In today’s network deployment, compatible optical modules have been widely used, but users still have concerns about the quality, interoperability, and compatibility of optical modules when choosing them. In the explosive OEM compatible optical module market, learning to choose is particularly important. Can the purchased optical module work properly with other modules? Are these modules compatible and functioning properly on my switch?
How to ensure interoperability between two optical modules?
When it comes to the connection between two optical modules, the following four factors should be considered: wavelength, speed, fiber type, and connection to the switch.
1, Same wavelength
In a fiber optic link, data is transmitted from one end to the other, and the optical module is responsible for converting electrical signals into optical signals, and vice versa. The optical module should support the same wavelength at both ends to achieve the conversion and transmission of photoelectric signals. A 1310nm optical module will not interconnect with an 850nm optical module. The wavelength of the optical module needs to be matched at each end, and wavelength mismatch may cause data loss during transmission. In addition, the working mode of the optical module should also be matched at both ends, and the full duplex optical module should be paired with the full duplex optical module. If the full duplex module is connected to the half duplex module, data transmission will not be possible.
2, Same rate
If two modules with similar appearances are not noticed, they may be mixed or optical modules of the same size may be inserted into the wrong switch port. In these situations, the optical module cannot function properly. Taking 1G SFP optical modules and 10G SFP+optical modules as examples, they have the same size and can be seamlessly installed onto SFP+ports on switches, and vice versa. When the SFP module is inserted into the SFP+port, connection cannot be achieved; Insert the SFP+module into the SFP port, although it can be used, the transmission speed is limited to 1 Gbps. Most optical modules with the same size but different speeds cannot be interconnected, with the exception of SFP+10G optical modules mentioned above. SFP+10G electrical port optical modules can support speeds such as 1000Mbps, 2.5Gbps, 5Gbps, and 10Gbps by using Cat5e/Cat6/Cat6a cables.
3, Correct fiber optic type
After meeting the above conditions in the selection of optical modules, the selection of corresponding optical cables is also crucial. Usually, multimode fiber optic jumpers include OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, and OM5, all of which are used for short distance transmission. If the wrong fiber optic jumper is selected during the networking process, such as one module connecting to OM1/OM2 fiber and another module connecting to OM3/OM4 fiber, it is obvious that it cannot be connected. The type of multimode fiber in the article: OM1 vs OM2 vs OM3 vs OM4 vs OM5, which can help you identify different fiber jumpers.
4, Correct operation on the switch
Before the optical module is officially inserted into your switch, please ensure that the compatible module you purchased has been tested on the original brand switch. For example, it is necessary to test the optical module compatible with Cisco on the Cisco switch to avoid abnormal operation in the future. Due to the occasional incompatibility between certain brands of switches and optical modules from other suppliers, please ensure that your switch supports your optical module before formal operation.
How should the compatibility of optical modules be ensured?
Some manufacturers encrypt their devices, which may increase the difficulty of optical module compatibility. In order to ensure that third-party optical modules can work perfectly on OEM switches, it is crucial to choose a reliable supplier with a reliable optical module testing system.
A comprehensive testing system
The optical module testing system can be roughly divided into two parts: semi-finished module testing and finished module testing.
The semi-finished module testing can be further divided into basic appearance inspection (accessories, packaging, process, etc.) and parameter performance testing. The finished module testing has various testing items, including optical power testing, spectral testing, eye chart testing, digital diagnostic function testing, temperature testing, etc. After the above series of tests are completed, the optical module will also undergo strict appearance inspection, and the DDM, compatibility, and connectivity of the finished optical module will be tested on the switch. A series of rigorous tests on compatible optical modules can ensure perfect operation on devices such as switches.
FAQ:
Q: Can two optical modules from different brands/suppliers be connected to each other?
A: If the wavelength, speed, and fiber type of the module are the same and operate normally on the original switch, two different brands of optical modules can be interconnected.
Q: Can 1G SFP optical modules and 10G SFP+optical modules be used simultaneously?
A: Under the premise that they all share the same specifications (such as speed and wavelength) and choose the corresponding fiber, they can be used simultaneously. However, it should be noted that the transmission speed will be limited to 1G instead of 10G.
Q: Will compatible modules affect the performance of OEM switches?
A: The MSA standard ensures that all optical modules comply with defined specifications. If the construction standard of compatible optical modules is the same as that of OEM produced modules, it will not affect the performance of the host.
Q: Will compatible optical modules invalidate the supplier’s brand switch warranty?
A: No, using a compatible optical module will not invalidate any warranty.
