All about Cisco S-Class Optics

Nowadays, fierce competition among companies and enterprises has accelerated the launching of new products in succession. Of course, there is no exception to Cisco. Cisco S-class optics were launched In December 2014. Many people feel confused about this new product as there are no obvious differences on specifications between Cisco S-class optics and the others. But if you dig it deeper, you will find out that Cisco S-class optics is designed for enterprise and data center 10G and 40G applications with a more attractive price. And they are only available in the most common reaches needed in enterprise and data center applications. This article will introduce Cisco S-class optics in details. Table 1 shows 10G and 40G S-class Optics.

Cisco S-Class 10GBASE SFP+ Modules
Cisco S-Class 10GBASE SFP+ modules offer customers a variety of 10 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity options optimized for Enterprise and data center applications.

• Cisco SFP-10G-SR-S

The Cisco 10GBASE-SR module supports a link length of 26 meters on standard Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) -grade multi-mode fiber (MMF). Using OM3, up to 300-meter link lengths are possible. Using OM4 multi-mode fiber, up to 400 meter link lengths are possible.

• Cisco SFP-10G-LR-S

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

• Cisco SFP-10G-ER-S

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

• Cisco SFP-10G-ZR-S

The Cisco SFP-10G-ZR module supports link lengths of up to about 80 kilometers on standard single-mode fiber (SMF, G.652). This interface is not specified as part of the 10 Gigabit Ethernet standards and is, instead, built according to Cisco specifications.

Cisco S-Class 40GBASE QSFP Modules
The Cisco 40GBASE QSFP (Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable) (seen in Figure 2) offers customers high-density and low-power 40 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity options for data center, high-performance computing networks, enterprise core, and distribution layers applications. There are two common types of Cisco S-Class QSFP40G—Cisco QSFP-40G-SR4-S and Cisco QSFP-40G-LR4-S.

• Cisco QSFP-40G-SR4-S

The Cisco 40GBASE-SR4 QSFP module supports link lengths of 100 and 150 meters, respectively, on laser-optimized OM3 and OM4 fibers. It primarily enables high-bandwidth 40G optical links over 12-fiber parallel fiber terminated with MPO/MTP multifiber connectors. Cisco QSFP-40G-SR4-S is optimized to guarantee interoperability with any IEEE-compliant 40GBase-SR4 module.

• Cisco QSFP-40G-LR4-S

The Cisco 40GBASE-LR4 QSFP module supports link lengths of up to 10 kilometer over a standard pair of G.652 single-mode fiber with duplex LC connectors. The QSFP-40G-LR4-S module supports 40GBase Ethernet rate only. The 40 Gigabit Ethernet signal is carried over four wavelengths. Multiplexing and demultiplexing of the four wavelengths are managed in the device.

More Detailed Information About Cisco S-class Optics
Cisco S-class optics with their attractive price has attracted many users since they came out last year. But a series of questions are also put forward by users. Is S-Class SFP+ compatible with “normal” SFP+? When should we use S-class optics? What’s the difference between Cisco S-Class and non-S-Class optics?… Unfortunately, we don’t know exactly about this. But from the Cisco data sheet, here are some experiences may help you.

According to Cisco data sheet, S-class is only for Ethernet protocol, not for OTN (Optical Transport Network) or WAN-PHY (Wide Area Network Physics). In addition S-class optics have different temperature ranges with non-S-class optics. Therefore, if you don’t need any special long distance, temperature tolerances, or other special features, S-Class optics are cheaper and should be just fine for you. In fact, there may be more unknown differences. But the low price is still the main selling point, and we don’t need to worry about the compatibility problem.

Fiberstore Compatible Cisco Transceiver Modules
Fiberstore offers a full variety of compatible Cisco transceiver modules like SFP-10G-ER, SFP-10G-SR, X2-10GB-LR etc. You can enjoy the same functions and performance as the Cisco transceiver with an incredibly lower price. For more information, please feel free to contact us directly.

