introduce the application of fiber optic transceiver in the network construction progress which combines with this experience.

1. Multimode fiber optic transceiver and multimode fiber optic cables

Fiber optic transceiver is an ethernet transmission device that can exchange the light signal and electrical signal, fiber optic cables that can transfer data over network can be divided into multimode fiber optic cables and single-mode fiber optic cables, fiber core diameter of multimode fiber cable is 50~62.5 μm，and the single-mode fiber cable core diameter is 8.3 μm. In fact, these data are not intuitive for us, we can judge it only by colors, the multimode fiber pigtail's color is orange and the single-mode fiber cable is yellow. From the network applications, because of multimode fiber optic cable can transmit for not tool long distance, it just can be used between the buildings, but because of the price is relatively cheap, so there are still some people like to use it. A Multimode Cisco GLC-SX-MM transceiver in figure 1.

Figure 1. Cisco GLC-SX-MM Multimode Transceiver

2. Single-mode fiber optic transceiver series

With the development of technology, this phenomenon that single mode fiber cables applied into the long distance network installation is more and more popular, nowadays many customers use fiber optic transceiver directly, just we call it FTTH (fiber to the home), and these different types of fiber optic transceivers we will introduce to you all based on single mode fiber cables. A Cisco GLC-LX-SM-RGD 1310nm 10km Single-Mode SFP in figure 2.

Figure 2. Cisco GLC-LX-SM-RGD 1310nm 10km Single-Mode Transceiver

Dual Fiber Single Network Port

The dual fiber single network port fiber optic transceiver just use two fibers, a fiber is used to receive and another is used to transmit. A group of fiber optic transceivers can achieve the exchange of electrical signal and light signal. The network device may a switch, also may a server, well, we can see the fiber optic transceiver as PC, which connected with the switch is straight through cable, and with the server is cross cable. With the development of technology, the fiber optic transceiver ports have been generally made adaptive mode (automatic matching cross-line and direct line), it also bring conveniences to the projects.

Single Fiber Single Network Port

With the continuous development of business, we are faced with an unavoidable problem that the shortage of fiber resources. Some companies want to connect the network but there is only a fiber, it is time to use the single mode fiber optic transceiver, it means that receive and transmit signal over a fiber, this product use WDM technology, related product: passive cwdm mux (shown as the figure). The wavelength usually are 1310nm and 1550 nm, and the 1310 nm stands for transmission, and the 1550 nm stands for receiving.

Single Fiber Dual Ethernet Port

With the development of business, some units put forward higher requirements, for example, we organized network for one bank, he asked us to provide two Ethernet lines to separate from. it needs mature and safe fiber optic transceiver device technology, in order to simply the cost of fiber optic devices and achieve the networks over one fiber, we try our best to save the fiber sources. Our solution is that using 10/100 m adaptive port devices, access into the Ethernet link which can reach 60 km, also keep it to support network management functions.

3. Gigabit fiber optic transceivers and integrated optical interface switches

The advantages of using fiber optic transceiver to connect the network, not only stable, but also it has fast speed, 100M full duplex and even 1000M duplex. For example, there is a Engineering machinery manufacturing enterprise, they use the 100M link to network at the beginning, but due to the requirements of the developments of business, we need to provide higher speed to them, fortunately, the progress of the technology provide good products for us, just gigabit fiber cable, from the appearances of fiber cable, it has no differences with 100M fiber transceivers. Yeah, the fiber optic transceiver we used can be directly plugged into the original power supply unit box, which just needs to change the fiber optic transceiver and then upgrade the bandwidth from Fast to Ethernet. Otherwise, we found that the education industry prefer to use an integrated gigabit fiber interface on the switches.

Article Source: Fiber Optical Networking

Easily Connect Switches with Fiber Optic Networking Modules Highlights

• Adds fiber-optic connectivity to Cisco Small Business and Cisco Small Business Pro Series switches
• High-performance link for connecting networks within a building or small campus area
• Easy removal with an integrated spring latch
• Hot swappable to maintain network availability
  

Cisco MFE and MGE Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) or mini Gigabit Interface Converter (mini-GBIC) transceivers are easy-to-install modules that provide a simple way to add fiber connectivity or to add an extra Gigabit Ethernet port to your Cisco Small Business or Cisco Small Business Pro Series switches. The transceivers are available for single-mode or multimode fiber-optic cabling and can support distances from 100 meters up to 40 kilometers.

The Cisco MFE and MGE transceivers provide fast and reliable connectivity between switches that are located on different floors, in separate buildings, or on a small campus network needing connectivity between sites. These transceivers can support both Fast and Gigabit Ethernet applications.

Description of MFE and MGE SFP Transceiver Modules

MFE Transceivers

• MFEBX1 100BASE-BX-20U SFP transceiver for single-mode fiber, 1310 nm wavelength, support up to 20 km, with Single LC connector
• MFEFX1 100BASE-FX SFP transceiver, for multimode fiber, 1310 nm wavelength, support up to 2 km, with Duplex LC connector
• MFELX1 100BASE-LX SFP transceiver, for single-mode fiber, 1310 nm wavelength, support up to 10 km, with Duplex LC connector

MGE Transceivers

• MGBBX1 1000BASE-BX-20U SFP transceiver, for single-mode fiber, 1310 nm wavelength, support up to 20 km, with Single Lc connector
• MGBLH1 1000BASE-LH SFP transceiver, for single-mode fiber, 1310 nm wavelength, support up to 40 km, with Duplex LC connector
• MGBLX1 1000BASE-LX SFP transceiver, for single-mode fiber, 1310 nm wavelength, support up to 10 km, with Duplex LC connector
• MGBSX1 1000BASE-SX SFP transceiver, for multimode fiber, 850nm wavelength, support up to 550 m, with Duplex LC connector
• MGBT1 1000BASE-T SFP transceiver for category 5 copper wire, support up to 100 m, with RJ45 connector

Features

• Built-in spring latch for easy module removal
• Hot swappable
• Low insertion-loss duplex LC receptacle
• Low electromagnetic interference (FCC Part 15, Class B) for clear communications
• Meets FDA and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) eye safety standards

Connecting the Transceiver

Tips: Optical SFPs use a small laser to generate the fiber-optic signal. Because invisible laser radiation may be emitted from the aperture of the port when no fiber cable is connected, avoid exposure to laser radiation and do not stare into open apertures. Keep the optical transmit and receive ports covered whenever a cable is not connected to the port.

Connecting the MFEBX1, MFEFX1, MFELX1, MGBBX1, MGBLH1, MGBLX1 and MGBSX1

Step 1 Insert the mini-GBIC SFP module with the printed side up and the rubber port cap facing out.

Step 2 Remove the mini-GBIC SFP module's rubber port cap.

Step 3 Connect the fiber cable’s LC connector to the mini-GBIC SFP module’s port.

Step 4 Connect the other end of the cable to an SFP module to verify that the fiber connection is complete. For the Cisco MGBBX1, use the Cisco GLC-BX-D as the downstream SFP. For the Cisco MFEBX1, use the Cisco GLC-FE-100BX-D as the downstream SFP. The Cisco MGBBX1 and the Cisco MFEBBX1 support upstream only.

Removing the Transceiver

Step 1 Press the fiber cable’s connector and pull to remove the fiber cable from the mini-GBIC SFP module.

Step 2 Pull the module’s bail latch down.

Step 3 Remove the mini-GBIC SFP module.

Removing the MGBT1

Step 1 Press the RJ-45 connector’s tab and pull to remove the cable from the gigabit SFP module.
Step 2 To remove the gigabit SFP module, begin by pulling the module’s pull tab.
Step 3 Remove the Gigabit SFP Module.

Tips: The Linksys company was founded in 1988. It is currently owned by Belkin, who bought it from Cisco, its owners from March 2003 to March 2013. Its products were branded as Linksys by Cisco when it was part of Cisco.

Article Source: Cisco Mini-GBIC SFP Transceiver Quick Start Guide

SFP+ direct attach copper cable assemblies are a high speed, cost effectivealternative to fiber optics in 10Gb Ethernet, 8Gb Fibre Channel and InfiniBand applications. SFP+ copper cable assemblies enable hardware OEMs and data center operators to achieve highport density and configurability at a low cost and reduced power requirement. Fiberstore SFP+ copper assemblies meet the industry MSA for signal integrity performance.

