TenFourOptics _ SFP Module Types Explained

SFP Module Types Explained

Short-range, long-range, extended-range, BiDi, CWDM, and DWDM optics.

The Foundation of Every Fiber Link

Every optical network — from a campus backbone to a hyperscale data center — depends on the silent precision of its transceivers. SFP modules convert electrical signals to light and back again, enabling the data flow that powers every server, switch, and router. But not all SFPs are built for the same mission. Understanding the different types is key to choosing the right module for each link.

1. Short-Range (SR)

Wavelength: 850 nm | Connector: LC duplex | Medium: Multimode fiber (MMF)

• Designed for short hops — typically 300 m or less.

• Common in server rooms and Top-of-Rack (ToR) connections.

• Uses VCSEL lasers optimized for multimode fiber.

• Most popular variants: SFP-SX (1G), SFP+-SR (10G), and QSFP+-SR4 (40G).

TFO’s edge: Consistent laser alignment and end-face polishing for error-free multimode launches.

2. Long-Range (LR)

Wavelength: 1310 nm | Connector: LC duplex | Medium: Singlemode fiber (SMF)

• Ideal for 10 km reach, linking buildings or campus zones.

• Tighter beam divergence.

• Immune to modal dispersion that limits multimode optics.

TFO’s edge: 100% tested for bias current stability and optical power margin to exceed 10 km under full temperature swing.

3. Extended-Range (ER / ZR)

Wavelength: 1550 nm | Connector: LC duplex | Medium: Singlemode fiber (SMF)

• ER optics reach 40 km; ZR variants push 80 km and beyond.

• Typically used in metro, regional, or dark-fiber applications.

• Requires higher transmit power and more sensitive receivers.

TFO’s edge: Balanced laser output for long-haul consistency — no trade-offs, full #GreenLights4Life certification.

4. BiDi (Bidirectional) SFPs

Wavelengths: 1310 nm / 1550 nm (paired opposite per end) | Connector: LC simplex

• Send and receive data over one single fiber strand.

• Perfect for areas where only one fiber is available.

• Reduces infrastructure cost by up to 50%.

TFO’s edge: Color-coded labels and end-pair logic built into packaging — technicians can’t mismatch sides.

5. CWDM (Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing)

Wavelengths: 1270 nm–1610 nm (20 nm spacing) | Connector: LC duplex or MPO

• Enables up to 18 channels of data on a single fiber pair.

• Common in enterprise backbones and metro aggregation.

• Lower-cost multiplexing compared to DWDM.

TFO’s edge: Fully compliant with ITU-T G.694.2 — each wavelength precisely calibrated and thermally stable.

6. DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing)

Wavelengths: 1528–1566 nm (0.8 nm spacing, C-band) | Connector: LC duplex or MPO

• Supports up to 96 channels on one fiber pair.

• Used in long-haul, data-center interconnect (DCI), and telco backbones.

• Requires precise wavelength control and often paired with EDFAs or ROADMs.

TFO’s edge: ITU grid-locked ±0.05 nm stability across temperature range. Proven in multi-vendor DWDM rings.

Selecting the Right Module

Why It Matters

Choosing the wrong transceiver can introduce power mismatches, signal loss, or link instability. The right one ensures full-speed, zero-error transmission — and for professionals, that means fewer truck rolls, no packet loss, and guaranteed uptime.

At TenFourOptics, every SFP is BER-tested, temperature-cycled, and verified for optical precision before earning its green light.

✅ #GreenLights4Life for 20% OFF

Every link deserves confidence. 

Every module deserves testing.

Every install deserves a thumbs-up.

That’s the signal behind TenFourOptics.