Reference:
http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/collateral/interfaces-modules/transceiver-modules/bulletin-c25-733742.html

Single-mode vs. Multi-mode Transceiver

We are quite familiar with difference between single-mode fiber (SMF) and multi-mode fiber (MMF), but we know little about single-mode and multi-mode transceiver. So what are they? And how to choose between them. Actually single-mode and multi-mode fiber are the transport media of a transceiver module. Besides this, here are certain things you need to know before making that decision which can prevent additional costs in the future.

The key differences between single-mode and multi-mode transceiver lie in the following expects—distance and cost, speed, how they work and compatibility issue. The following text will explain them one by one.

Distance and Cost
The single-mode fiber based transceivers work mainly in 1310nm and 1550nm wavelength and have a transmission distance of 2 km to 120 km. While multi-mode fiber based transceivers work in 850nm wavelength and are only used for short distance defined from 150 meters to 5 kilometers. The difference in transmission distance is owing to different transmitter power, receiver sensitivity and the wavelength in operation.

The cost difference between single-mode and multi-mode transceiver mainly arises from the cost difference between single-mode fiber and multi-mode fiber. It is known that the optic for single-mode is nearly twice the cost of multi-mode fiber. But the cost of a single-mode transceiver is negligible when installed as part of a project. Therefore, multi-mode transceivers are typically used when the distance involved is not long.

Speed
Both single-mode transceiver and multi-mode transceiver can transmit 10G speed. You just need to consider the distance requirement. Multi-mode can only support 300 to 400 meters. Single-mode transceiver can support link lengths up to 120 km. But prices go up accordingly.

How They Work
Single-mode fiber has a smaller core (9 micron) and narrower wavelength, which means that SMF has the capability for higher bandwidth and much longer distances in transmission. And because of its smaller core, single-mode fiber has less light diffraction over distance than multi-mode fiber (50, 62.5 micron). That’s the reason why single-mode transceiver can support link length up to 120 km. Figure 1 shows a compatible Cisco GLC-LX-SM-RGD and a single-mode patch cable.

 

In contrast, multi-mode fiber has a much bigger core and uses a longer wavelength of light, resulting in MMF having higher numerical apertures which means they are better at collecting light than single-mode fibers. In fact, this refers to the optics is cheaper. Due to the modal dispersion in the fiber, multi-mode fiber has higher pulse spreading rates than single mode fiber, limiting multi-mode fiber’s information transmission capacity. Thus multi-mode transceiver can only support shorter distance. Figure 2 shows a compatible Cisco GLC-SX-MMD and a multi-mode patch cable.

Compatibility Issue
Can I use single-mode fiber over multi-mode transceiver or vice versa? This is the question we have heard so many times from our customers. The answer is not that easy.

We all knew that single-mode fiber and multi-mode fiber are not compatible. The main reason is that they possess distinct wavelength of the laser and core size of the fiber. Take Cisco SFP as an example, there is a type of SFP transceiver module (GLC-LX-SM-RGD) which can support both single-mode and multi-mode fiber. But a mode conditioning patch cable is always required when using single-mode transceiver (like GLC-ZX-SMD) with 62.5-micron MMF, and only at distances that would have worked using multi-mode transceivers. It does not work when we are exceeding the distance specified for multi-mode fiber. The result could be an elevated bit error rate.

Summary
When we choose between single-mode transceiver and multi-mode transceiver, we must take all the above factors into consideration. Budget of course is the number one factors considered by many users. To save more, we are able to choose the compatible modules without sacrificing any quality or reliability but only with a low cost. Fiberstore supplies compatible fiber optic transceiver modules of many brands, such as Cisco, HP, Juniper, Brocade, Finisar etc. You are welcomed to contact us for more information.

Basic Information About SFP Transceiver Modules

SFP (small form-factor pluggable) transceivers, as one of the most useful technological advancements on the market are warmly welcomed by subscribers. These transceivers are some of the most reliable devices in the market because the designs are derived from a multi-source agreement (MSA) and are a pluggable form of SFF. They are hot-swappable, which is highly beneficial to designers in the industry. Besides these helpful information, here are some things you need to know about SFP transceiver modules.

