Tag Archives: QSFP Transceiver

400G OSFP Transceiver Types Overview

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400G

OSFP stands for Octal Small Form-factor Pluggable, which consists of 8 electrical lanes, running at 50Gb/s each, for a total of the bandwidth of 400Gb/s. This post will give an introduction of 400G OSFP transceiver types, the fiber connections, and some QAs about OSFP.

400G OSFP Transceiver Types

Below lists some current main 400G OSFP transceiver types: OSFP SR8, OSFP DR4, OSFP DR4+, OSFP FR4, OSFP 2*FR4, and OSFP LR4, which summarize OSFP transceiver according to the two transmission types (over multimode fiber and single-mode fiber) they support.

Fibers Connections for 400G OSFP Transceivers

400G OSFP SR8

Figure 1 OSFP SR8 to OSFP SR8.jpg
  • 400G OSFP SR8 to 2× 200G SR4 over MTP-16 to 2× MPO-8 breakout cable.
Figure 2 OSFP SR8 to 2 200G SR4.jpg
  • 400G OSFP SR8 to 8× 50G SFP via MTP-16 to 8× LC duplex breakout cable with up to 100m.
Figure 3 OSFP SR8 to 8 50G SFP.jpg

400G OSFP DR4

  • 400G OSFP DR4 to 400G OSFP DR4 over an MTP-12/MPO-12 cable.Figure 1 OSFP SR8 to OSFP SR8.jpg
  • 400G OSFP DR4 to 4× 100G DR4 over MTP-12/MPO-12 to 4× LC duplex breakout cable.
Figure 4 OSFP DR4 to 4 100G DR.jpg

400G OSFP XDR4/DR4+

  • 400G OSFP DR4+ to 400G OSFP DR4+ over an MTP-12/MPO-12 cable.
  • 400G OSFP DR4+ to 4× 100G DR over MTP-12/MPO-12 to 4× LC duplex breakout cable.
Figure 5 OSFP DR4+ to 4 100G DR.jpg

400G OSFP FR4

400G OSFP FR4 to 400G OSFP FR4 over duplex LC cable.

Figure 6 OSFP FR4 to OSFP FR4.jpg

400G OSFP 2FR4

OSFP 2FR4 can break out to 2× 200G and interop with 2× 200G-FR4 QSFP transceivers via 2× CS to 2× LC duplex cable.

400G OSFP Transceivers: Q&A

Q: What does “SR8”, “DR4”, “XDR4”, “FR4”, and “LR4” mean?

A: “SR” refers to short range, and “8” implies there are 8 optical channels. “DR” refers to 500m reach using single-mode fiber, and “4” implies there are 4 optical channels. “XDR4” is short for “eXtended reach DR4”. And “LR” refers to 10km reach using single-mode fiber.

Q: Can I plug an OSFP transceiver module into a QSFP-DD port?

A: No. QSFP-DD and OSFP are totally different form factors. For more information about QSFP-DD transceivers, you can refer to 400G QSFP-DD Transceiver Types Overview. You can use only one kind of form factor in the corresponding system. E.g., if you have an OSFP system, OSFP transceivers and cables must be used.

Q: Can I plug a 100G QSFP28 module into an OSFP port?

A: Yes. A QSFP28 module can be inserted into an OSFP port but with an adapter. When using a QSFP28 module in an OSFP port, the OSFP port must be configured for a data rate of 100G instead of 400G.

Q: What other breakout options are possible apart from using OSFP modules mentioned above?

A: OSFP 400G DACs & AOCs are possible for breakout 400G connections. See 400G Direct Attach Cables (DAC & AOC) Overview for more information about 400G DACs & AOCs.

Original Source: 400G OSFP Transceiver Types Overview

Can I Use the QSFP+ Optics on QSFP28 Port?

