Guide To Fiber Transceiver Types

Optical transceivers play an important role in data centers, enterprise networks, and other modern infrastructure. With the correct one in place, you will have an efficient, reliable, and scalable network. Learn about the different fiber transceiver types and how to choose the right one for your network.

Different Fiber Transceiver Types Explained

Optical fiber transceivers are small devices that transmit and receive data as light signals. They are frequently used within routers, servers, and switches in fiber-optic data and telecom networks. Transceiver modules are an important component of a well-designed network. They allow for high-speed data transmission with little to no signal interference. 

Transceivers can be classified using one of several methods, including their connector type, data rate, form factor, frequency, and range. Common connectors are LC, MPO, RJ45, and SC. 

Lucent connectors are the most common for SFP transceivers. They are compact and can support single and multi-mode fiber cables. High-density networks using multiple fibers often opt for multi-fiber push-on connectors. 

SC connectors are less common, but can also be used in fiber networks. RJ45 connectors are copper-based and work to connect fiber networks to standard Ethernet cables. 

Transceivers by Form Factor

It is more common to see fiber transceiver types classified by size, shape, and standard. Transceivers make use of a range of form factors, and new versions are continually emerging. 

Small Form-Factor Pluggable Transceivers

SFP transceivers can accommodate data transfer speeds up to 1 Gbps. They are common for enterprise networks and some legacy infrastructure systems. SFP transceivers are useful for a range of about 150 km, although the exact range can vary depending on other factors.  

Enhanced SFP transceivers can handle speeds up to 10 Gbps. SFP+ transceivers are backward compatible with SFP versions, making them an ideal upgrade for data centers. 

Quad SFP Transceivers

QSFP transceivers work at speeds of up to 40 Gbps. They are most often used in data center distribution layers.  

QSFP+ transceivers are an enhanced version of the QSFP form factor. They offer better performance and efficiency. 

QSFP28 transceivers are another variation. They handle speeds of up to 100 Gbps, making them an excellent choice for hyperscale data centers and high-throughput cloud applications.

Octal Small Form Factor Pluggable

OSFP modules utilize eight electrical lanes. Each of these can support speeds of 50 Gbps, making them capable of 400 Gbps aggregate rates. They are slightly larger than QSFP modules. 

C Form-Factor Pluggable Transceivers

CFP-based transceivers are capable of sending and receiving data at incredibly high speeds between 100 and 400 Gbps. They are an excellent choice for high-bandwidth backbones and carrier networks. 

Standard CFP transceivers can accommodate a single 100 Gbps data signal or multiple 40 Gbps signals. It offers a compact size that can help reduce congested cabling in data centers.

CFP2 fiber transceiver types are half the size of CFPs with exceptional customization capabilities. They are good for data center interconnection and regional applications.

CFP4 transceivers are a mere quarter of the size of standard CFP modules, offering excellent space utilization options for crowded spaces. CFP8 is similar in size to the CFP2, yet it offers four times the bandwidth density of CFP2 and an impressive 400 Gbps aggregate bit rate. 

Fiber Transceiver Types by Range

Transceiver modules are used in both short-distance data applications and much longer ones, such as city-wide internet service. Many long-range applications use the modules to take full advantage of the benefits of fiber optic infrastructure. Different types of transceivers are better suited for long or short-distance networks. 

Transmission distance is a major factor in choosing a transceiver. Some that utilize multi-mode fiber are designed for short distances, such as within a data center. Called short-reach or SR transceivers, they are limited to transmission distances of approximately 300 meters. 

Long-reach, extended-reach, and ultra-long-reach transceivers are for single-mode systems. LR modules are excellent for extended local networks, such as connecting campus buildings, and are suitable for distances up to 10 km. ER modules extend that range up to 40 km, and ZR modules can cover 100 km or more. The latter is especially well-suited for carrier networks.

Single-Mode and Multi-Mode Fiber Transceiver Types

This distinction is more about the optical fiber cabling used in a network than the transceiver technology itself. Fiber networks transmit data as light signals over thin glass cables. Single-mode cable is much smaller than multi-mode cable. It is suitable for long-haul networks of 100 km or more. Multi-mode cable is limited to several hundred meters. 

Single-mode transceivers and wire are significantly more expensive than their multi-mode counterparts. However, they are exceptionally positioned for long-haul, telecom, and wide-area networks. You are more likely to choose a multi-mode transceiver for a local area network or data center interconnect. 

How To Choose the Correct Transceiver Type for Your Network

Transceivers play a vital role in modern fiber optic networks. System designers integrate them into plans for new fiber optic installations in data centers, LANs, and carrier networks. Several factors can impact which module you choose, including:

• Budget: Single-mode transceivers are more expensive than multi-mode modules
• Distance: You need to match the transceiver to the physical size of your network
• Scalability: Some components are more scalable than others, so you should decide up front if this is a concern
• Speed: Any transceivers should be capable of handling your current and anticipated network speeds 

If you are upgrading an existing network, you must ensure that the transceiver module is compatible with your current equipment. This often means relying on the form factor or connector type. In some cases, adapters allow you to make small modifications; however, they can cause some signal loss.

Explore Fiber Transceiver Types With Equal Optics

Equal Optics is a leading provider of innovative network solutions. We carry a full line of network components, including transceivers, cables, and adapters. Our team can explain how a transceiver works and why one type is better suited for your network than another. Contact us to discuss your options for different fiber transceiver types.