Types of SFP Transceivers
SFP transceivers are available with a large amount of transmitter and receiver types. Customers can select the appropriate transceiver to provide the required optical reach over multi-mode fiber (MMF) or single-mode fiber (SMF).

Optical SFP module is commonly offered in several different categories: SX, LX, ZX, 1000BASE-T, and DWDM, etc. Each category supports a different distance that will transmit data both upstream and downstream. For instance, the SX model will transmit for 10 km, ZX will transmit up to 80 km and DWDM transceiver will achieve various distance at various wavelengths. Take Cisco SFP as an example.

• For copper twisted pair cabling

Cisco 1000BASE-T SFP module (Cisco GLC-T) operates on category 5 unshielded twisted-pair copper cabling of link lengths up to 100 m.

• For multi-mode fiber

GLC-SX-MMD operates on 1000BASE-SX standard links up to 550 m

• For single-mode fiber

GLC-LH-SMD 1310 nm, for distances up to 10 km
GLC-EX-SMD 1310 nm, for distances up to 40 km
GLC-ZX-SMD 1550 nm, for distances up to 80 km

Where Transceivers Are Used?
Most SFP transceivers can be found in popular networking systems such as Wide Area Networks (WANs), Metro Access Network, and Metro Core Network. SFP transceivers support fiber networking standards such as Fibre Channel, SONET, and Gigabit Ethernet. They also support a variety of other communications standards as well. A compact and hot-swappable optical transceiver can be used in all types of optical communications and telecommunications applications. These devices will connect a switch, router, or other network device.

Advantages of an SFP Transceiver
SFP transceiver is hot-swappable, which make it easy to change and easy for maintenance compared with traditional modules. SFP transceiver modules make the fiber optic network or fiber-Ethernet network easier to upgrade or maintain users can replace a single SFP module during the process instead of replacing the whole board with many modules on it.

Digital optical monitoring (DOM) is based on the new and modern optical transceiver design. Consumers have the ability to monitor real-time parameters of the SFP module. Optical inputs and output power, laser bias, and supply voltage will allow designers to monitor real-time.

In addition, A SFP transceiver is capable of transferring data rates up to 4.25 Gpbs. The XFP form factor is similar to the SFP type. But compared to XFP (10 Gigabit Small Form Factor Pluggable) transceiver, the functionality of SFP module increases about three times at 10 Gpbs. SFP transceivers have a higher optical reliability and will permit higher soldering temperatures. SFP transceivers are recommended by fiber optic component providers to ensure proper data transmission.

Conclusion
SFP modules are some of the best in the industry and will ensure that your design operates at full capacity with low failure rates. This article mainly analyzes three expects of SFP transceiver modules, namely the category of SFP module, application and advantage. Fiberstore offers an exceptional amount of SFP modules that are fully compatible with major brand (Cisco, HP, Finisar, Juniper, etc.). Not only GLC-SX-MMD, GLC-ZX-SMD, DS-SFP-FC8G-SW and EX-SFP-1GE-SX, but also GLC-T SFP are all available in Fiberstore. I cannot list all the compatible SFP transceivers here. If you are interested, you can contact us directly.

X2 Transceiver Module

Figuring out X2 transceivers is not as difficult as it seems, but it requires knowing all of the facts first. It is known that X2 transceiver is a hot swappable products designed for 10Gbps fiber optic transceiver applications. But in order to have a better understanding of the X2 transceiver module, some detailed information about X2 transceiver will be provided in this article.

Definition
X2 transceiver, based on former XENPAK standards, is the 10G fiber optic transceiver. X2 10Gb transceiver inner function is nearly similar with XENPAK, and X2 also can use one transceiver to satisfy all 10G Ethernet optical port function. Compared to XENPAK, X2 transceiver is more suitable for density installations for its smaller size.