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100G Ethernet will have a larger share of network equipment market in 2017, according to Infonetics Research. But we can’t neglect the fact that 100G technology and relevant optics are still under development. Users who plan to layout 100G network for long-hual infrastructures usually met some problems. For example, currently, the qsfp28 optics on the market can only support up to 10 km (QSFP28 100GBASE-LR4) with WDM technology, which means you have to buy the extra expensive WDM devices. For applications beyond 10km, QSFP28 optical transceivers cannot reach it. Therefore, users have to use 40G QSFP+ optics on 100G switches. But here comes a problem, can I use the QSFP+ optics on the QSFP28 port of the 100G switch? If this is okay, can I use the QSFP28 modules on the QSFP+ port? This article discusses the feasibility of this solution and provides a foundational guidance of how to configure the 100G switches.

For Most Switches, QSFP+ Can Be Used on QSFP28 Port

As we all know that QSFP28 transceivers have the same form factor as the QSFP optical transceiver. The former has just 4 electrical lanes that can be used as a 4x10GbE, 4x25GbE, while the latter supports 40G ( 4x10G). So from all of this information, a QSFP28 module breaks out into either 4x25G or 4x10G lanes, which depends on the transceiver used. This is the same case with the SFP28 transceivers that accept SFP+ transceivers and run at the lower 10G speed.

QSFP can work on the QSFP28 ports

A 100G QSFP28 port can generally take either a QSFP+ or QSFP28 optics. If the QSFP28 optics support 25G lanes, then it can operate 4x25G breakout, 2x50G breakout or 1x100G (no breakout). The QSFP+ optic supports 10G lanes, so it can run 4x10GE or 1x40GE. If you use the QSFP transceivers in QSFP28 port, keep in mind that you have both single-mode and multimode (SR/LR) optical transceivers and twinax/AOC options that are available.

In all Cases, QSFP28 Optics Cannot Be Used on QSFP+ Port

SFP+ can’t auto-negotiate to support SFP module, similarly QSFP28 modules can not be used on the QSFP port, either. There is the rule about mixing optical transceivers with different speed—it basically comes down to the optic and the port, vice versa. Both ends of the two modules have to match and form factor needs to match as well. Additionally, port speed needs to be equal or greater than the optic used.

How to Configure 100G Switch?

For those who are not familiar with how to do the port configuration, you can have a look at the following part.

  • How do you change 100G QSFP ports to support QSFP+ 40GbE transceivers?

Configure the desired speed as 40G:
(config)# interface Ethernet1/1
(config-if-Et1/1)# speed forced 40gfull

  • How do you change 100G QSFP ports to support 4x10GbE mode using a QSFP+ transceiver?

Configure the desired speed as 10G:
(config)# interface Ethernet1/1 – 4
(config-if-Et1/1-4)# speed forced 10000full

  • How do you change 100G QSFP ports from 100GbE mode to 4x25G mode?

Configure the desired speed as 25G:
(config)# interface Ethernet1/1 – 4
(config-if-Et1/1-4)# speed forced 25gfull

  • How do you change 100G QSFP ports back to the default mode?

Configure the port to default mode:
(config)# interface Ethernet1/1-4
(config-if-Et1/1)# no speed

Note that if you have no experience in port configuration, it is advisable for you to consult your switch vendor in advance.

Conclusion

To sum up, QSFP+ modules can be used on the QSFP28 ports, but QSFP28 transceivers cannot transmit 100Gbps on the QSFP+ port. When using the QSFP optics on the QSFP28 port, don’t forget to configure your switch (follow the above instructions). To make sure the smooth network transmission, you need to ensure the connectors on both ends are the same and no manufacturer compatibility issue exists.

40GBASE-SR4/CSR4 QSFP+ Transceiver Direct Connection Cabling

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As we all know, the standard specifies MPO as a connector to the 40GBASE-SR4/CSR4 QSFP+ transceiver. To connect a QSFP+ to QSFP+, we usually use a MTP 12-fiber trunk cable. In the 40GBASE-SR transmission, there are eight fibers associated with the channel—four fibers for the TX signal and four fibers for the RX signal. Therefore only 8 of the 12 fibers are used, where the remaining four are not used, and can optionally be not present in the cable. So we can also choose a MTP 8-fiber trunk cable for connectivity. This article explains 40G QSFP+ SR4/CSR4 transceiver to 40G QSFP+ SR4/CSR4 transceiver cabling selections.