Features And Benefits

• MSA SFF-8431 compliant
• Supports serial data rates up to 10Gbps
• Low cost alternative to fiber optic assemblies
• Low power consumption
• Enhanced EMI suppression
• Pull-to-release retractable pin latch
• 24AWG through 30AWG cable available
• Passive and active assemblies

Product Applications

• Switches
• Networking – servers, routers and hubs
• Enterprise storage
• Telecommunication equipmentNetwork Interface Cards (NIC's)

Applications by Protocol

• 10 Gigabit Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet (IEEE802.3ae)
• Fibre channel: 1, 2, 4 and 8 GFC
• InfiniBand standard SDR (2.5Gbps), DDR (5Gbps) and QDR (10Gbps)
• Fibre Channel over Ethernet (FCoE)
• Serial data transmission

SFP+ Cable Assembly Part Number Selection Guide

SFP+ Cable Assembly

Passive SFP+ Cable Assemblies: WDP, VMA and CR Measurements A passive copper cable assembly will be compliant with the SFP+ MSA Rev 4.1 if the dWDP number is less than 6.75 dBe. The WDP measurements shown in the table below are for the indicated wire gauge and cable length of Tyco Electronics production assemblies. Any cable with the same wire gauge and shorter length than the length listed below will have a lower dWDP value.

To be compliant with SFF 8431 Rev 4.1, the VMA must be less than 4.5 dB and the VCR must be greater than 33 dB. The VMA and VCR measurements shown in the table below are for the indicated wire gauge and cable length of Fiberstore production assemblies. Any cable with the same wire gauge and shorter length than the length listed below will also meet the VMA and VCR limits.

Active SFP+ Cable Assemblies: SFF-8431 requires active SFP+ cable assemblies to meet an output eye mask requirement when a minimal eye is transmittedthrough the cable assembly. The input eye mask is measured by transmitting a 10.3125 Gbps PRBS 231-1 signal into a modulecompliance test fixture and measuring the eye pattern through the mated host compliance test fixture. Once the input signalis established, the cable assemblies are measured through the module compliance test fixture. All cable assemblies meetthe bit error rate requirement of 1x10-12. This design allows for output de-emphasis and signal amplitude to be adjusted toaccomodate customer requirements.

Frequently asked questions

1. What are the performance requirements for the cable assembly?

Fiberstore SFP+ copper passive and active cable assemblies meet the signal integrity requirements defined by the industry MSA SFF-8431. We can custom engineer cable assemblies to meet the requirements of a customer’s specific system architecture.

2. Are passive or active cable assemblies required?

Passive cables have no signal amplification in the assembly and rely on host system Electronic Dispersion Compensation (EDC) for signal amplification/equalization. Active cable assemblies have signal amplification and equalization built into the assembly. Active cable assemblies are typically used in host systems that do not employ EDC. This solution can be a cost savings to the customer.

3. What cable lengths are required?

Cable length and wire gauge are related to the performance characteristics of the cable assembly. Longer cable lengths require heavier wire gauge, while shorter cable lengths can utilize a smaller gauge cable.

4. Are there any special customer requirements?

Examples of special customer requirements include: custom cable lengths, EEPROM programming, labeling and packaging, pull tab length and color, company logo, signal output de-emphasis, and signal output amplitude. We can custom engineer cables to specific customer system architecture.

Q: Which ProCurve Mini-GBICs and SFPs are supported in which ProCurve products?

The ProCurve Networking Mini-GBIC Support Matrix specifies which Mini-GBICs and SFPs are compatible with which ProCurve products. General rules are:

• Only genuine HP Mini-GBICs and SFPs are consistent with HP products.
• The J8177B/C 1000Base-T Mini-GBIC is not supported in "dual personality" ports (which already include a gigabit copper LAN port).
• Newer ProCurve / ProVision products require revision "B" or later Mini-GBICs and SFPs (product number ends with the letter "B" or later, for example J4858B, J4859C).

Q: Are the "revision C" Mini-GBICs (J4858C, J4859C, J4860C) supported in all products that support the "Revision B" (J4858B, J4859B, J4860B) Mini-GBICs?

Yes, the "revision C" Mini-GBICs (J4858C, J4859C, J4860C) are supported in all ProCurve / ProVision products that support Mini-GBICs.

Q: Can I mix and match "B" and "C" mini-GBICs in a ProCurve switch?

Yes, "Revision B" and "Revision C" mini-GBICs can be used together in any ProCurve switch that supports mini-GBICs.

Q: Are the Mini-GBICs and SFPs hot-swappable?

Yes, all HP Mini-GBICs and SFPs are hot-swappable (they can be installed and removed while the switch is powered on). However, the network cable should be disconnected before removing the Mini-GBIC or SFP from the switch.

Best practice tip: After inserting a transceiver into a ProCurve / ProVision switch, the Mode LED will come on for two seconds while the transceiver is initialized. Do not remove the transceiver until the Mode LED has turned off. For the Switch 2600 and 2800 Series: After inserting a transceiver into a 2600 or 2800 switch, the "M" LED will come on to indicate that the mini-GBIC slot is active. Wait at least two seconds after the "M" LED comes on if you need to remove the transceiver.

Q: Which HP Mini-GBICs and SFPs are RoHS compliant?

All currently-shipping HP Mini-GBICs and SFPs are RoHS compliant. This includes:

• J4858C HP X121 1G SFP LC SX Transceiver
• J4859C HP X121 1G SFP LC LX Transceiver
• J4860C HP X121 1G SFP LC LH Transceiver
• J8177C HP X121 1G SFP RJ45 T Transceiver
• J9054C HP X111 100M SFP LC FX Transceiver
• J9099B HP X112 100M SFP LC BX-D Transceiver
• J9100B HP X112 100M SFP LC BX-U Transceiver
• J9142B HP X122 1G SFP LC BX-D Transceiver
• J9143B HP X122 1G SFP LC BX-U Transceiver

Q: When should I use the "auto-100" setting for my J8177C gigabit-copper Mini-GBIC?

The J8177C "auto-100" setting is helpful in connecting an 8200zl or 5400zl switch to an Avaya Cajun switch or Avaya G700 Media Gateway (PBX), which operate at 100 Mbps and send non-standard Ethernet preambles. Because of the non-standard preamble, those Avaya products send packets that the Switch zl 10/100/1000-T ports do not recognize. With the "auto-100" setting, the J8177C will operate at 100 Mbps, will auto negotiate the duplex and flow control, and will accept the non-standard packets. (NOTE: The "auto-100" setting can be used for only J8177C products, not for the J8177B.)

Q: What products do not support the J8177C but do support the J8177B?

The 9300m and 9400sl products do not support the J8177C version. Other than the 9300m and 9400sl products all other products that support the J8177B version will support the J8177C version.

Q: Where to buy compatible HP Mini-GBIC and SFP transceivers?

Fiberstore is a professional OEM manufacturer and supplier of optical networking solutions. They can supply 100% compatible HP Mini-GBIC and SFP transceivers, such as HP J4858C, HP JD119B, etc. According to your requirements, Fiberstore welcome any inquiry for customized fiber optical transceiver.

Reference Documents:

HP SFP Support Center

Overview and specifications of Cisco 10GBASE SFP+ modules, SFP-10G-LR, and SFP-10G-SR, etc.

Solution

Cisco transceiver modules: Cisco 10GBASE SFP+ modules.

Product overview: The Cisco 10GBASE SFP+ modules offer users a wide variety of 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity options for data center, enterprise wiring closet, and service provider transport applications.

Compatible Cisco SFP+ Copper (Twinax) cable and SFP+ Transceiver

Features and benefits:

Main features of Cisco 10GBASE SFP+ modules include:

SFP-10G-SR

The Cisco SFP-10G-SR 10GBASE-SR SFP Module supports a link length of 26m on standard Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI)-grade multimode fiber (MMF). Using 2000 MHz*km MMF (OM3), up to 300m link lengths are possible.

SFP-10G-ER:

The Cisco 10GBASE-ER Module supports a link length of up to 40 kilometers on standard single-mode fiber (SMF, G.652.

