How to Choose 10G XFP Transceivers

In optical communication networks, there are many devices fundamental to performing smooth technical operation. One indispensable system is called optical transceiver module. A transceiver combines a transmitter and receiver to form a unit and uses the same channels. Optical transceivers are typically found in various form factors, including SFP, GBIC, SFP, XFP and X2 etc, which are often used for computer networking purposes.

Whenever you need to deploy an optical network, you immediately come to think of Ethernet standards and relevant devices. Well, the fact is, some types of Ethernet networks require the utilization of specific types of transceivers. What’s more, you need to balance the budget and your network requirement. For instance, if you are looking for 10G XFP transceivers, you must know about something to get transceivers at very reasonable rates prior to making your decision. The following article will provide some suggestions to help you select the most suitable optical devices for your infrastructure.

XFP Transceiver—Definition & Classification

With the progress and advancement in technology, more and more equipment with latest techniques are being introduced every day. The XFP transceiver is a hot pluggable component intended for 10G system applications. XFP transceiver is also a protocol autonomous optical translation device utilized in various applications such as 10Gbps SDH/SONET, DWDM fiber optic networks and related applications. The XFP transceivers satisfy the relation to MSA launched by various popular companies on the market today. There are numerous XFP transceivers available on the market, including 10GBASE-ZR XFP, 10GBASE-ER XFP, 10GBASE-LR XFP, and 10GBASE-SR XFP. The most widely used is 10GBASE-SR XFP which has a working distance of 300 meters maximum via OM3 MMF.

The other types of XFP function with SMF:

• The maximum distance of 10GBASE-LR XFP is 10 kilometers via 1310nm SMF;
• The maximum distance of 10GBASE-ER XFP is 40 kilometers via 1550nm SMF;
• The utmost distance of 10GBASE-ZR XFP is 80 kilometers via SMF.

10GBASE-LR XFP is widely utilized in telecom field, take XFP-10GLR-OC192SR as an example. This Cisco compatible 10GBASE-LR XFP can support a distance of 10km over single-mode fiber. Juniper XFP-10G-L-OC192-SR1 possesses the same function with the XFP-10GLR-OC192SR, but they are offered by different vendors.

Select the Most Suitable Optical Transceivers

After the certification of X2 transceivers and XENPAK, this XFP transceiver is the new invention for 10G solution. Various vendors are available in providing 10G XFP transceivers. You can purchase these transceivers from a local store or over the website. Since many companies have their personal website where people can purchase at home, but the most challenging part is to find a reliable vendor that provides top quality products at affordable price. To simplify your process, two most widely used and reliable brands of transceivers are Cisco and Juniper, just as I have listed above. Just make sure you perform some reading on the web for reviews and advice from people who have used these brands, which will help you create a more informed purchase decision and cut down your cost.

However, the Cisco or Juniper XFPs are too expensive. People can not afford the high cost. Thus many designers are turning to compatible ones which have the same functions and ideal compatibility with the original brand like Cisco, Juniper, Finisar, etc. These 3-rd party XFP transceivers are also developed on the basis of international industrial standards and are severely checked for compatibility with tools and devices from large organizations in industry. The compatible XFP transceivers are extremely cost-effective with only one tenth of original price! That’s why they are more popular than the original ones.

Fiberstore supplies high-quality XFP transceivers, like 10G XFP transceiver, BiDi XFP and CWDM/DWDM XFP optical transceiver with lower price. They are 100% compatible with the original brand. Not only offer compatible XFP transceiver, but provide SFP transceiver, SFP+ transceiver, 40G/100G optics and Direct Attach Cables. All of products are tested in our test center to guarantee the high compatibility and performance.