How to Choose Right  MTP Trunk Cables? 
In addition to using a MTP 8-fiber trunk cable or MTP 12-fiber trunk cable, there are a number of other factors also needed to be considered when to choose a right MTP trunk cable for 40G QSFP+ SR4/CSR4 transceiver connectivity.

  • Use single-mode or multimode MTP trunk cable?

In the market, both single-mode and multiode MTP trunk cable are available. Which one should I use? According to 40GBASE-SR4 standards, 40G QSFP+ SR4 transceiver supports link lengths of 100 meters and 150 meters, respectively, on laser-optimized OM3 and OM4 multimode fibers. Therefore, to connect a 40G QSFP+ SR4  to 40G QSFP+ SR4, we should choose OM3 or OM4 multimode MTP trunk cables.

  • MTP trunk cable polarity selection: A, B or C?

In terms of MTP trunk cable, there are three kinds of polarity options (A, B and C). Which one to choose? In fact, according to the IEEE 40GBASE-SR4 specifications, we must select a type B MTP 8-fiber or MTP 12-fiber trunk cable. The type B trunk cable has opposing connectors with both keys oriented facing up, however the fiber positions are reversed at each end i.e. the fiber at position 1 at one end is connected to position 12 in the connector at the opposing end.

Type-B-MTP-trunk-cable

  • Choose male or female MTP trunk cable?

In terms of a MPO connector, it is divided into male and female types. They ensure that the adapter holds the connector with the correct ends aligned with each other. A MPO trunk cable usually has two MPO connector on each side. Therefore, MTP trunk cables are available in male–male and female–female two versions. According to IEEE standards, MPO optics in a 40G QSFP+ SR4 transceiver are always male connectors, and therefore will always accept female MPO connectors. So if we want to connect a 40G QSFP+ SR4 transceiver  to a 40G QSFP+ SR4 transceiver successfully, we must choose a female–female MTP trunk cable.

40G QSFP+ SR4/CSR4 to 40G QSFP+ SR4/CSR4 Cabling Selections
In order to satisfy different cabling requirement, we may choose different cabling methods. And different cabling methods call for many different cabling infrastructure. Following are four type common cabling methods to connect a 40GBASE-SR4/CSR4 QSFP+ to 40GBASE-SR4/CSR4 QSFP+.

  • Direct connection for 40 Gigabit Ethernet parallel optic transceiver

When directly connecting one QSFP+ MPO/MTP interface transceiver to another, a Type-B female MPO/MTP to female MPO/MTP cable is required. This type of direct connectivity is only suggested for short distances within a given row of racks/cabinets. Following picture shows two QSFP+ transceivers being connected with a MTP female cable.

solutions_40G_pic01

Item Number FS Correlative Product Description FS Part Number
1 40GBASE-SR4 QSFP+, 850nm, 150m, MMF, MPO interface QSFP-SR4-40G
2 12 Fibers OM4, 12 Strands MTP Trunk Cable, Female to Female, Type B Polarity ( MTP/ MPO, OM4/ OM3 optional. Various lengths available) FS12OM4-2MTP-FF-B
  • 40GbE direct interconnect with MTP trunk cable and patch panel

For distances less than 400 meters, the use of FS MPO/MTP multi-mode fiber cabling is generally the preferred cabling method. The next solution is similar to the previous, but instead of using a 12-fiber jumper directly, the MPO/MTP adapter panel is interconnected. Following picture shows the distribution switch and FS optics and cabling options with corresponding item details for a QSFP+ to QSFP+ multi-mode interconnection.

solutions_40G_pic02

Item Number FS Correlative Product Description FS Part Number
1 40GBASE-SR4 QSFP+, 850nm, 150m, MMF, MPO interface QSFP-SR4-40G
2 12 Fibers OM4, 12 Strands MTP Trunk Cable, Female to Female, Type B Polarity ( MTP/ MPO, OM4/ OM3 optional. Various lengths available) FS12OM4-2MTP-FF-B
3 12 Ports MTP/MPO Fiber Adapter Panel, key-up to key-up FAP-HV-12MTPUUD
  • 10Gig migrate to 40GbE by interconnecting MTP LGX cassette and MTP trunk cable