SFP-10G-LRM

The Cisco 10GBASE-LRM Module supports link lengths of 220m on standard Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) grade multimode fiber (MMF). To ensure that specifications are met over FDDI-grade, OM1 and OM2 fibers, the transmitter should be coupled through a mode conditioning patch cord. No mode conditioning patch cord is required for applications over OM3.

The Cisco 10GBASE-LRM Module also supports link lengths of 300m on standard single-mode fiber (SMF, G.652).

SFP-10G-LR:

The Cisco 10GBASE-LR Module supports a link length of 10 kilometers on standard single-mode fiber (SMF, G.652).

FET-10G:

The Cisco FET-10G Fabric Extender Transceiver support link lengths up to 100m on laser-optimized OM3 multimode fiber. It is supported on fabric links only from a Nexus 2000 to a Cisco parent switch. Note this product is not orderable invididually.

Cisco SFP+ Copper:

Cisco SFP+ Copper Twinax cables are suitable for very short distances and offer a highly cost-effective way to connect within racks and across adjacent racks. Cisco offers passive Twinax cables in lengths of 1, 3 and 5 meters, and active Twinax cables in lengths of 7 and 10 meters.

Ordering Information:

The following table provides the ordering information for Cisco SFP+ modules and related cables.

Reference Documents:

Cisco 10GBASE SFP+ Modules

Using 3rd Party SFP Modules On Cisco Catalyst Switch

QSFP/QSFP+ Installing Steps

Step 1: Attach an ESD wrist strap to yourself and a properly grounded point on the chassis or the rack.

Step 2: Remove the QSFP+ transceiver module from its protective packaging.

Step 3: Check the label on the QSFP+ transceiver module body to verify that you have the correct model for your network.

Step 4: For optical QSFP+ transceivers, remove the optical bore dust plug and set it aside.

Step 5: For transceivers equipped with a bail-clasp latch: a. Keep the bail-clasp aligned in a vertical position. b. Align the QSFP+ transceiver in front of the module's transceiver socket opening and carefully slide the QSFP+ transceiver into the socket until the transceiver makes contact with the socket electrical connector.

Step 6: For QSFP+ transceivers equipped with a pull-tab: a. Hold the transceiver so that the identifier label is on the top. b. Align the QSFP+ transceiver in front of the module's transceiver socket opening and carefully slide the QSFP+ transceiver into the socket until the transceiver makes contact with the socket electrical connector.

Step 7: Press firmly on the front of the QSFP+ transceiver with your thumb to fully seat the transceiver in the module's transceiver socket. Please Note: If the latch is not fully engaged, you might accidentally disconnect the QSFP+ transceiver module.

Step 8: For optical QSFP+ modules, reinstall the dust plug into the QSFP+ transceivers optical bore until you are ready to attach the network interface cable. Please Note: Do not remove the dust plug until you are ready to attach the network interface cable.

QSFP/QSFP+ Removing Steps

Step 1: For optical QSFP+ transceivers, disconnect the network interface cable from the QSFP+ transceiver connector.

Step 2: For QSFP+ transceivers equipped with a bail-clasp latch. a. Pivot the bail-clasp down to the horizontal position. b. Immediately install the dust plug into the transceivers optical bore. c. Grasp the sides of the QSFP+ transceiver and slide it out of the module socket.

Step 3: For QSFP+ transceivers equipped with a pull tab latch a. Immediately install the dust plug into the transceiver's optical bore. b. Grasp the tab and gently pull to release the transceiver from the socket. c. Slide the transceiver out of the socket.

Step 4: Place the QSFP+ transceiver into an antistatic bag.

Note: In fact, the installing or removing steps of the mentioned transceiver modules are the general case. Different transceiver modules of different brands have their own features. We should ask the vendor to get more informations when you face a problem that we do not mentioned here. In addition, to save more money, we suggest that compatible 3rd transceiver modules may be another good choice but you should ensure that your vendor is reliable.

Fiberstore's fiber optic transceivers are 100% compatible with major brands like Cisco, HP, Juniper, Nortel, Force10, D-link, 3Com. They are backed by a lifetime warranty so that you can buy with confidence. Additionally, customize optical transceivers to fit your specific requirements are available.

Cisco, especially, you can find a full product line of our New Cisco SFP modules, such as GLC-LX-SM-RGD, SFP-GE-T, GLC-SX-MMD, etc. Our SFP+ and QSFP+ moduels are 100% compatible with a good price and enjoy same-day shipping.

Ordering Information

• QSFP-4SFP10G-CU3M, Cisco QSFP+ to 4 SFP+ Passive Copper Direct Attach Breakout Cable features a single QSFP+ connector (SFF-8436) rated for 40-Gb/s on one end and 4 SFP+ connectors (SFF-8431), each rated for 10-Gb/s, on the other.
• SFP-H10GB-CU3M, SFP+ passive copper cable, Data Rate up to 10.5G, 3 meter, AWG30.
• GLC-SX-MM, GLC-SX 1000BASE-SX SFP transceiver, supporting dual data-rate of 1.25Gbps/1.0625Gbps and 550m transmission distance with MMF.
• GLC-T module, Cisco compatible copper SFP for Category 5 copper wire compliant with the Gigabit Ethernet and 1000BASE-T standards.
• SFP-GE-T compatible module, this Cisco SFP to RJ45 converter offers the same function with Cisco SFP-GE-T and it is fully compatible with Cisco SFP devices.

Article Source: Guide of Installing or Removing Transceiver Modules (Part III)

What is the difference between SFP-GE-T and GLC-T? I have some information from Cisco Support Forums:

• GLC-T, Cisco compatible copper SFP transceiver module for Category 5 copper wire, RJ-45 connector.
• SFP-GE-T, 1000BASE-T SFP transceiver module for Category 5 copper wire, extended operating temperature range, RJ-45 connector

GLC-T is the Cisco 1000BASE-T SFP, which is a fiber optic transceiver module via Category 5 copper lines, Cisco GLC-T fiber transceivers provide 1Gbps data transfer and it provides full-duplex Gigabit Ethernet connectivity to high-end workstations and between wiring closets over existing copper network infrastructure. GLC-T SFP is compliant to IEEE 802.3 and its dimension is 0.6 in x 2.8 in x 0.6 in. GLC-T is with plug in module type Mini-GBIC.

3rd-party GLC-T Key Features

• Support 1000BASE-T Operation in Host Systems
• For 100m reach over Cat 5 UTP Cable
• Hot-Pluggable SFP Footprint
• Support RX_LOS as Link indication function
• Fully metallic enclosure for low EMI
• Low power dissipation (1.05 W typical)
• Compact RJ-45 connector assembly
• Compliant with SFP MSA and IEEE Std 802.3-2002
• Detailed product information in EEPROM
• Commercial temperature range (COM): 0 to 70°C

SFP-GE-T is Cisco fiber optic transceiver that works with 1000BASE-T. SFP-GE-T is with extended working temperature and it is with DOM support. SFP-GE-T is small form transceiver with RJ45 connector interface and it is with spring latch for high density applications.

3rd-party SFP-GE-T Key Features

• Support 1000BASE-T Operation in Host Systems
• For 100m reach over Cat 5 UTP Cable
• Hot-Pluggable SFP Footprint
• Support RX_LOS as Link indication function
• Fully metallic enclosure for low EMI
• Low power dissipation (1.05 W typical)
• Compact RJ-45 connector assembly
• Compliant with SFP MSA and IEEE Std 802.3-2002
• Detailed product information in EEPROM
• Commercial temperature range (COM):0 to 70°C

The third-party GLC-T and SFP-GE-T have the same Key Features. So no difference between them? I think that they are operationally identical and can be interchanged with no problems - the only difference is that the SFP-GE-T conforms to NEBS Level 3 and the GLC-T doesn't. And Then question is what is NEBS Level 3? I'll also add that the SFP-GE-T is a little bit more expensive...maybe $40 more (retail) but it works in switches or routers like the ASR while the GLC-T is for switches only.

What is NEBS and why is it important?

Long a requirement for equipment used in the Central Office in the North American Public Switched Network, the rigorous Network Equipment Building System (NEBS) criteria have become a universal measure of network product excellence. The NEBS compliance of GDC's products is a key advantage for access providers including Local Exchange Carriers (LECs), Competitive Access Providers (CAPs), Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs), Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and Access Service Providers (ASPs). Products that are NEBS certified are also expected to be top performers in enterprise net- work environments as well.