X2 transceiver is a hot pluggable in the Z-direction module that is workable in typical router line card applications, Storage, IP network and LAN and compliant to XENPAK MSA. XENPAK transceiver is a fully integrated 10.3Gbqs optical transceiver module that is made up of 10.3Gbqs optical transmitter and receiver, XAUI interface, Mux and Demux with time and data recovery(CDR).

Standard
X2 transceiver supports 10G Ethernet standard. IEEE ratified 10GbE standards in 2002, it not only enlarges the data transmission rate, but it has greater working distance. IEEE 802.3ae 10GbE standard defined the working distance from 300 meters to 40km. We supply the X2 10G fiber optic transceivers that are fully compatible with equipment from other suppliers.

Components
An X2 transceiver module usually consists of these parts:

① – Transmit optical bore
② – Receive optical bore
③ – Latching sleeve (retracted)
④ – EMI gasket flange
⑤ – Transceiver heat sink
⑥ – Module connector
⑦ – Latch (extended)
⑧ – Latching sleeve (extended)
⑨ – Latch (retracted)

Cisco 10GBASE X2 Transceiver Module
Cisco 10GBASE X2 transceiver is the most commonly used in the market, which is available in eight different formats including CX4, T, SR, LRM, LR, LR4, ZR and ER. Each version has a different distance that it will transmit a signal. For instance, The LR model will transmit for 10km. The ER will transmit 40 km, and ZR will transmit for 80 km on single mode fiber. The distance you choose will depend on your needs.

Main features of Cisco 10GBASE X2 modules include:
● Support 10GBASE Ethernet
● Hot-swappable input/output device plugs into an Ethernet X2 port of a Cisco switch or router to link the port with the network
● Provides flexibility of interface choice
● Supports “pay-as-you-populate” model
● Supports the Cisco quality identification (ID) feature that enables a Cisco switch or router to identify whether the module is certified and tested by Cisco
● Has optical interoperability with respective 10GBASE XENPAK, 10GBASE XFP and 10GBASE SFP+ modules on the same link

Cisco X2-10GB-LR
Cisco X2-10GB-LR is one of the Cisco 10GBASE X2 Transceiver Modules. It is a single mode 10GB transceiver, its max working distance is 10km. Cisco X2-10GB-LR is compliant with 10GBASE-LR standard. The X2-10GB-LR is a highly integrated, serial optical transponder module for high-speed, 10Gbps data transmission applications. It can achieve 4×3.125Gbps Ethernet signal input by XAUI (Auxiliary Unit Interface) interface. X2-10GB-LR is designed for 10km transmission using a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL). This X2 10GB transceiver Digital diagnostics functions are available using a 2-wire serial interface. The following image shows a compatible Cisco X2-10GB-LR.

Fiberstore Transceiver Solution
Besides Cisco 10BASE X2 transceiver module, Fiberstore offers SFP+ transceiver, X2 transceiver, XENPAK transceiver, XFP transceiver, SFP transceiver, GBIC transceiver, CWDM/DWDM transceiver, 40G QSFP+ & CFP, 3G-SDI video SFP, WDM Bi-Directional transceiver and PON transceiver with competitive price and high quality, which are fully best with equipment from other suppliers such as Cisco, Juniper and so on. For more information, please see: www.fiber-optic-solutions.com

Low Smoke Zero Halogen Cable Overview

Nowadays, “Green consciousness” is a trend that is being embraced globally to protect the environment. Under this circumstance, Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) cable enjoys its increasing popularity among users. LSZH cables are flame retardant and most importantly do not generate toxic gas. Furthermore, the increasing regulations at the local, state and government levels regarding flame and smoke requirements have led to the use of LSZH cables. But what makes LSZH so special in the telecommunication industry, read this article and you will get the answer.

What Are Halogens?
When grouped together, the elements fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine and astatine make up a chemical family known as the Halogens. You may not have been aware of it, but halogens have many applications, and most of us come into contact with them on a daily basis. Just think of it: the fluoride in your toothpaste, the chlorine in your pool, the iodine in your medicine cabinet, etc. They’re all halogens!