Following picture shows one link with a breakout of the QSFP+ with the use of an MPO/MTP LGX cassette to four 10G SFP+ links. A Type-B female MPO/MTP to Female MPO/MTP assembly is used between the MPO/MTP LGX cassette and 40GbE transceiver. The connections to the SFP+ transceivers is accomplished with OM3/OM4 Uniboot LC duplex fiber patch cables.

solutions_40G_pic03

Item Number FS Correlative Product Description FS Part Number
1 10GBASE-SR SFP+, 850nm 300m, MMF, LC duplex SFP-10GSR-85
2 LC-LC Duplex 10G OM4, MMF Patch Cable OM4-LC-LC-DX-FS
3 12 Fibers OM4, LGX – MTP Cassette, MTP(male) to LC FS12OM4-LGX-2MTP-LC
4 MTP/MPO LGX Cassettes 1U/4U 19” Rack Mount FS-1RU-MX
5 12 Fibers OM4, 12 Strands MTP Trunk Cable, Female to Female, Type B Polarity ( MTP/ MPO, OM4/ OM3 optional. Various lengths available) FS12OM4-2MTP-FF-B
6 10GBASE-SR SFP+, 850nm 300m, MMF, LC duplex SFP-10GSR-85
  • 10Gig migrate to 40GbE by interconnecting MTP harness cable and MTP trunk cable

Sometimes, create a simple, cost-effective migration path by installing a structured cabling system that can support your future 40GbE networking needs. Following picture uses the 8-fiber harness as shown in the diagram to connect to 10G SFP+s. This approach allows for an easy upgrade path moving from 10Gig to 40GbE connectivity.

solutions_40G_pic04

Item Number FS Correlative Product Description FS Part Number
1 10GBASE-SR SFP+, 850nm 300m, MMF, LC duplex SFP-10GSR-85
2 8 Fibers OM4, 12 Strands MTP Harness Cable, MTP to LC, Type B Polarity ( MTP/ MPO, OM4/ OM3 optional. Various lengths available) OM4-LC-LC-DX-FS
3 12 Ports MTP/MPO Fiber Adapter Panel, key-up to key-up FAP-HV-12MTPUUD
4 Empty 1RU/4RU Rack Mount Fiber Patch Panel FMT1-E-FS
5 12 Fibers OM4, 12 Strands MTP Trunk Cable, Female to Female, Type B Polarity ( MTP/ MPO, OM4/ OM3 optional. Various lengths available) FS12OM4-2MTP-FF-B
6 40GBASE-SR4 QSFP+, 850nm, 150m, MMF, MPO interface QSFP-SR4-40G

Fiberstore provides wide brand compatible 40G QSFP+ SR4 transceivers and all kinds of MTP cables. Each fiber optic transceiver has been tested to ensure its compatibility and interoperability. Please rest assured to buy. For more information or quotation, please contact us via sales@fs.com.

Related Article: 40G Transceiver Module: QSFP+ Module And CFP Module

40GBASE-LR4 QSFP+ Transceiver Links: CWDM and PSM

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As we all know, 40GBASE-SR4 QSFP+ transceivers usually use a parallel multimode fiber (MMF) link to achieve 40G. It offers 4 independent transmit and receive channels, each capable of 10G operation for an aggregate data rate of 40G over 100 meters of OM3 MMF or 150 meters of OM4 MMF. However, for 40GBASE-LR4 QSFP+ transceivers, there are two kinds of links. One is coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) and the other is parallel single-mode fiber (PSM). What’s the difference between them? In this article, I will show their working principles to you respectively.