What does NEBS Level 3 Certified mean?

NEBS has three levels, Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Level 1 refers to cases where minimum compatibility with the environment is needed. Level 2 applies for limited operability of the product. 

Finally, NEBS Level 3 certification guarantees the maximum operability of the equipment. It also certifies that the equipment will perform well in harsh environmental conditions and will not interfere with other electronic devices around. NEBS Level 3 certified networking equipment is vital in mission-critical applications. More information about NEBS please Google it.

In a word, GLC-T with 1000BASE-T standard, SFP-GE-T with 1000BASE-T NEBS 3 ESD. But, for a 3rd-party SFP module, I still don't know what the difference between them.

Fiber optic transceivers is a self-contained component that can both transmit and receive. Usually, it is inserted in devices such as routers or network interface cards which provide one or more transceiver module slot, such as GBIC module, SFP+ transceiver, XFP, etc.

Fiber Optic Transceivers Today

Fiber optic transceivers for applications in the field of datacom are mostly characterized by a couple of established international standards. These standards define the electro-optical performance of a transceiver/transponder as well as its pinout and its physical outline and package, including the corresponding fiber optic connector interfaces.

Fiber optic transceivers meeting these standard are operating worldwide in numerous applications in mainframes, server clusters, storage area networks, wide area networks, and local area networks, and currently around 20 to 30 worldwide competing suppliers have been established. The number of partners involved in some important multisourcing agreements has seen an increase since 1989. This is also indicative of the increasing importance of industrial associations where both suppliers and applicators are represented. This speeds up the market penetration of novel components, systems, and applications. Nowadays, this does not seem to generate conflicts with the commonly agreed normative power of international standardization organizations such as the Internationnal Organization for Standardization (ISO), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

The demand for these transceivers has continuously increased during the past 10 years, and the prices have shown dramatic decreases of order of 25% per year. Consequently, the goal of all manufacturers is to offer a high level of performance, reliability, quality, and serviceability while maintaining cost-effective production in the face of drastically increased volumes to meet the market pricing.

Some Aspects of Tomorrow's Transceivers

The bit rates of fiber optic transceivers are continuously increasing in order to meet the worldwide demand for ever higher bandwidths. These bandwidth increases are called for by both existing storage and networking markets, as well as the parallel computing industry and high end server design.

In the past 10 years, a significant reduction of transceiver module size was possible due to significant progress in the downsizing of optical subassemblies and associated passive and active electronic comparison of the ESCON/SBCON outline, multistandard, small form factor (SFF), and parallel SNAP-12 transceivers. The function of the transceivers shown is described in detail in my previous blog posts.

Future transceiver design is likely to focus on power consumption, electromagnetic compatibility and immunity, and density. As data rates continue to increase, we will start to see transceivers used closer to the ICs on the board and not just at the card edge. It has also been demonstrated the is possible to incorporate optical components onto a chip, completely avoiding the deficiencies of high-speed signals on copper board traces. While these advancements may take their place in high-end computing systems, classical card edge transceivers are likely to continue to play their role into the foreseeable future to allow fiber cable connection for SANs and networking.

Where to Buy Fiber Optic Transceivers

Fiber optic transceiver is a very popular format that's recommended by a large number of fiber optic component providers. Fiberstore's fiber optic transceivers are 100% compatible with major brands like Cisco, Force10, D-link, 3Com. Additionally, customize optical transceivers to fit your specific requirements are available.

Cisco, especially, you can find a full product line of our New Cisco SFP modules, such as GLC-LH-SM, SFP-GE-T, GLC-T, etc. Our SFP and SFP+ moduels are 100% compatible with a good price and enjoy same-day shipping.

It appears to be an old topic that whether using compatible SFP transceiver is reliable. We have previously discussed this topic couple of days ago. For certain, the reply is affirmative. In this paper we discuss Faked SFP and the Third Party SFP. As examples, there are Cisco SFP and Brocade SFP.

It Is A Faked SFP?

Like a break pad an SFP is somewhat a consumable. Light is converted into an electric signal and vice versa, produces heat and the components wear out over time. Some sooner, some later. When you bought the SFPs from Cisco for a switch under Cisco warranty or maintenance, broken SFPs will be substituted for free. However, if you simply decide to purchase an SFP, you will find after having a quick web search that there are lots of supplier out there providing the same SFP for a much cheaper price than Cisco. And with "the same SFP" I mean they provide exactly the same Cisco part number - for example Cisco GLC-T. That's an Cisco SFP To RJ45 converter.

Really The Same SFP?

Absolutely not - even though they claim it to be the same. Their usual explanation is, that all these SFPs are coming from the same manufacturer anyway. SFPs are built using open standards based on T11 and for that reason they must be compatible per se. I can tell from several occasions: That's not true. There is obviously more than one SFP manufacturer and I'm sure each of you know a handful offhand. In addition: Even in times before 8G there were SFPs working much better with certain switches than others.

Utilizing the 8G platform Brocade decided to offer Brocade branded SFPs and restricted their switches to only support them and to refuse others (beside of very few exceptions for CWDM SFPs). So Brocade took control over which SFPs can be used and they were able to fine tune their ASICs to allow better signal handling and transmission. To enforce that the switch checks the vendor information from the SFP to determine if it's a Brocade branded one. Cisco does the same thing for the SFPs in their switches.

Faked SFP vs Third Party SFP

First, we must realize that Third Party SFP isn't faked SFP. If you are seeking further savings on your own network, consider Third Party SFP. When you purchase from a vendor with their own in-house shop, and guaranteed warranty, you get a purchase that's as reliable as new, at a fraction of the original costs. In my opinion, if you have enough budget, It is best to buy the original one. It doesn’t mean that the compatible one is as not good as the original one but you could save more time in thinking about this question. If you care about the cost, compatible one is the best choice, I suggest you choose the OEM manufacturers.

OEM manufacturers Recommendation

Fiberstore is a OEM manufacturer that provide customized solutions for fiber optics needs, As a Cisco OEM SFP transceiver provider, they offer a series of Cisco comaptible SFP modules which can be equivalent to Cisco GLC-T, Cisco GLC-SX-MM, Cisco GLC-LH-SM, Cisco GLC-ZX-SM, and Cisco CWDM SFP, Cisco DWDM SFP, etc. All their SFP transceivers are 100% compatible with major brands as follows and backed by a lifetime warranty.

Because of increased port density and flexibility to logistical and inventory advantages, the application of copper SFP modules is a promising development for the optics industry.

Optical networking today is definitely the standard for Fiber Channel storage area networks (SANs) and SONET/SDH networks, while Ethernet local area networks (LANs) primarily use copper (i.e. electrical) networking technologies for data rates up to 1 Gbit/sec. As network infrastructures evolve, it'll be very important to maintain both configuration flexibility as well as high port utilization for equipment deployed at the intersection of legacy copper and newly installed optical networks. Maturation of copper SFP transceiver is playing a key role in enabling system designers to meet these objectives while simplifying their inventory and reducing operating costs.

Originally defined in 2000 under a multi-source agreement (MSA) by fifteen module Suppliers, SFP optical transceiver modules combine transmit and receive functions in a low-cost, low-power and compact package format. Rapidly known as the industry standard, SFP modules now are usually used to support Fiber Channel, Gigabit Ethernet (GbE), and SONET/SDH applications, supporting data rates between 125 Mbits/sec and 4 Gbits/sec.

Introduced a couple of years ago, copper SFPs enable system manufacturers to populate SFP ports with either copper or optical transceivers. Because of this, the requirement for copper transceivers in recent years has begun to increase significantly.

The IEEE 802.3 standard defines two different kinds of GbE traffic: 1000BASE-T and 1000BASE-SX/1000BASE-LX. 1000BASE-T refers to GbE over copper, primarily Category 5, 5E, and, increasingly, Category 6 twisted-pair cable. 1000BASE-SX /1000BASE-LX refers to GbE over fiber, with 1000BASE-SX meant for applications over multimode fiber and 1000BASE-LX primarily intended for applications over single mode fiber.

Nowadays in this network environments, systems must handle the continuing convergence of data, voice, and video traffic and also topologies that mix IP with legacy PDH traffic and integrate specialized requirements such as Fiber Channel or ATM. As a result, GbE switches, routers, and multi-service provisioning platforms (MSPPs), one example is, must provide port-level flexibility for handling both fiber and copper interfaces.

