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Selecting optical cables for 10 Gigabit SFP+ transceivers may be a foolish inquiry to most fiber optic specialists. Nevertheless, some individuals, particularly inexperienced network installers, may need to gain knowledge about the compatibility of optical transceiver modules and optical modules. Today, my objective is to provide a clear explanation of selecting the appropriate transmission media (OM3/OM4/OS2/Cat6a/Cat6) for 10 Gigabit SFP+ fiber optic transceiver modules.
An Introduction to the SFP+ Fiber Optic Transceiver Module
Before delving into this article’s primary content, let's briefly introduce the 10G copper and fiber cables and SFP+ fiber optic transceiver modules.
10GBASE SFP+ Fiber Optic Transceivers
Based on the IEEE standards, we can categorize the SFP+ fiber optic transceivers into different types. These types include 10GBASE-LRM SFP+, 10GBASE-ER SFP+, 10GBASE-LR, 10GBASE-ZR SFP+, 10GBASE-T SFP+, and 10GBASE-SR SFP+. We have yet to mention the specifications and uses of each SFP+ fiber optic transceiver type in this text. To learn more, please refer to the preceding articles.
BiDi SFP+ Modules
The 10GBASE SFP+ modules mentioned above are just some of the ones used. We frequently use the 10GBASE-CWDM SFP+, SFP+ BiDi, and 10GBASE-DWDM SFP+ fiber optic transceiver modules as 10 Gigabit SFP+ optics. The SFP+ BiDi fiber optic transceiver typically utilizes two distinct wavelengths to enable 10 Gigabit transmission over a single fiber. The commonly employed wavelength combinations for BiDi fiber optic modules are 1310 nanometers/1550 nanometers, 1310 nanometers/1490 nanometers, and 1510 nanometers/1590 nanometers.
CWDM and DWDM SFP+ Modules
The CWDM and DWDM SFP+ optics offer a practical and affordable solution for implementing 10GbE in data centers, campuses, and metropolitan access networks. This 10G optical transceiver type can facilitate up to 10GbE’s eight channels through single-mode optical fibers, covering distances exceeding 80km.
10G Copper and Fiber Patch Cables
We can categorize optical cables into two kinds: single-mode and multimode. They have different optical transmission equipment and core sizes, making them suitable for other purposes. Typically, we use single-mode fiber optic patch cables, also known as OS1/OS2 (with OS1 being less common nowadays), for long-range communication using laser diode equipment.
Fiber cables with multiple modes, or OM1/OM2/OM3/OM4, feature a relatively spacious light-carrying core. LED technology equipment typically uses these cables to transmit data over short distances. OM1, with a 62.5um core size, can facilitate a 1GB network up to a distance of 300m. OM2, with a core size of 50um, can support a 10GB network up to a 600m distance. OM4 and OM3 are multimode fibers optimized for laser use. We can use them in 10GB networks with 300m and 550m link lengths, respectively. We can use these kinds of fiber optic cables in a 40 Gigabit/100 Gigabit network using an MTP/MPO connector.
We use the Ethernet cables made of Copper, namely Cat6 and Cat6a, for 10 Gigabit network purposes. Cat6 can handle up to 10Gbps, which is a significant improvement over Cat5e, which can handle 1 Gigabit of data, and Cat5, which can hold 10/100 Mbps. However, the maximum distance that Cat6 can cover is limited to 50m.
Choosing Optical Cables for 10 Gigabit SFP+ Fiber Optic Transceivers
As previously mentioned, 10 Gigabit 10GBASE-LRM SFP+, 10GBASE-ER SFP+, 10GBASE-LR SFP+, 10GBASE-DWDM SFP+, SFP+ BiDi, 10GBASE-CWDM SFP+, and 10GBASE-ZR SFP+ modules can all utilize single-mode fiber optic patch cables. 10GBASE-SR SFP+ transceiver modules are compatible with multimode fibers, specifically OM4 and OM3 cables. The chart below presents the part numbers for these cables.
Only 10GBASE-T SFP+ transceivers are compatible with Cat6a and Cat6 patch cables.
Please note that the recently released SFP+ copper transceiver modules have a maximum range 80m.
Conclusion
This article comprehensively lists 10G fiber and copper patch cables and SFP+ transceiver module types. It also offers guidance on selecting the appropriate patch cables for 10G SFP+ optical transceivers. We provide a complete selection of patch cables and SFP+ fiber optic transceiver modules.
