Transceivers – Information

This document is designed to provide a reference guide for locating frequently requested information regarding pluggable optical transceivers; better known to as GBICs, SFP/ SFP+s, XFPs, XENPAKs, X2s or other. Although much of this information is found on Cisco’s website, sometimes it can be difficult to locate.

Link Lengths– Summary -per Standards (courtesy of the Fiber Optics Association[FOA])

Home Page, Transceivers - Cisco

Compatibility Information by Platform

Cisco / DOM (Digital Optical Monitoring) / Small Business / ONS Series

Data Sheets, Transceivers

Cisco / Small Business / MDS9000 / ONS Series

Wavelength Division Multiplexing (xWDM) – Cisco

CWDM = Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing

DWDM = Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing

EWDM = Enhanced Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM + DWDM)

CWDM Passive Devices / CWDM Optical Modules / DWDM Passive Devices / DWDM Optical Modules
CWDM + DWDM Passive Devices (EWDM) / Prisma Passive Devices

Transponder, Stand-alone, SFP-based – Cisco

Device allows any client optical interface to be converted to a CWDM or DWDM wavelength

Mode Conditioning Patch Cords

These cables are sometimes required when connecting GE and 10GE optical transceivers over some multi-mode fiber types. Use is outlined in data sheet

Installation, Maintenance and Troubleshooting

SFPs & GBICs

SFP and SFP+ Transceiver Module Installation Notes

Switch Port and Interface Problems

DON’T FORGET TO CLEAN THE CONNECTORS

Connector and Adapter Cleaning Products

Inspection and Cleaning White Paper

Basics of Fiber Optics (courtesy of the FOA)

Fiber Types in Digital Gigabit Optical Communications – Cisco

Clarifying Optical Parameters, Power Budgets, and Fiber Plant Requirements for 10GBASE-E and 10GBASE-L – Cisco

Query Digital Optical Monitoring Information

ASR Series

WAN-A#show hw-module subslot 0/3 transceiver 0 status

The Transceiver in slot 0 subslot 3 port 0 is enabled.

Module temperature = 25.207 C

Transceiver Tx bias current = 36506 uAmps

Transceiver Tx power = -1.8 dBm

Transceiver Rx optical power = -5.7 dBm

WAN-A#sh inv | i XFP

NAME: "SPA subslot 0/3", DESCR: "1-port 10 Gigabit Ethernet Shared Port Adapter XFP based"

PID: XFP-10GLR-OC192SR , VID: 01 , SN: XXXXXXXXX

WAN-A#

Good DOM reference blog entry

Common Questions

Q. Can I use different optical transceiver package styles (SFP, GBIX, X2, XENPAK, etc.) on the ends of a single fiber link?
A. Yes. The various transceiver packaging styles (SFP, GBIX, X2, XENPAK, etc.) are mainly the result of improvements in technology manufacturing; allowing smaller packages for the same performance. The key to simplifying your network is to select transceivers that have the same performance (wavelength, reach [SX, LX, ZX, etc.]) at each end of the link.
Q. Can I use different connector types (LC, SC, etc.) at each end of the link or within the link?
A. Yes. The connector type is generally a function of the density of the transceiver. A GBIC transceiver is larger than an SFP transceiver; the GBIC uses the larger “SC” style of optical connecter while the SFP/SFP+ transceiver uses the smaller “LC” style of optical connector. Many times the interconnecting optical jumper cables will need to have different connector styles at each end; and example is having a SFP (LC connector) installed in a router connected to a SC port on a patch panel.
Q. What about Mode Conditioning Patch cords (MCP)?
A. When selecting an optical transceiver, watch the transceiver’s user documentation for when a MCP should be used (see previous link for MCP information). They are sometimes required when your network’s installed optical cable is OM1 or OM2 rated multimode fiber (MMF). In short, the MCP is an optical jumper that transitions the transmit fiber from a single mode fiber (SMF) to a multimode fiber.
Q. Will I need to install optical attenuators to decrease the received power level in my fiber optic links?
A. If you are selecting an optical transceiver that closely matches your network fiber‘s link length, then In most cases, you will not need to add an optical attenuator. In most cases, the link needs an optical attenuator at the receiver ends of the link because the transceiver selected is designed for fiber links that are longer than the user’s current link. This happens most often when prototyping a network; where the equipment may be connected “back-to-back” with a short jumper cable. Then, read the transceiver’s data sheet for information on operation with short jumpers. Or, compare the transceiver’s “Transmitter optical output power(maximum)“ with the “Receive power (maximum). It the transmitter output is greater than the receiver’s maximum input power specification, then an attenuator may be necessary.
Q. If my equipment doesn’t support CWDM or DWDM transceivers, how can I transport the signal over a WDM network?
A. If the equipment that does not support WDM optical interfaces, a transponder module (media converter) can be used to convert the grey transceiver wavelength (850nm/1300nm/1310nm/1550nm) to a 14xx nm to 15xx nm wavelength. Transponders are also typically a component in WDM systems, such as the Cisco ONS 15454 Multi-service Transport Platform (MSTP).
The diagram below highlights two options for putting multiple links (using wavelengths) onto 2 fibers:

Q. How much bandwidth can my single mode fiber (SMF) support?
A. Single mode fiber has an extremely large bandwidth capacity. The following diagram shows how bandwidth can be scaled on SMF. Scaling bandwidth on fiber is not inexpensive. Depending upon the network, it may be more cost effective to install additional fibers instead of adding WDM technology.

Hope this document has been helpful! 

Transceivers_Info_Finder_WORKING_DOCUMENT_v11.docPage | 1