Copper transceivers that in accordance with the SFP form factor emerged being the most effective way to optimize port-level flexibility. This parity enables system builders to provide a single line card design which can handle the whole spectrum of copper and fiber connections.

Brand compatible Copper SFPs

OEM Manufacturer - Fiberstore, which offers Copper SFP and 1000BASE-T SFP module compatible with equipment such as Cisco (e.g. GLC-T), HP (J8177C, JD089B), Juniper (SFP-1GE-FE-E-T), NETGEAR, Finisar (FCLF-8521-3) and Dell 1000BASE-T SFP 310 7225, etc.

Today's enterprise data center networks are undergoing an infrastructure transformation, requiring higher speeds, greater scalability, and higher levels of performance and reliability to better respond to new business requirements. The 10 Gbps Direct Attached cable (1 m, 3 m, 5 m) is optimized to fully leverage Brocade 10 Gbps solutions.

Active Optical Cable market research Report

The Active Optical Cable market faced many challenges in 2011 from numerous consolidating acquisitions, to the entry of Asian based, low cost suppliers pummeling prices, earthquakes and tsunamis in Japan, to flooding of manufacturing sources in Taiwan and lastly ip battles over who owns what. Stability was regained in 2012 and growth continued strong through the year. But everyone likes the best party and today LightCounting counts 26 players from the AOC market. After a peaceful time period of acquisitions, Mellanox surprised many with its acquisitions of a silicon photonics and a transceiver IC company in early 2013.

In 2012, the market grew 65%, blowing out our previous forecast. It was on top of a stellar 2011. A key difference was the quicker than anticipated up-tick of the 14G InfiniBand FDR AOC segment. We now predict the AOC market to increase 30% to $150 million in 2013.

The InfiniBand market represents the biggest share today and it has already moved on to 14G FDR QSFP+ while traditional Data Centers is sticking with 10G QSFP+ formats. Other protocols with potential AOC opportunities, like SAS, Fibre Channel and PCI Express remain potential markets as their data rates pass 10G.

Copper Cables Mate With Fiber Optic Modules

Interchangeable and hot-swappable with fiber optic modules, the company's SFP+ active direct-attach copper cable assemblies are cost-effective choices to fiber optic transceivers and MPO cables in 10-Gb Ethernet, 8-GB Fibre Channel, and InfiniBand apps. Their active design enables a power consumption of 500 mW per cable end. Active cables also incorporate Rx LOS and Tx disable functionality. All SFP+ cable assemblies meet the MSA spec for signal integrity. Both passive and active cables are available in wire gages from 24 AWG through 30 AWG and incorporate a 360 cable braid-crimp termination that suppresses EMI leakage and offers strain relief.

Increasingly more protocols are moving to higher line rates where copper links start to have issues with reach and EMI and where AOCs offer strong advantages of high data rate, long reach and low price. That is fueling the AOC business, and as a result, facilitating segment growth. Ultimately, there are significant growth and spreading within all facets of the high-speed interconnect market.

Cisco SFP+ Cables For 10 Gigabit Ethernet

SFP+ Direct Attach cable (10GBASE Twinax) is broadly applied in storage, data, and high-performance computing connectivity. The following list is the connector type information and cabling specifications for each Cisco SFP+ DAC cables:

10GBASE-CU SFP+ Cable

• Cisco SFP-H10GB-CU1M, SFP+ passive Twinax cable assembly, AWG30, 1-meter.
• Cisco SFP-H10GB-CU1-5M, SFP+ passive Twinax cable assembly, AWG30, 1.5-meter.
• Cisco SFP-H10GB-CU3M, SFP+ passive Twinax cable assembly, AWG30, 3-meter.

10GBASE SFP+ Active Optical Cable

• Cisco SFP-10G-AOC1M, SFP+ direct-attach Active Optical Cable, 3.3V power supply, 1-meter.
• Cisco SFP-10G-AOC3M, SFP+ direct-attach Active Optical Cable, 3.3V power supply, 3-meter.
• Cisco SFP-10G-AOC5M, SFP+ direct-attach Active Optical Cable, 3.3V power supply, 5-meter.

40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ Passive Copper Cable

• Cisco QSFP-H40G-CU1M, 40GBASE QSFP+ Passive Copper Direct Attach Cable, AWG30, 1-meter.
• Cisco QSFP-H40G-CU3M, 40GBASE QSFP+ Passive Copper Direct Attach Cable, AWG30, 3-meter.
• Cisco QSFP-H40G-CU5M, 40GBASE QSFP+ Passive Copper Direct Attach Cable, AWG30, 5-meter.
  

40GBASE-CR4 QSFP+ to 4SFP+

• Cisco QSFP-4SFP10G-CU1M, QSFP+ to 4 SFP+ Passive Copper Direct Attach Breakout Cable, 1-meter.
• Cisco QSFP-4SFP10G-CU3M, QSFP+ to 4 SFP+ Passive Copper Direct Attach Breakout Cable, 3-meter.
• Cisco QSFP-4SFP10G-CU5M, QSFP+ to 4 SFP+ Passive Copper Direct Attach Breakout Cable, 5-meter.

Reference:

• Active Optical Cable Sales Report 2013
  
• SFP+ Direct Attach Cable
  

To many users, there is an inevitable issue that the cost of fiber optic transceivers will keep adding up over time. This is why the demands of 3rd party compatible fiber optic transceivers have emerged in the market. Actually, 3rd party compatible fiber optic transceivers are the direct solution for a tight budgets. However, some issues mayoccur when using 3rd party compatible fiber optic transceiver that drive users to give it up. The worry of the cost of fiber optic transceivers still exists. This paper is going to talk about the fiber transceiver industry and discuss something you should know about the 3rd party compatible fiber optic transceivers.

Fiber Optic Transceiver Industry
When you buy transceivers for your switch, you are told to buy them from your network equipment manufacturer in order to keep your system running properly and safely. However, the switch vendor doesn’t actually manufacture these transceivers. In fact, the fiber interface transceiver manufacturers will supply a variant of their standard transceiver to the switch vendor for resale. The switch vendor will perform testing of that transceiver against their switch, create a compatibility matrix and SKU for that transceiver and start selling the transceiver. They mark up the price of the transceivers to cover their costs (to test/procure/stock etc..) and make a profit. This is why the “brand” transceiver modules are more expensive.

However, as long as the transceiver complies with the required IEEE and MSA standards all it would take is a quick compatibility test and for the vendor could publish a list of all supported transceivers. Thus, 3rd party compatible transceivers are not hard to be realized. In order to corner the market, the switch vendor will request that the transceiver vendor flash the transceivers EEPROM with a vendor specific identifier. The switch operating system will use the I2C bus to query the transceiver EEPROM data, and verify that the transceiver has the correct identifier. If the identifier doesn’t match, then the OS will not power up the laser. The idea is that the switch vendor doesn’t want you to put anything into your router which hasn’t been approved by them. This is why many users will face error warning when using the 3rd transceivers.

How To Solve? – “My 3rd party transceiver does not work on my switch”
So, how to solve this issue and successfully use 3rd party transceivers on your switch? First, you should know the hidden commands of your switch. I believe some of my blog fans may know it as I have explain it some weeks ago in another papers. Yes, the “service unsupported-transceiver” command. Certainly, it is take Cisco for example, but it is easy to find the equivalent commands in other brand switches along the way.

3rd Party Transceivers vs “Brand” Transceivers
User who have experience of buying 3rd party transceivers and “brand” transceivers may know that the the major difference is cost. So, how much difference? Assuming you get an identical transceiver from Cisco and Fiberstore, the list price for an SR SFP+ transceiverfrom Cisco is $1,495 USD, while Fiberstore’s one just listed at $ 18.00 USD. This difference is incredible, but it is the truth. The truth is that you won’t have to sacrifice any quality or reliability with all of the savings you receive. In contrast, you get everything you’ve come to expect from the 3rd party transceivers at up to 90% off list price. As high-density merchant-silicon based switches become mainstream, the per-port cost of the switch is dropping dramatically. The transceiver costs now become a very large part of the total system cost and, for a 48-port switch the transceiver costs could easily exceed the base cost of the switch. 3rd party transceivers help users to save more on their cost of transceivers, so why not do it?

