Single-mode single-fiber transceiver series

Single-mode single-fiber transceivers are optical modules designed for long-distance, high-speed data transmission over a single strand of fiber, with types including LX, EX, ZX, BiDi, CWDM, and DWDM.

Overview

Single-mode SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) transceivers use a laser-based transmission over single-mode fiber (SMF) with a core size of approximately 9 µm, operating at wavelengths typically 1310nm or 1550nm. They are hot-swappable and widely used in switches, routers, and media converters for long-distance links, ranging from 10 km to over 80 km depending on the module type and optical power budget. Single-mode transceivers are ideal for campus backbones, metro networks, and telecom applications due to low attenuation and minimal modal dispersion compared to multimode fibers .

Common Types of Single-Mode SFP Transceivers

1. 1000BASE-LX
   • Standard long-range module for Gigabit Ethernet.
   • Typical distance: up to 10 km.
   • Wavelength: 1310nm.
   • Widely supported and cost-effective .
2. 1000BASE-EX
   • Extended range beyond LX modules.
   • Distance: up to 40 km.
   • Suitable for scenarios where standard LX is insufficient .
3. 1000BASE-ZX
   • Designed for long-haul applications.
   • Distance: 70–80 km or more.
   • Higher optical power may require attenuators for short links .
4. BiDi (Bidirectional) SFP
   • Transmits and receives data over a single fiber strand using two different wavelengths.
   • Ideal for fiber-limited environments like FTTH or access networks .
5. CWDM (Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing) SFP
   • Allows multiple optical signals on the same fiber using different wavelengths.
   • Increases fiber capacity without additional cabling .
6. DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) SFP
   • Used in high-capacity, long-distance networks.
   • Supports multiple channels over a single fiber for telecom and metro networks .

Key Features

• High Data Rates: 1 Gbps to 400 Gbps depending on module type .
• Low Power Consumption: Energy-efficient for large-scale deployments .
• Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM): Monitors temperature, voltage, current, and optical power for proactive maintenance .
• Hot-Pluggable: Can be replaced or upgraded without shutting down devices .
• Compatibility: Works with various form factors including SFP, SFP+, QSFP, and CFP .

Applications

• Data Centers: Long-distance interconnects between racks or buildings.
• Telecommunications: Metro and long-haul networks.
• Enterprise Networks: Campus backbones and uplinks.
• Industrial Networks: CCTV, IIoT, and outdoor deployments . Single-mode single-fiber transceivers provide reliable, long-distance connectivity with high bandwidth and low signal loss, making them essential for modern networking infrastructure.