40GBASE-LR4 CWDM QSFP+ Transceiver
QSFP-40G-LR4The 40GBASE-LR4 CWDM QSFP+ transceiver, such as QSFP-40GE-LR4, is compliant to 40GBASE-LR4 of the IEEE P802.3ba standard. It contains a duplex LC connector for the optical interface. The maximum transmission distance of this transceiver is 10km. To minimize the optical dispersion in the long-haul system, single-mode fiber (SMF) has to be used. This transceiver converts 4 inputs channels of 10G electrical data to 4 CWDM optical signals by a driven 4-wavelength distributed feedback (DFB) laser array, and then multiplexes them into a single channel for 40G optical transmission, propagating out of the transmitter module from the SMF. Reversely, the receiver module accepts the 40G CWDM optical signals input, and demultiplexes it into 4 individual 10G channels with different wavelengths. The central wavelengths of the 4 CWDM channels are 1271, 1291, 1311 and 1331 nm as members of the CWDM wavelength grid defined in ITU-T G694.2. Each wavelength channel is collected by a discrete photo diode and output as electric data after being amplified by a transimpedance amplifier (TIA).

40G CWDM QSFP+

40GBASE-LR4 PSM QSFP+ Transceiver
40G-LR4 QSFPUnlike CWDM QSFP+ transceiver which uses a LC connector, PSM QSFP+ is a parallel single-mode optical transceiver with an MTP/MPO fiber ribbon connector. It also offers 4 independent transmit and receive channels, each capable of 10G operation for an aggregate data rate of 40G on 10km of single-mode fiber. Proper alignment is ensured by the guide pins inside the receptacle. The cable usually cannot be twisted for proper channel to channel alignment. In terms of a PSM QSFP+, the transmitter module accepts electrical input signals compatible with common mode logic (CML) levels. All input data signals are differential and internally terminated. The receiver module converts parallel optical input signals via a photo detector array into parallel electrical output signals. The receiver module outputs electrical signals are also voltage compatible with CML levels. All data signals are differential and support a data rates up to 10.3G per channel.

40G PSM QSFP+

What’s the Difference?
From an optical transceiver module structure viewpoint, PSM seems more cost effective because it uses a single uncooled CW laser which splits its output power into four integrated silicon modulators. Besides, its array-fiber coupling to an MTP connector is relatively simple. However, from an infrastructure viewpoint, PSM would be more expensive when the link distance is long, mainly due to the fact that PSM uses 8 optical single-mode fibers while CWDM uses only 2 optical single-mode fibers. A summary table comparing the key differences between CWDM and PSM is shown below:

Name CWDM PSM
Optical TX 4 uncooled 1300nm CWDM directly-modulated laserswavelength spacing 20 nm 4 integrated silicon photonic modulators and one CW laseruncooled 1300nm DFB laser
4-wavelength CWDM multiplexer and demultiplexer Needed No need
Connector Duplex LC connector MTP/MPO fiber ribbon connector
Cable Via 2 optical single-mode fibers Via 8 optical single-mode fibers

In addition, the caveat is that the entire optical fiber infrastructure within a data center, including patch panels, has to be changed to accommodate MTP connectors and ribbon cables, which are more expensive than conventional LC connectors and regular SMF cables. What’s more, cleaning MTP connectors is not a straightforward task. Therefore, CWDM is a more profitable and popular 40G QSFP link.

Conclusion
For 40GBASE-LR4 QSFP+ transceivers, either CWDM link or PSM link, the maximum transmission distance is both 10km. 40GBASE-LR4 CWDM QSFP+ transceivers use a duplex LC connector via 2 optical single-mode fibers to achieve 40G. However, 40GBASE-LR4 PSM QSFP+ transceivers use an MTP/MPO fiber ribbon connector via 8 optical single-mode fibers to reach 40G. Therefore, CWDM QSFP+ enables data center operators to upgrade to 40G connectivity without making any changes to the previous 10G fiber cable plant, which is more cost-effective and widely used by people. Fiberstore provides wide brand compatible 40G CWDM QSFP+ transceivers, such as Juniper compatible JNP-QSFP-40G-LR4 and HP compatible JG661A. In Fiberstore, each fiber optic transceiver has been tested to ensure its compatibility and interoperability. Please rest assured to buy. For more information or quotation, please contact us via sales@fs.com.