Of course, 3rd party transceivers are good option for your transceivers solutions. However, at least so far, the market is not fully normalized. Though the prices of 3rd party transceivers are very attractive, but the good and bad are intermingled. If you plan to buy the 3rd party transceivers for your switch, you had better to choose a vendor with high reputation. I recommend Fiberstore for you. Why? You may know the answer after you try.

If it is your first purchase of SFP transceivers, you may be very confused with the fuction options "DDM", "DOM" or "RGD". So, what functons do they represent? And do you need these functions? Today, we will have a detailed explanation of them.

What's DDM?

DDM, namely Digital Diagnostics Monitoring, is a technology used in SFP transceivers in order to give the end user the ability to monitor real-time parameters of the SFPs. Such parameters include optical output power, optical input power, temperature, laser bias current, and transceiver supply voltage etc.

What's DOM?

DOM, short for Digital optical monitoring, is familiar with the DDM function. It is also a feature which allows you to monitor many parameters of the transceiver module in real-time. DOM allows you to monitor the TX (transmit) and RX (receive) of the module, as well as input/output power, temperature, and voltage. Network administrators can then check and ensure that the module is functioning correctly.

Author Note: Obviously a SFP with DDM/DOM funstion is high-ender than one which without it. This is why most of modern optical SFP transceivers support DDM/DOM functions according to the industry-standard SFF-8472.

What's RGD?

You may be confused with the difference with the SFPs with "RGD" and the one without it, or you may be interested in the "-RGD" in the product number of some SFP transceiver modules. So, what does RGD stand for? RGD means rugged transceivers. In fact, these are enhanced transceiver modules which have been designed for greater durability, and can operate under more extreme conditions. Rugged transceivers may feature enhanced ESD protection, and extended operating temperature range so that it can help eliminate field failures without the need of costly external protection devices.

Author Note: In general, a rugged SFP can be identified by its product model, ie. -RGD. Specific situations depend on the specific vendors.

Other Functions in SFP transceivers

If you have an experience of buying Cisco SFP modules, you may be confused with the part number with "=", because you can not find out the difference with the one without "=" according to the specification. In fact, "=" is also called a "FRU" part where FRU stands for "Field Replaceable Units". Those are the parts that can be used as "spare" or be shipped individually to replace damaged units. But the new parts that are ordered directly from a reseller or from Cisco usually don't come with the = sign. Thus, if you want to buy an SFP transceiver with the "FRU" part, you should ask your vendor to ensure this function.

Recommended Products With These Functions

• New Cisco GLC-LX-SM-RGD compatible 1000BASE-LX/LH SFP
• New Cisco GLC-SX-MM compatible 1000BASE-SX SFP (with DDM/DOM)
• New Cisco GLC-SX-MMD compatible 1000BASE-SX SFP (with DDM/DOM)
• NEW Finisar FTLF1318P3BTL Compatible 1000BASE 1310nm 10km SFP DDM IND Transceiver Module
• NEW NETGEAR AGM731F Compatible 1000BASE-SX SFP 850nm 550m Transceiver Module (with DDM/DOM)
• NEW Juniper EX-SFP-1GE-SX Compatible 1000BASE-SX SFP 850nm 550m DDM Transceiver Module (with DDM/DOM)

Article Source: About DDM, DOM and RGD in SFP Transceiver Module

What is the Ideal High-Speed Interconnect Solution?

The ideal high-speed interconnect solution should have such features as optimized for short distances, low cost, low power consumption, small cable bend radius, low cable weight, high density, and low link latency. The only one solution which can meet all the requirements is the direct attach active optical cables.

Direct attach active optical cables, or SFP+ direct attach cable for short, are direct-attach fiber assemblies with optical transceiver (SFP+, XFP, QSFP+, CXP etc.) connectors. They are suitable for short distances and offer a cost-effective way to connect within racks and across adjacent racks. Nowadays the Active Optical Cable (AOC) is accelerating data connectivity for storage, networking, and HPC applications. It leverages fiber optic technology for the transmission of data while reducing the weight, density and power consumption of traditional copper solutions. Note: Active optical cables have signal amplification and equalization built into the cable assembly, while passive optical cables don't.

Advantages of Active Optical Cables

The AOC assemblies provide the lowest total cost solution for data centers by having the key advantages as following:

• Low weight for high port count architectures;
• Small bend radius for easy installations;
• Low power consumption enabling a greener environment.

Compared to Active & Passive Copper Cable Assemblies

1. Longer reach (> 7 meters)
2. Lower weight and tighter bend radius enable simpler cable management
3. Thinner cable allows better airflow for cooling
4. Lower power consumption
5. No need for power-hungry conditioning ICs on the host board
6. Can be used in architectures with challenging cable routing

Compared to Optical Transceivers

1. Datacenter/Consumer friendly: No cleanliness issues in optical connector
2. Cost-optimized: Not constrained by optical interface specifications driven by longer reach applications
(Note: However, the active optical cables cannot be routed through fiber patch panels.)

Ideal High-Speed Interconnect Solution

Today's enterprise data centers and networking environments are undergoing an infrastructure transformation, requiring higher speeds, greater scalability, and higher levels of performance and reliability to better meet the demands of business. As speed and performance demands increase, the AOC assemblies have become an integral part of the overall system design. However, AOC design margins and parameters vary widely, and can be the difference between an optimized, highly reliable fabric and the incompatibility issues that drive up support costs. There are various types of AOC assemblies for 10G, 40G, and 100G applications on the market. Judging from the cost performance, Fiberstore is the only one who can provide the most ideal high-speed interconnect solution of QSFP+ assemblies including 40G QSFP+ AOC, 40G QSFP+ to 4×SFP+ AOC, and 40G QSFP+ to 8×LC AOC.

Article Source: Direct Attach Active Optical Cable Solution

Application of Visual Fault Locators
Visual fault locators are a kind of test equipment for testing, troubleshooting and measurement. The VFL is an ideal tool for locating a large number of defects that occur at connection and around fiber cabinets which are hidden in an OTDRs "blind-spot" or "dead-zone". Fiber breaks, faulty connector, sharp bends, bad splices and similar faults can be visually located by light radiated outside the fiber when the light is injected into a fiber. Visual fault locators boost productivity in the field by providing fast detection, precise fault location, distance, loss, and ORL measurements.

Features of Visual Fault Locators
Users can change automatically for visual fault locators apply to various types of optical interface such as PC, SC, ST, etc, according to the measured optical interface type. Working along with OTDR, it can locate the fault of OTDR (e.g. EXFO FTB-200) dead zone and measure jumper end, connector defect and breaking point quickly. The fiber testing red light radiating in the fault point makes it reality for you to find out the correct location. Besides, with small size and light weight, they are universally used in emergency and appropriately exploited to construct and maintain optical cable line. Visual fault locators are offered in "hand-held" and "pocket size" versions. With a pocket-size pen-style, this visual fault locator can be carried anywhere easily. Hand-held versions are offered in a range of connector bulkheads styles, from universals to specific connector types. And pocket visual fault locators usually have a universal ferrule adapter and offer a small size that easily fits into a belt or tool case. In conclusion, a visual fault locator is an economical, yet highly effective fault location unit.

Importance of Visual Fault Locators
The complex network integrated by optical fiber, connector and jumper makes you difficult to find the fault location. So the visual fault locator is an essential tool that quickly and easily locates problem areas in fiber cables. By pinpointing the exact location of fiber damage, technicians can diagnose, troubleshoot and fix the problem timely and efficiently. The VFL is also used for conducting continuity tests and performing fiber identification. With these fault locators you can easily isolate high losses and faults in optical fiber cables.

Quality of Visual Fault Locators
A lower cost product does not equal poor quality, but its construction materials matter a lot. Visual fault locators of high quality make use of brass to ensure optimal heat dispersion, an essential aspect in ensuring the durability of a laser, instead of plastic or aluminum parts. Using Smart-click system, some visual fault locators are activated via a single button allowing both constant wave and pulsed modes. And a 650nm fault locator can be used for cable fault detection over short detection to moderate distances, surely working more efficiently than 635nm ones. And a good visual fault locator can locates fault up to 30km in fibre optic cable.

