The difference between optical module and optical transceiver

Optical fiber has become people's first priority in communication installation due to its advantages of fast transmission speed, long distance, safety and stability, and strong anti-interference ability. At present, the long-distance data transmission used in many smart projects basically uses optical fiber transmission. The connection between these requires an optical module and an optical fiber transceiver. Many users have some doubts about the use of optical modules and optical transceivers. How to connect the two, and what are the precautions? Below, fiber-mart.com will share the difference between optical modules and optical transceivers.

 

1. Optical module

 

The optical module is an optoelectronic device that performs photoelectric and electro-optical conversion. The transmitting end of the optical module converts electrical signals into optical signals, and the receiving end converts optical signals into electrical signals. Optical modules are classified according to the packaging form. Common ones include SFP, SFP+, SFF, Gigabit Ethernet Interface Converter (GBIC), etc.

 

2. Optical fiber transceiver

 

Optical fiber transceiver is an Ethernet transmission media conversion unit that exchanges short-distance twisted-pair electrical signals and long-distance optical signals. It is also called a photoelectric converter in many places.

 

Converter). With the optical fiber transceiver, it also provides a cheap solution for users who need to upgrade the system from copper wire to optical fiber, and for users who lack funds, manpower or time. The function of the fiber optic transceiver is to convert the electrical signal we want to send into an optical signal and send it out. At the same time, it can convert the received optical signal into an electrical signal and input it to our receiving end.

 

3. The difference between optical modules and optical transceivers

 

A. The optical module is a functional module, or accessory, is a passive device that cannot be used alone. It can only be used in switches and devices with optical module slots; while the optical fiber transceiver is a functional device and is a separate active device. The equipment can be used alone with the addition of dots;

 

B. The optical module itself can simplify the network and reduce the points of failure, while the use of optical fiber transceivers will increase a lot of equipment, greatly increase the failure rate and occupy too much institutional storage space, which is not beautiful;

 

C. The optical module supports hot-swappable, and the configuration is relatively flexible; the optical fiber transceiver is relatively fixed, and it will be more troublesome to replace and upgrade than the optical module;

 

D. Optical modules are more expensive than fiber optic transceivers, but they are relatively stable and not easy to damage; while fiber optic transceivers are economical and suitable, but consider power adapters, light status, network cable status and other factors, and transmission loss occupies 30%. %about;

 

E. Optical modules are mainly used for optical interfaces of optical network communication equipment such as convergence switches, core routers, DSLAM, OLT and other equipment, such as: computer video, data communication, wireless voice communication and other optical fiber network backbone networks; optical fiber transceiver applications In the actual network environment where the Ethernet cable cannot be covered and the optical fiber must be used to extend the transmission distance, it is usually positioned in the access layer application of the broadband metropolitan area network;

 

4. Precautions for optical modules and optical transceivers

 

The wavelength and the transmission distance must be the same. For example, the wavelength is 1310nm or 850nm at the same time, and the transmission distance is 10km; the fiber jumper or pigtail must be the same interface to connect. Generally, the optical fiber transceiver uses the SC port and the optical module uses the LC port. This point will prompt the choice of interface type when purchasing. At the same time, the speed of the optical fiber transceiver and the optical module must be the same. For example, a gigabit transceiver corresponds to a 1.25G optical module, 100M to 100M, and Gigabit to Gigabit; the light type of the optical module must be the same, single fiber to single fiber, Dual fiber to dual fiber.