Related Article: 40G Transceiver Module: QSFP+ Module And CFP Module

How to Install a 40G QSFP+ Transceiver

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1The 40G QSFP+ transceiver module is a hot-swappable, parallel fiber-optical module which has four independent optical transmit and receive channels. These channels can terminate in another 40G QSFP+ transceiver and can also be divided out to four separate 10G SFP+ transceivers. The QSFP+ transceiver module can operate on both copper and optical fiber cables. For example, QSFP-40G-SR4 module supports link lengths of 100m on OM3 multimode optical fiber and 150m on OM4 multimode optical fiber. Now, this 40G QSFP+ transceiver is mainly used in short reach applications in switches, routers, and data center equipment. As it provides higher density than 10G SFP+ transceivers, people are more likely to use this effective transceiver in these few years. But do you really know how to install a 40G QSFP+ transceiver? This article may offer you some specific guidances.

In general, there are 8 steps to install a 40G QSFP+ transceiver. As we all know, the QSFP+ transceiver module is a static-sensitive device. So, we always use an ESD wrist strap or similar individual grounding device when handling QSFP+ transceiver modules or coming into contact with system modules. Besides, the QSFP+ transceiver module can have either a bail-clasp latch or a pull-tab latch. In this text, installation procedures for both types of latches are offered. These 8 steps are as following:

Step 1: Attach an ESD wrist strap to yourself and a properly grounded point on the chassis or the rack.
Step 2: Remove the QSFP+ transceiver module from its protective packaging.
Step 3: Check the label on the QSFP+ transceiver module body to verify that you have the correct model for your network.
Step 4: For optical QSFP+ transceivers, remove the optical bore dust plug and set it aside.
Step 5: For transceivers equipped with a bail-clasp latch:
a. Keep the bail-clasp aligned in a vertical position.
b. Align the QSFP+ transceiver in front of the module’s transceiver socket opening and carefully slide the QSFP+ transceiver into the socket until the transceiver makes contact with the socket electrical connector. (Just do as the following picture shows.)

2
Step 6: For QSFP+ transceivers equipped with a pull-tab:
a. Hold the transceiver so that the identifier label is on the top.
b. Align the QSFP+ transceiver in front of the module’s transceiver socket opening and carefully slide the QSFP+ transceiver into the socket until the transceiver makes contact with the socket electrical connector.
Step 7: Press firmly on the front of the QSFP+ transceiver with your thumb to fully seat the transceiver in the module’s transceiver socket. (Just do as the following picture shows.)

3
Step 8: For optical QSFP+ modules, reinstall the dust plug into the QSFP+ transceivers optical bore until you are ready to attach the network interface cable. Do not remove the dust plug until you are ready to attach the network interface cable.

After reading this text, I hope you can get a clear understanding of how to install a 40G QSFP+ transceiver. If you want to know more about this 40G transceiver, you can visit Fiberstore which provides many tutorials about all kinds of fiber optic transceivers. And if you want to buy QSFP+ transceiver, I also recommend you to visit Fiberstore. The fiber optic transceivers they offered are always at low price and high quality.

Related Article: Optical Module Maintenance Methods and Installation Tips

Related Article: FS 40G QSFP+ Modules And DAC/AOC Cables Installation Guide

Knowledge of Multi-source Agreement

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Fiber Optical TransceiverWe usually see some products that are compliant with MSA when refers to fiber optic transceivers, but what does MSA mean? It seems like a standard that is used to define the optical transceiver. In fact, MSAs are not official standards organizations. Instead, they are agreements that equipment vendors assume when developing form factors for communications interfaces. These form factors, usually called the transceiver modules, are typically deployed in active electronics such as switches, servers and multiplexers. In this text, some knowledge of the MSA will be introduced.

What is Multi-source Agreement?

MSA stands for multi-source agreement, which is an agreement between multiple manufacturers to make products which are compatible across vendors, acting as de facto standards, establishing a competitive market for interoperable products. Products that adhere to MSAs include optical transceivers (SFP, SFP+, XENPAK, QSFP, XFP, etc), fiber optic cables, and other networking devices. 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 a third party vendors, to function properly. That is, transceivers may be purchased from any of the multiple sources in the open market, like Fiberstore. MSAs are also important in the cabling industry as the density, line speed, power consumption and typical costs of a MSA can strongly impact its success in the marketplace. This, in turn, can drive the choice for both connector and media type.

