This guide will help you understand optical transceivers. You will learn how they work and what people use them for. Most importantly, you will learn how to choose the right product for your needs.

Let’s start with the basics.

What are optical transceivers?

People can also refer to an optical transceiver as a fibre optic transceiver or optical module. These are a small device that uses fibre optic technology to transmit and receive data. A transceiver is a mix of the words ‘transmitter’ and ‘receiver.’

An optical transceiver includes an optical transmitter and an optical receiver. These two parts are combined and share the same circuitry or housing.

Optical transceivers are a crucial component of optical network equipment. They have electronic parts that change data into light pulses. The system sends and receives these pulses as electrical signals.

Different types of SFP transceivers support various data rates, like 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps. They also work over different distances.

This makes them useful for many networking needs. Hot-swappable devices allow users to change them without stopping the network. This allows for easy upgrades while the system is still running.

This makes them adaptable and crucial components for scaling high-speed infrastructures of communication networks. Compared to traditional copper cables, optical transceivers offer low latency, which is crucial for real-time data transmission applications.

These little devices use fibre optic cables, allowing data to travel long distances with minimal loss. People often call them modular optics.

This is because users can easily plug them into or remove them from network devices. This design offers flexibility and scalability. They also support adding and removing fibre-optic connectors.

Where are optical transceivers used?

Many industries and applications use optical transceivers. Here are a few examples of industries that rely on them:

Data Centers

Optical transceivers are essential for data center networks. They allow fast data transfer between servers, storage systems, and network switches. They help manage the substantial volumes of data traffic in cloud computing and extensive IT operations.

Telecoms Networks

People widely use optical transceivers in fiber-optic communication systems. They send voice, video, and data over long distances. This process causes very little signal loss. They are essential for powering 5G networks and ensuring high-speed, reliable internet connectivity.

Enterprise Networks

Businesses use optical transceivers to build robust internal networks that connect office locations and enable fast communication between departments. They are vital for applications like video conferencing, cloud access, and data storage.

Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

ISPs rely on optical transceivers to connect customers to their networks and provide high-speed internet services. These transceivers play a crucial role in meeting the growing demand for bandwidth in residential and commercial settings.

What are the different types of optical transceivers?

Many different types of Optical Transceivers exist. The most popular ones are:

• SFP (mini-GBIC) Transceivers: short for small form pluggable, the most successful form factor to date. Therefore, it is the most popular type in the transceiver industry. Most of the later transceivers are developed based on them and upgraded with higher speed and compact form variants.Due to the size difference, GBIC is slowly becoming more of a legacy in fibre optic technology and is being replaced by SFP. The small size of SFP (almost half the volume of GBIC) allows having more interfaces on a line card or a switch.
• SFP+ Transceivers: These enhanced SFPs support higher speeds, such as 8G and 10G. In most cases, users may call them 10G SFP+.
• QSFP Transceivers: Short for quad small form pluggable, they provide a 4-lane signal for a combined speed of 40Gbps.

But like most technology, they may require updates over time. For instance, most manufacturers have stopped supplying switches with Xpak, X2, and XENPAK ports instead of the more commonly used SFP+ and QSFP ports.

As our dependence on the internet grows, so does the need for reliable, high-speed connections. It has led to a significant increase in fibre cabling, which relies on high-speed optical transceivers. Newer form factors like SFP+, QSFP+, QSFP28, and QSFP-DD are becoming more popular and taking over the market.

How to choose the right optical transceivers?

Some key factors to bear in mind when selecting the right transceiver for your needs include:

Transmission Rate

One important factor to consider when choosing optical transceivers is the transmission speed. This speed is the number of bits sent each second. The unit measure for transmission rate is Mbps (Megabits per second) or Gbps (Gigabits per second). Modern transceivers support a wide range of transmission rates, 100mbps to 400gbps, catering to various network needs.

A range of transmission rates for fibre optic transceivers exists, ranging from 0.5Mbps to 1.6Tbps (Terabits per second).  

