How to use switches with optical modules, these methods are very practical

Optical modules and switches are inseparable from enterprise network deployment and data center construction. Optical modules are mainly used to convert electrical signals into optical signals, while switches forward optical and electrical signals. Among many optical modules, SFP+ optical modules are currently one of the most widely used optical modules. When used with switches, different connection methods can be used to achieve different network requirements.

1. What is SFP+ optical module?

The SFP+ optical module is a 10G optical fiber module among the SFP optical modules. It is independent of the communication protocol. Generally connected to switches, fiber routers, fiber optic network cards, etc., it is used in 10G bps Ethernet and 8.5G bps fiber channel systems to meet the higher speed requirements of data centers and realize network expansion and conversion of data centers.

SFP+ optical module line cards have high density and small size, and can interoperate with other types of 10G modules, providing higher installation density and cost savings for data centers. Therefore, it has become the mainstream pluggable optical module on the market.

2. Types of SFP+ optical modules

Under normal circumstances, SFP+ optical modules are classified according to actual applications. Common types include 10G SFP+, BIDI SFP+, CWDM SFP+, and DWDM SFP+.

10G SFP+ optical module

This type of optical module is an ordinary SFP+ optical module, which can also be regarded as an upgraded version of the 10G SFP optical module. It is the mainstream design on the market today.

BIDI SFP+ optical module

This type of optical module uses wavelength division multiplexing technology, the rate can reach 11.1G bps, and the power consumption is low. It has two optical fiber jacks, which are generally used in pairs. When building a network in a data center, it can reduce the use of optical fibers and reduce construction costs.

CWDM SFP+ optical module

This kind of optical module adopts coarse wavelength division multiplexing technology and is often used in conjunction with single-mode optical fiber. It can save optical fiber resources and is more flexible and reliable in networking with low power consumption.

DWDM SFP+ optical module

This kind of optical module adopts dense wavelength division multiplexing technology and is mostly used for long-distance data transmission. The transmission distance can reach up to 80km. It has the characteristics of high speed, large capacity and strong scalability.

3. How to use SFP+ optical modules and switches?

Different types of optical modules are connected to switches and can be used in different networking solutions. The following is an introduction to several practical application solutions for matching SFP+ optical modules and switches.

Solution 1: Connection between 10G SFP+ 10G optical module and switch

Insert four 10G SFP+ optical modules into the 10-Gbps SFP+ port of one switch, then insert a 40G QSFP+ optical module into the 40-Gbps QSFP+ port of another switch, and finally use a branch fiber jumper in the middle Make a connection.

This connection method mainly realizes the expansion of the network from 10G to 40G, and can quickly and easily meet the network upgrade needs of the data center.

Solution 2: Connection between BIDI SFP+ 10G single-fiber bidirectional optical module and switch

Insert the optical modules into the SFP+ ports of the two switches respectively, and then use the LC fiber jumpers corresponding to the optical module connection ports to connect the optical modules on the two switches.

This connection method effectively realizes the simplest and most economical data connection and can be applied to Ethernet connections in data centers, enterprise cabling, and telecommunications operation transmission.

Solution 3: Connection between CWDM SFP+ 10G optical module and switch

This connection method uses relay boxes, optical fiber transceivers, CWDM coarse wavelength division multiplexers, etc. to connect the optical module to the switch, realizing the conversion of the RJ45 electrical port on the 10G 10G Ethernet switch into CWDM coarse wavelength division multiplexer. The CWDM wavelength required by the multiplexer.

Solution 4: Connection between DWDM SFP+ 10G optical module and switch

Insert the optical module into the SFP+ port of the switch, and then connect it to the DWDM dense wavelength division multiplexer with an armored optical fiber jumper.

This connection method protects optical signals during long-distance transmission, can minimize light wave loss, and is suitable for long-distance optical signal transmission.

4. Precautions for connecting SFP+ optical modules and switches

1) Pay attention to whether the wavelength and transmission distance of the optical modules used by the switches at both ends are the same, as well as single-fiber, double-fiber, single-mode and multi-mode issues. If the two ends are not equal, the corresponding converter should be used;

2) When using the optical module, try to avoid static electricity and bumps. If bumps occur, it is not recommended to continue to use the optical module;

3) Pay attention to the front and back of the optical module insertion. The pull tab and label should be facing upward;

4) When inserting the optical module into the switch, push it to the bottom as hard as possible. There will usually be a slight vibration. After inserting, you can gently pull out the optical module to check whether it is installed in place;

5) When disassembling the optical module, you should first pull the bracelet to a position 90° to the optical port, and then pull out the optical module.