More Information about VFL
Fiberstore, an online store worldwide, which offers reliable quality and cheap visual fault locator in accordance with telecom, military, aerospace and other industry standards. Other common used fiber optic testers also can be offered by Fiberstore, include telephone line tester, EXFO OTDR, Fluke 117 multimeter, Fujikura fusion splicer, ADSL & CCTV Security Tester (e.g. bit error rate tester), and RJ45 tester, etc.

First of all, let us understand what an optical fiber is. Optical fiber is a fiber constructed of glass or plastic of a specific nature. It does not contain any metal material and thus avoids Electro-Magnetic Interference (EMI) and distortion of information along with the distance. This results in high accuracy of data along the transmission cable. The objective of fibre optic cable is to carry light waves along its length. The core technology for optical transmission is total internal reflection. Total internal reflection to ensures that the light is always along the body inner reflection material, so always keep a fiber in the body. As a result, the loss of signal is minimized, and hence the distance that the message can be carried without losing the signal is maximized. The light waves carrying the information along the channel have a path of propagation.

Multimode fiber optic cable can support the transmission of multiple paths of propagation with a higher amount of information at the same time. On the other hand, a single mode cable can only support a propagation path with a smaller bandwith. Because multimode cables carry higher amount of information at the same time, they have a higher diameter of the core used to carry the message compared to the single mode ones. Also, the higher diameter can make the multimode cables with higher transmission power. Usually multimode cables are used for short distance communications for usually a distance less than 500 meters, while single mode cables are popular for long distance communications.

Multi mode fiber optic cable has a large diametral core that allows multiple modes of light to propagate. Because of this, the number of light reflections created as the light passes through the core increases, creating the ability for more data to pass through at a given time. Because of the high dispersion and attenuation rate with this type of fiber, the quality of the signal is reduced over long distances. This application is typically used for short distance, data and audio/video applications in Local Area Networks (LANs). However, RF broadband signals cannot be transmitted over multimode fiber.

Multimode fiber cable is usually 50/125 and 62.5/125 in construction. This means that the core to cladding diameter ratio is 50 microns to 125 microns and 62.5 microns to 125 microns (shown as the figure). The transition between the core and cladding can be sharp, which is called a step-index profile, or a gradual transition. The two types have different dispersion characteristics and thus different effective propagation distance. Multimode fibers may be constructed with either graded or step-index profile, and those with graded index fiber is better in accuracy and performance. The numbers 50 µm and 62.5 µm refer to the diameters of the glass or plastic core, the part of the fiber that carries the light which encodes your data. The dimensions are sometimes specified as 50/125 μm and 62.5/125 μm, to include the diameter of the cladding. (The cladding confines the light to the core because it has a lower index of refraction.) Cable construction is shown in the following diagram, indicating the cable core, cladding, and outer jacket diameters.

Multimode fibers are identified by the OM ("optical mode") designation as outlined in the ISO/IEC 11801 standard.

• OM1 multimode fiber, for fiber with 200/500 MHz*km overfilled launch (OFL) bandwidth at 850/1300nm (typically 62.5/125um fiber)
• OM2 multimode fiber, for fiber with 500/500 MHz*km OFL bandwidth at 850/1300nm (typically 50/125um fiber)
• OM3 multimode fiber, for laser-optimized 50um fiber having 2000 MHz*km effective modal bandwidth (EMB, also known as laser bandwidth), designed for 10 Gb/s transmission
• OM4 multimode fiber, for laser-optimized 50um fiber having 4700 MHz*km EMB bandwidth designed for 10 Gb/s, 40 Gb/s, and 100 Gb/s transmission

Article Source: Multimode Fiber Optic Cables Tutorial

One of the changes that modern digital communication systems have brought to radio engineering is the need for end-to-end performance measurements. The measure of that performance is usually the bit error rate (BER), which quantifies the reliability of the entire radio system from "bits in" to "bits out", including the electronics, antennas and signal path in between. In order to ensure that the bit error rate can be measured easily and quickly, you need a bit error rate tester. A bit error rate tester (BERT), also known as a bit error ratio tester or a bit error rate test solution (BERTs) is an electronic test equipment used to test the quality of signal transmission of single components or complete systems.

As illustrated below, a bit error rate tester consists of five main components:

• Pattern generator, which transmits a defined test pattern to the DUT or test system
• Error detector connected to the DUT or test system, to count the errors generated by the DUT or test system
• Clock signal generator to synchronize the pattern generator and the error detector
• Digital communication analyser is optional to display the transmitted or received signal
• Electrical-optical converter and optical-electrical converter for testing optical communication signals

An error is logged each time the received bit does not correspond to the known transmitted bit. The bit error rate tester can be defined using several test patterns, such as Quasi-random signal source, Digital data service, and so on. Quasi-random signal source (QRSS) is a pseudo-random sequence built on a 20-bit shift register that repeats every 1,045,575 bits. Digital data service (DDS) patterns are intended for testing DDS circuits with data services of 64 kbps or less. Other frequently used test patterns include all zeroes, all ones, or a sequence of 63, 511, or 2047 bits. One-in-eight (1-in-8) is an 8-bit pattern that contains a single one. 3-in-24 is a 24-bit pattern that contains three ones.

Bit error rate tester is a perfect tool for testing the quality of signal transmission of single components or complete systems. Take YGBERT 2M PCM bit error rate tester for example, YGBERT 2M PCM bit error rate tester is a pocket-sized and hand-held instrument. It'slight-weighted, fully function and among the best ones in the world. It can be used in inspection systems and supervision of digital micro-wave systems. It'sespecially useful in the installation, field operation and maintenance of digital transmission systems. With its functions of Testing and taking performance analysis on the Bit error rate and on-line code error of Single Group Digital communication system and Digital communication and the development, manufacture, construction and maintenance of the equipment, it can test bit error rate quickly and accurately.

Except for YGBERT 2M PCM, there are many other types of test equipments and tools for the communications applications, such as RJ45 tester, underground wire tracer, telephone line tester and visual fault locator, etc.

Article Source: Bit Error Rate Tester Solution

Overview

Dramatic growth in data center throughput has led to the increasing usage and demand for higher-performance servers, storage and interconnects. As a result, we are seeing the expansion of higher speed Ethernet solutions, specifically 10 and 40 gigabit Ethernet. This text will take an overview of 10 gigabit ethernet as well as introducing some common 10-gigabit physical media systems: fiber optic media systems, DAC cable media systems and twisted-pair media systems.

Introduction of 10 Gigabit Ethernet

10 Gigabit Ethernet is a group of computer networking technologies for transmitting Ethernet frames at a rate of 10 gigabits per second. It was first defined by the IEEE 802.3ae-2002 standard. Unlike previous Ethernet standards, 10 Gigabit Ethernet defines only full duplex point-to-point links which are generally connected by network switches. Like previous versions of Ethernet, 10GbE can use either copper or fiber cabling. However, the 10 Gigabit Ethernet standard encompasses a number of different physical layer (PHY) standards. A networking device may have different PHY types through pluggable PHY modules, such as those based on XENPAK, XFP and SFP+.

Classification of 10 Gigabit Ethernet

When comes to 10 gigabit Ethernet (10GbE), IT managers are now faced with the challenge of selecting the appropriate 10-gigabit physical media. Broadly, this media is usually offered in the following three categories:

10 Gigabit Ethernet Fiber Optic Media Systems Solution

There are two classifications for optical fiber: single-mode (SMF) and multimode (MMF). SMF is used for long distance communication and MMF is used for distances of less than 300 m. There are also active optical cables (AOC). These have the optical electronics already connected eliminating the connectors between the cable and the optical module. They plug into standard optical module sockets. They are lower cost than other optical solutions because the manufacturer can match the electronics to the required length and type of cable. AOC Cable provides very short distance (same shelf) inexpensive connectivity at 10G rates between two 10G data ports. The following picture shows the SFP+ active optical cables (AOC):

NOTE: Dramatically reducing 10G interconnectivity costs, the 10G cables can provide inexpensive and reliable 10G speed connections using either copper cables with distances reaching up to 15 meters or active optical cables reaching even 100 meters.