What Is LSZH Cable?
Low Smoke Zero Halogen cable, short for LSZH cable, is a type of cable. The jackets of LSZH cable consist of thermoplastic or thermoset compounds that produce limited smoke and no halogen when come across high sources of heat. LSZH cable can be also called LSF (low smoke and fume), LSHF (low smoke halogen free), and LSOH (low smoke zero halogen) cable. The following figure shows a LSZH fiber patch cable.

Low Smoke Zero Halogen Cable: a Safer Alternative
The most obvious advantage of LSZH cable is that It reduces the amount of toxic and corrosive gas emitted during combustion. This type of material (such as polypropylene) contains absolutely no halogens, but still has excellent flame resistance and produces very little smoke when burned. This material is typically used in badly ventilated areas such as planes or railroad cars. The cable jacket for these wires is designed to minimize the release of halogen fumes and toxicants into the air, reducing the potential of hazardous contact in occupied spaces. LSZH cables are for utilization in patching environments with poor air circulation where personnel and equipment may be exposed to corrosive fumes and toxins during combustion.

In addition, LSZH cabling is the safest choice for plenum use and any other applications in which smoke is likely to both build up and come into contact with people, since no harmful toxins are actually released. Low Smoke Zero Halogen cable also has the added benefit of complying with the European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive and similar North American safety and environmental standards.

Application
LSZH cable reduces the amount of toxic and corrosive gas emitted during combustion. This type of material is typically used in poorly ventilated areas such as aircraft, rail cars or ships. It is also used extensively in the railroad industry, wherever high voltage or track signal wires must be run into and through underground tunnel systems. This reduces the chance of toxic gasses accumulating in these areas should the wires be damaged by fire or a short circuit fault.

Summary
This article explains a little about what LSZH cables are, their advantage, and the application that it’s safer and healthier to go halogen-free in. Fiberstore supplies PVC/LSZH fiber patch cables terminated with LC/SC/ST/FC/MTRJ/MU/SMA connectors on both ends. And All LSZH fiber patch cables in Fiberstore can be customized according to your specific requirement. For more information about LSZH fiber patch cable, please see: www.fiber-optic-solutions.com.

MSA Is More Important Than You Think

When talking about fiber optic transceivers, we may encounter a term — MSA (Multi-Source Agreement). But what is MSA? It seems likes an universal organization that defines all the fiber optic transceivers and many other telecom products. However, this understanding of MSA only stays at the surface. In this passage, a clearer introduction to MSAs and why they are so important to fiber optic transceiver vendors will be presented. Just read the following text and you will gain somethings from it.

What Does MSA Mean?
MSA is short for Multi-Source Agreement. MSAs are not official standards organizations. Rather, they are agreements between multiple manufacturers in order to make products which are compatible across vendors, acting as de facto standards, establishing a competitive market for interoperable products.

MSAs strictly define the operating characteristics of these optical transceivers so that system vendors may implement ports in their devices that allow MSA compliant transceivers produced by name brand, as well as third party vendors, to function properly. That is, transceivers may be purchased from any of the multiple sources in the open market, like Fiberstore. This gives end users more choice when selecting module vendors, which serve to drive down cost through economies of scale.

Approved Fiber Optica Transceiver Multi-source Agreements
MSA is a popular industry format jointly developed and supported by many network component vendors, most common optical transceivers are specified by it at present. Currently, the approved MSAs cover the transceivers are listed in the following figure.

Importance of MSA
MSAs, as we have talked above, defined the characteristics of any type of fiber optic transceiver system. To customers, MSAs are primarily important because they can give them piece of mind that transceiver devices will have a basic level of operability. With MSAs, consumers have more freedom in the choices for suppliers from which they purchase products, because the basic functionality and operability of all transceiver devices will be the same within these devices. Of course, some products may be superior than other. This will allow people to compete and gain a share of the market without creating a design that’s completely different from all other devices. To the industry, before MSAs launched, a couple of companies get together, work behind closed doors, and now these standards force suppliers to be efficient and creative to find ways to drive costs down and offer customers more for their money. However, some system vendors have attempted to subvert the standardizing value of the MSAs and tried to find loopholes around the value around the MSAs.