Why is Multi-source Agreement  so Important?

Equipment vendors all rely on MSAs when designing their systems, ensuring interoperability and interchangeability between interface modules, that is every supplier can produce the transceiver modules with the same functions. For this reason, there are many module suppliers from which customers can choose freely. As we all know, freedom of choice is the foundation of the efficient operation of markets. In order to gain a bigger share of the market, suppliers may act as efficiently as possible, which may drive down costs and offer the widest options to customers. Besides, since there are so many excellent 3rd party optical transceiver module suppliers in the market that network operators don’t need to purchase optical transceivers directly from system (original brand) vendors, which will also save huge costs. Finally, there is no doubt that all these will help support and encourage creation and adherence to standards at the same time. Over the past decade, the MSA process has helped accelerate the acceptance of modules such as SFP+ and CFP, which allow optical transceivers to support greater bandwidth such as 40G and 100G.

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. MSAs usually specify parameters for optical transceivers and their guideline values, such as the electrical and optical interfaces (e.g. SX, LX, EX, ZX, etc), mechanical dimensions, electro-magnetic values and other data. This data is accessible by the host system over the I2C interface, as is the status of the optional DDM functions. Some approved fiber optica transceiver multi-source agreements are listed in the table below:

Name Year Brief Description Keywords/Applications
GBIC 2000 GigaBit Interface Converter Designed for Gigabit Ethernet, SDH/SONET (2.5 Gb/s) and Fibre Channel (4Gb/s). Superseded by SFP
SFP 2001 Small Form-factor Pluggable Designed for Gigabit Ethernet, SDH/SONET (2.5 Gb/s) and Fibre Channel (4Gb/s)
XENPAK 2001 Fiber optic transceiver for 10Gb Ethernet Superseded by X2 and SFP+
X2 2005 Fiber optic transceiver for 10Gb Ethernet Superseded by SFP+
XFP 2005 Fiber optic transceiver for 10Gb Ethernet Designed for 10Gb/s. Supports 8Gb/s Fibre Channel, 10 Gb/s Ethernet and Optical Transport Network
SFP+ 2013 Fiber optic transceiver for 10Gb Ethernet Designed for 10Gb/s. Supports 8Gb/s Fibre Channel, 10 Gb/s Ethernet and Optical Transport Network standard OTU2
QSFP/QSFP+ 2013 Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable 40G Supports Ethernet, Fibre Channel, InfiniBand and SONET/SDH standards up to 40GB/s and 100Gb/s
CFP 2013 C Form Factor Pluggable (100G) Optical transceiver form factors supporting 40Gb/s and 100Gb/s. CFP, CFP2 and CFP4
CXP In Progress C Form Factor Pluggable Supports Infiniband and Ethernet to 100G. CXP and CXP2

A Complete Guide of Installing or Removing Transceiver Modules (Part III)

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Monday again, welcome to my blog. This week, we are going to finish the topic “A Complete Guide of Installing or Removing Transceiver Modules”. As we know, we continue this topic for almost three weeks, and today, we will explain the Part III, ie. the last part. The Part III is explaining mainly the installation and remove of QSFP/QSFP+ and CFP.

After learning the Part I and Part II, you may have a better understanding of installing or removing transceiver modules, such as SFP, X2, GBIC, XENPAK or XFP etc. You may also find that the different transceivers are similar in the installing or removing steps. Nonetheless, there is unique feature of different transceiver modules which affect the installing and removing, so that we should be carefully and understand each type of transceiver. OK, now we are return to today’s main topic – How to Install or Remove the QSFP/QSFP+ and CFP.