10 Gigabit Ethernet Copper Direct Attach Cable Media Systems (10GSFP+Cu) Solution

SFP+ direct attach cable (DAC), also known as 10GSFP+Cu, is a copper 10GBASE Twinax Cable which comes in either an active or passive twinax cable assembly and connects directly into an SFP+ housing. SFP+ direct attach cable has a fixed-length cable, typically 1 to 7 m (passive cables) or up to 15 m (active cables) in length. And like 10GBASE-CX4, is low-power, low-cost and low-latency with the added advantages of using less bulky cables and of having the small form factor of SFP+. Besides, SFP+ direct attached Twinax copper today is tremendously popular, with more ports installed than 10GBASE-SR. The following picture shows the SFP+ passive direct attach cable(DAC):

10 Gigabit Ethernet Twisted-Pair Media Systems (10GBASE-T) Solution

10GBASE-T is a standard released in 2006 to provide 10 Gbit/s connections over unshielded or shielded twisted pair cables, over distances up to 100 metres. 10GBASE-T cable solution can also be used for 1000BASE-T allowing a gradual upgrade from 1000BASE-T using auto negotiation to select which speed to use. 10GBASE-T uses the IEC 60603-7 8P8C (commonly known as RJ45) connectors already widely used with Ethernet. Transmission characteristics are now specified to 500 MHz. To reach this frequency Category 6A or better balanced twisted pair cables are needed to carry 10GBASE-T up to distances of 100m. The following picture shows the Category 6A cable:

Article Source: http://www.cables-solutions.com/three-types-physical-media-systems-for-10-gigabit-ethernet.html

Introduction

SFP+ passive copper cable assemblies were developed specifically as a costeffective and lower-power alternative to optical fiber cables for short reach links in high-speed interconnect applications such as high performance computing (HPC), data center networking and network storage markets. The assemblies support data transfer rates up to 10 Gb/s per lane, meeting or exceeding current Industry Standard Specifications. These SFP+ fully-shielded assemblies combine twin-axial shielded cable with robust die cast connector interfaces for enhanced support of high frequency data rates.

Description

SFP+ passive copper cable assemblies use twin-axial (twinax) shielded cable, which means that the signals travel over parallel pairs of conductors that have foil shields over each pair with a drain wire interstitial to the conductors. The cable contains 2 pairs, one for transmit (Tx) and one for receive (Rx) and each shielded pair is surrounded by an overall shield.

Twinax cable has all of the noise cancelling characteristics of twisted-pair cable with the added benefits of homogeneous geometry, which means that the cable's 100 ohm impedance is much better controlled resulting in less signal loss.

These assemblies are called passive copper cables because there isn't any signal conditioning circuitry (e.g. crosstalk or echo cancellation) contained within the SFP+ connector. Sometimes these assemblies are referred to as DAC or Direct Attached Copper cables or Cu cables. Inside the SFP+ MSA footprint optical cables can be used that require optical tranceivers or Active Optical Cables (AOC) that contain the transceiver as part of the cable.

There are four wire gauges to support our SFP+ passive copper cable assemblies: 30, 28, 26 and 24 AWG. These gauge offerings are based on the attenuation limits within the governing standards; longer cables require larger gauge copper wire.

SFP+ connectors contain EEPROMs within the connector's diecast metal backshell. An EEPROM is an "Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory" chip that is programmed at the factory with specific information about the cable assembly. This information is used by the network equipment that the cable is plugged into to get information that is used for signal transmission as well as information about the cable assembly such as vendor, serial number, part number, etc.

Applications and Compatibility

The initial interface option for 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) switches and servers were SFP+ ports because the 10GBASE-T standard and products were still being developed. As a result, there are many existing 10GbE switches and servers on the market that support SFP+ cabling. The SFP+ ports allow SFP+ direct attach (DAC) passive copper cable assemblies or SFP+ optical fiber modules to be used within the same port. The choices between SFP+ passive copper or active optical fiber are based on reach or the distance between the ports that are being connected as well as user preference. The passive SFP+ cable has a maximum reach of 5 meters which allows for Top of Rack (ToR) configurations and may also support Middle of Row (MoR) deployments as explained below.

The SFP+ DAC performance advantages over 10GBASE-T include lower latency and slightly lower power.

SFP+ interfaces take approximately the same space on a switch front panel as the RJ45 connector and, with SFP+ interfaces, switches can be built with 32 or 48 ports of 10 GbE in a single rack-unit height.

Some equipment vendors discourage the use of 3rd party cable assemblies by issuing a warning message if a non-vendor approved cable is plugged into a port. Most vendors, however, will provide a "work around". Some errors are simple to clear just by acknowledging brand messaging. Fiberstore's SFP+ direct attached passive copper cables have been tested by the University of New Hampshire's Interoperability Lab (UNH IOL) and passed their 10Gigabit Ethernet interoperability testing with several vendors' devices including: Cisco, Dell, Arista and Brocade.

Connectivity Options

Fiberstore is a professional OEM manufacturer and supplier of SFP and SFP+ modules. These SFP and SFP+ transceivers and cables are 100% compatible with major brands. According to your requirements, Fiberstore welcome any inquiry for customized SFP modules. This paper is going to introduce Fiberstore's Gigabit Ethernet Transceivers and Cables Frequently Asked Questions.

What is the distance supported by the SFP+ SR transceiver?

The supported distance is up to 300 meters depending on the quality of the multimode fiber (MMF) you use. Quality of SFP+ SR transceiver MMF is listed as OM1 (up to 33 meters), OM2 (up to 8 2 meters), OM3 (up to 300 meters), and OM4 (up to 400 meters). Check with the supplier for the cable distance supported.

Do the SFP+ optical transceivers support 1 GbE operation?

Yes, they support 1G b E and 10 G b E dual rates and can be configured for 1 GbE.

What is Gigabit Ethernet Auto-Negotiation?

The IEEE standard for auto-negotiation ensures easy migration from 10 Mbps to 100 Mbps and 1000 Mbps speeds. The Auto-Negotiation standard allows devices based on several Ethernet standards, from 10BaseT to 1000BaseT, to coexist in the network by mitigating the risks of network disruption arising from incompatible technologies. This capability helps ensure a smooth migration path from Ethernet to Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet. Related product: 10/100/1000BASE-T Ethernet SFP.

Will the SFP+ optical transceivers auto - negotiate between 1 GbE and 10GbE?

Auto - negotiation is not supported between the 10 GE and 1 GE speed. The transceiver must be manually configured to operate at 1 GE speed.

What are the Cisco Compatible QSFP and SFP+ copper cables provided by Fiberstore?

Does the Twinax copper cable plug directly into the NIC and the switch?

Yes, the copper cable has an SFP+ or QSFP connector on both ends of the cable that directly plugs into the corresponding ports of the switch and NIC.

Should I use optical transceivers with the SFP+ and QSFP direct - attach Twinax copper cables?

No. These are direct - attach Twinax cables and come with connectors that plug directly into the SFP+ port or the QSFP port of the switch/NIC on either end. Transceiver cannot be used.

What is the advantage of SFP+ Twinax copper cable?

It is a low - cost option for shorter distances up to 5 meters.

Do Fiberstore's SFP+ direct attached Twinax copper cables work with Cisco switches?

Yes, Fiberstore offers SFP+ twinax copper cables and SFP+ active optical cables with 100% compatibility for Cisco. All of these SFP+ direct attach cables can meet the ever growing need to cost-effectively deliver more bandwidth, and they can be customized in different length to meet customers' requirements.

What is the advantage of SFP+ Twinax copper cable?

It is a low - cost option for shorter distances up to 5 meters.

Is 10GBase - T same as 10GBASE - T?

Yes. 1GBase - T is shorthand for 1000BASE - T and 10GBase - T is same as 10GBASE - T; they are the twisted pair implementations of 1 GbE and 10 GbE respectively

What are the distances supported by cables to use with the 10GBase - T ports?

Data center s ha ve a large installed base of Cat 5/6/7 twisted pair cables for the last 10+ years - initially for 1000BASE - T and now for use with 1/10GBase - T infrastructure. Distances supported at 10 Gbps speed:

• CAT 6A and CAT 7 cables supporting 100 meters
• CAT 5e and CAT 6 cables supporting 55 meters

How do I use the SFP+ ports for 1000BASE - T?

You need to purchase SFP+ to 1000BASE - T adapter ( SFP+/ Copper RJ45 ).