The most common scheme is to write a unique code into some of the undefined memory in the EEPROM of each fiber optic transceivers. When the transceiver is inserted into the host switch, its EEPROM is read, and, if the code is “incorrect” the module is rejected as “incompatible”. Though the unique code seems like a barrier for the 3rd party transceiver suppliers, many module vendors have determined how to generate and program certain parts with proper codes. Because of this, they are not distinguishable from the brand name parts of the host systems. System vendors will use the tactics to protect consumers from grossly inflated prices. They also introduce standards to support and encourage creation and standards.

Summary
MSAs have built a new way of innovation instead of market monopoly for the optical industry, and bring both opportunity and challenge to users and this industry. Fiberstore provides a full range of fiber optic transceivers including SFP, SFP+, X2, XENPAK, XFP, GBIC, QSFP/QSFP+, CFP. Most of the basic transceivers are with ready stock. Currently, J8177B (compatible HP 1000BASE-T SFP) and JD099B (compatible HP 1000BASE 1490nmTX/1310nmRX BIDI SFP) are available and have more discount. 

Reference:
http://www.fs.com/blog/msas-are-more-important-than-you-think.html
http://www.commscope.com/ThinkingAhead/Standards/Enterprise/Multi-source-agreements/

Difference Between OS1 and OS2 Fiber Optic Cable

There are two standards for single mode patch cable — OS1 and OS2. The dissimilarity between them is largely a matter of cable construction rather than fiber optic performance. Customers must find their way to see how these cables will improve the functionality of the device. Here is some information related to the differences between the cable construction.

Cable Construction
Category OS1 is recommended for internal tight buffered cable construction, while Category OS2 is recommended for loose tube or blown fiver solution. The loose tube cable is made from optical fiber and gives the best installed performance of 0.4 db per km.

Category OS1 is designed for internal situation where the maximum distance is 2000 meters. This cable type will allow speeds of over one to 10 gigabit Ethernet. However, category OS2 cable is designed for all users where a maximum distance of 5,000 to 10,000 meters, which will also allow a distance of one to 10 gigabit Ethernet.

What Customers Should Know About OS1 and OS2 Cables
Category OS1 cable is designed for indoor use. The cable type is more tolerant of bending (called B1.3). The fiber is more plastic and able to bend plus the buffered cable reduces the risk of catastrophic damage. By contrast, category OS2 cable is designed for outdoor use. This cable type is bend sensitive and thus more likely to break during installment unless care is taken.

OS1 has a greater loss per kilometer than the OS2 outdoor fiber. In general, there is a 1.0 db/km for OS1 compared to 0.4 db/km for outdoor cables. Cables are cheaper with higher loss levels. That’s why many designers prefer OS1 fiber. Slight interoperabilty will be experienced if either the OS1 SM fiber cable or OS2 SM fiber cable is created by splicing or patching. Replacement may be a better option if you decide to incorporate either of these standard fiber optic cable options into your design.

Main Differences Between OS1 and OS2 Cables
From the above description, we knew that the differences between OS1 and OS2 cables are subtle, but the differences should not be ignored in the installment. If you want to know more about how the cables will work perfectly with your particular design, it’s advisable to ask an expert. An expert will help you decide which selection will help you operate at optimally. Under 2 kms, experts recommend that it is valuable to be installed with OS1 cable. OS2 is best for 2 kms and over.

Summary
In general, there are no major differences between OS1 and OS2 fiber optic cable. The difference is therefore largely a matter of different cable construction rather than performance. Fiberstore, a professional telecom supplier, offers a large variety of single mode fiber cables. We can also customize products depending on your specific requirements. You are welcomed to contact us for any detailed information or you can visit www.fs.com directly.

Reference:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Single-mode_optical_fiber