Durability

Optical transceivers often operate in demanding environments, facing challenges such as high temperatures and mechanical stress. Qualification testing ensures that these modules are robust enough to withstand such conditions without compromising performance or reliability.

Connector Type

Connector type and form factor is another to be mindful of. The form factors determine their size, shape and compatibility with different devices. Alongside this are the connector types, some include LC, SC and MPO. People find LC connectors popular for their stability, while they recognize SC connectors for quick cable patching.

These features make optical transceivers essential components in modern high-speed data transmission networks.

Troubleshooting & maintenance tips

If you are having problems with your existing equipment, it is always worth checking the following:

Check Physical Connections

• Ensure that fibre-optic cables are securely connected to the transceivers and network equipment.
• Inspect cables for any signs of damage or bends that could affect signal transmission.
• Clean optical connectors using appropriate tools to remove dust or debris.

Verify Compatibility

• Use transceivers compatible with your network equipment and adhere to industry standards (e.g., MSA standards for form factors).
• Check datasheets and compatibility matrices provided by equipment manufacturers.

Monitor Signal Quality

• Use diagnostic tools or network monitoring software to monitor signal strength, error rates, and other parameters.
• Look for trends or patterns in signal degradation that could indicate underlying issues.

Update Firmware and Drivers:

• Ensure transceivers, switches, and related hardware have up-to-date firmware and drivers.
• Manufacturers often release updates to address compatibility issues and improve performance.

Conduct Loopback Tests

• Perform loopback tests to check the functionality of transceivers by looping the transmit and receive paths.

Check for Environmental Factors

• Ensure that the operating environment is within the specified temperature and humidity ranges.
• Avoid placing transceivers in areas with excessive dust or vibration.

Verify Power Supply

• Ensure that the transceiver is receiving adequate power.
• Check for any power supply issues or fluctuations.

Swap the Transceiver

• If you suspect a faulty transceiver, try swapping it with a known good one to see if the issue persists.

Frequently asked questions

Here at Carritech, our clients often ask our salespeople questions when purchasing transceivers. For that reason we have compiled some of the most asked questions here to help you.

How do you keep up to date with all the latest updates on Optical Transceivers?

“There is an exhibition that takes place in Europe. I attend one every couple of months. It covers topics such as product focus, market focus and awards for optical communications.”

How do you keep on top of current/future trends?

“We started supplying 1G transceivers many years ago. Eventually, technology progressed, and we moved to 10G transceivers. Then into 25G, 40G, 100G, and currently we are supplying 400G units too. In the future, we expect to supply 800G and 1.6 units too. We supply what the customers need, so we move ‘with them’ “.

What is one of the most important things to mention about the different types of Optical Transceivers?

“Not all transceivers are the same, they are all made of different components…the chip and laser can be from the US, Japanese, …you could have 2 x 400G transceivers that can cover the same distance, and at a very different price, since the internal components aren’t the same.”

Does Carritech customise the modules in them to tailor to customer needs?

“We can produce units that can cover longer distances than the standard ones from the official manufacturer. For instance. Some company’s units can only cover, generally speaking, up to 80km. We can produce the same models and cover distances of up to 120km in some cases. Some manufacturers sell the SFP-10G-ZR model for the 10G and 80km distance, but we have our own SFP-10G-ZR120 km unit that can reach a longer distance, if the customer needs it.”

How Carritech can help

At Carritech we supply a wide range and can offer support tailored to suit your needs when it comes to buying and installing the Optical Transceiver. Whether you want them for servers, storage systems or networks, we ensure that all optical transceivers are tested before leaving our company to ensure they will perform and meet its expectations.

When choosing an Optical Transceiver and talking to your salesperson, not only will you be guaranteed a quick response, but you will also be talking with someone with a brilliant service track record and excellent experience so it is best assured that you will get the right transceiver you want.

We have all various form factors of optical transceivers in stock which can easily be upgraded or replaced, allowing for scalable network solutions.

Get in touch

Our team of multilingual professionals are here to help you to understand our products and fulfil your requirements. Get in touch today and we will be happy to assist you:

Carritech Optics: https://optics.carritech.com/

Call us: +44 0203 006 1770