The difference between optical module and optical transceiver

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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.