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Sharetop teach you to choose optical modules

With the rapid development of optical communication, there are thousands of devices operating in large data centers, of which there are thousands of optical modules. Optical modules convert electrical signals into optical signals, and optical signals can be converted into the electrical signal device. Basically uses the optical module as long as there is a fiber optic interconnection. Moreover, two optical modules are needed at each end of each optical link, and it is conceivable that the number of optical modules used is large. Then the optical modules also have many standard product , we must not only consider the price and quality, but also need to understand the basic characteristics and stability of the optical module, so how should we choose the optical module correctly?


1. Initial selection of optical modules


Optical modules by transmission rate can be divided into 1.25Gb/s, 10Gb/s, 40Gb/s, 100Gb/s, etc. According to the transmission distance, which can be divided into 550 m, 10 km, 40 km, 80 km, 120 km, etc. The regular connector : LC, SC, and electrical port modules. The common types of optical module classify by package methods: SFP, SFP+, 1X9, XFP, QSFP, CFP, GBIC, CXP, CFP2, CFP4, CWDM, and DWDM series. Gigabit Interface Converter, that is GBIC. Now commonly used SFP optical modules are small and inexpensive, and optical module packages or wavelength division optical modules can be selected according to actual conditions.

2. Optical module and device compatibility


Since the optical module compatibility information is different from the device information, there may be problems of incompatibility between different devices. Therefore, the compatibility with the merchant should be confirmed at the time of purchase. There are two high-performance optical modules and original switch brand optical modules on the market.



3. Optical module performance parameters


For the initial measurement of the optical module, it is necessary to perform the illumination sensitivity test according to various types of optical modules, the central wavelength test, and whether the product parameters such as packet loss and operating temperature are consistent with the manual. Note: The optical mode band is generally divided into 850nm, 1310nm , and 1550nm . The 850nm band is mostly used for short-distance transmission. 1310nm and 1550nm for SM and long distance transmission .C-band close to 1550nm band can use amplifiers for ultra long-distance  transmission and Expanding the fiber channel combine with DWDM wavelength division multiplexers.


4. Optical module life and after sales


We all know that the optical module has a optical port. With the optical port laser ages, the quantum efficiency of the laser will decrease. The lifetime of the laser can be predicted by detecting the bias current of the laser. Under normal circumstances, the service life of the optical module is 6 years. It is difficult to find problems in the normal operation of the optical module for two years. Therefore, when purchasing the optical module, you should choose a merchant with a shelf life of at least 3 years. An optical module with a DDM (Digital Diagnostic Monitoring Interface for Optical Modules) functional system provides a means of performance monitoring to predict the lifetime of an optical module.



Sharetop have very high requirements for the production process of optical modules. The unqualified production process will affect the transmission quality of the entire link. The optical module of the opposite end may be weak, or may not be coordinated with the signal of the transmitting end. The problem cannot match the docking, so quality is the lifeblood of the enterprise. We not only need to achieve high rate, high stability, but also strengthen the heat dissipation capacity of the optical module to ensure the service life, to provide customers with quality products and efficient technical after-sales service.


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