How to Install or Remove QSFP/QSFP+ Transceiver Module

QSFP/QSFP+ Installing Steps
step 1: Attach an ESD wrist strap to yourself and a properly grounded point on the chassis or the rack.
step 2: Remove the QSFP+ transceiver module from its protective packaging.
step 3: Check the label on the QSFP+ transceiver module body to verify that you have the correct model for your network.
step 4: For optical QSFP+ transceivers, remove the optical bore dust plug and set it aside.
step 5: For transceivers equipped with a bail-clasp latch:
a. Keep the bail-clasp aligned in a vertical position.
b. Align the QSFP+ transceiver in front of the module’s transceiver socket opening and carefully slide the QSFP+ transceiver into the socket until the transceiver makes contact with the socket electrical connector.

step 6: For QSFP+ transceivers equipped with a pull-tab:
a. Hold the transceiver so that the identifier label is on the top.
b. Align the QSFP+ transceiver in front of the module’s transceiver socket opening and carefully slide the QSFP+ transceiver into the socket until the transceiver makes contact with the socket electrical connector.

step 7: Press firmly on the front of the QSFP+ transceiver with your thumb to fully seat the transceiver in the module’s transceiver socket.
Please Note: If the latch is not fully engaged, you might accidentally disconnect the QSFP+ transceiver module.

step 8: For optical QSFP+ modules, reinstall the dust plug into the QSFP+ transceivers optical bore until you are ready to attach the network interface cable. Please Note: Do not remove the dust plug until you are ready to attach the network interface cable.

QSFP/QSFP+ Removing Steps
step 1: For optical QSFP+ transceivers, disconnect the network interface cable from the QSFP+ transceiver connector.
step 2: For QSFP+ transceivers equipped with a bail-clasp latch.
a. Pivot the bail-clasp down to the horizontal position.
b. Immediately install the dust plug into the transceivers optical bore.
c. Grasp the sides of the QSFP+ transceiver and slide it out of the module socket.

step 3: For QSFP+ transceivers equipped with a pull tab latch
a. Immediately install the dust plug into the transceiver’s optical bore.
b. Grasp the tab and gently pull to release the transceiver from the socket.
c. Slide the transceiver out of the socket.

step 4: Place the QSFP+ transceiver into an antistatic bag.

How to Install or Remove CFP Transceiver Module

CFP Installing Steps
step 1: Remove the CFP transceiver from its protective packaging.
step 2: Check the label on the CFP transceiver body to verify that you have the correct model for your network.
step 3: Remove the dust plug from the CFP transceiver module optical port and set it aside.
step 4: Align the CFP device into the transceiver port socket of your networking module, and slide it in until the CFP transceiver EMI gasket flange makes contact with the module faceplate.
step 5: Press firmly on the front of the CFP transceiver with your thumb to fully seat it in the transceiver socket.
step 6: Gently tighten the two captive installation screws on the transceiver to secure the CFP transceiver in the socket.
step 7: Reinstall the dust plug into the CFP transceiver’s optical bore until you are ready to attach the network interface cable.
step 8: When you are ready to attach the network cable interface, remove the dust plugs and inspect and clean fiber connector end faces, and then immediately attach the network interface cable connectors into the CFP transceiver optical bores.

CFP Removing Steps
step 1: Disconnect the network fiber-optic cable from the CFP transceiver connectors. Immediately reinstall the dust plugs in the CFP transceiver optical bores.
step 2: Loosen the two captive installation screws that secure the CFP to the networking module.
step 3: Slide the CFP transceiver out of the module socket. Immediately place the CFP transceiver in antistatic protective packaging.

Author’s Note
Up to here, the topic “A Complete Guide of Installing or Removing Transceiver Modules” has already finished. Thanks all the reader for continued focusing. In fact, the installing or removing steps of the mentioned transceiver modules are the general case. Different transceiver modules of different brands have their own features. We should ask the vendor to get more informations when you face a problem that we do not mentioned here. In addition, to save more money, we suggest that compatible 3rd transceiver modules may be another good choice but you should ensure that your vendor is reliable. Fiberstore‘s fiber optic transceivers are 100% compatible with major brands like Cisco, HP, Juniper, Nortel, Force10, D-link, 3Com. They are backed by a lifetime warranty so that you can buy with confidence. Additionally, customize optical transceivers to fit your specific requirements are available. If you have any requirement of transceivers, Fiberstore will be a good choice for you.

Article Source: http://www.fiber-optic-transceiver-module.com/a-complete-guide-of-installing-or-removing-transceiver-modules-part-iii.html