Optical Transceivers

Optical Transceivers

Optical Transceivers for Next-Gen Network

JTOPTICS® data center Solution simplifies the delivery of network services by providing reliable infrastructure components assembled and tested in a factory-controlled environment. JTOPTICS® end-to-end products are an ideal solution for data centers specially when time for traditional cable installation and termination is limited and offer quick plug-in deployment for trouble free network performance.

 



MSA Compliant with Industry Standards

From 100M to 400G, Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) specs and coded solutions are compatible with over 90 OEMs. 

Comprehensive Form Factor Availability

Includes SFP, SFP+, SFP28, QSFP+, QSFP28, CFP2/4, QSFP-DD, and OSFP form factors for comprehensive compatibility and versatility.

Comprehensive Data Center Connectivity

Fully compatible with leading switch and server OEMs, including Arista, Cisco, Dell, Intel, Juniper, Mellanox, and other major brands.

OEM Transceivers, DAC, AOC Solutions

Tailored transceivers, DAC, and AOC solutions designed to meet your specific requirements, rather than being bound by OEM standards.

Mitigated Risk

Our products undergo thorough testing for optical compliance and system compatibility, ensuring optimal performance.

Types of Transceivers

SFP


The Small Form Factor Pluggable (SFP) is renowned as the prevailing format for optical transceivers, yet it does possess certain constraints. SFP transceivers exhibit hot-swappable and pluggable characteristics, enabling seamless installation and removal. Typically employed in 1Gbps connections, SFP utilizes various connectors including LC Duplex, LC Simplex, RJ45, and SC Simplex, facilitating transmission distances of up to 160km.

SFP+


SFP+ represents an enhanced iteration of the SFP standard, boasting increased data capabilities over its predecessor. With a maximum transmission speed of 16Gbps, SFP+ is commonly harnessed in Ethernet connections or 10Gbps fiber networks. Unlike SFP, SFP+ employs a distinct encoding method, enabling it to convey more data within a comparable hardware framework. Data transmission rates are available at 8Gbps, 10Gbps, and 16Gbps, offering versatility for various network requirements. SFP+ modules can span distances ranging from 30m to 120km, and they are compatible with a range of connector types such as LC Duplex, LC Simplex, and RJ45.

SFP28


SFP28 represents an advancement in speed over its predecessor, the SFP+ form factor. Its electrical and mechanical specifications were established in 2014 under the SFF Committee document SFF-8402, alongside earlier specifications such as SFF-8472 and SFF-8432. SFP28 is specifically designed to support applications requiring speeds ranging from 25Gb/s to 28Gb/s, including 25Gb/s Ethernet and 32GFC Fibre Channel.

QSFP+


The QSFP+ functions similarly to other QSFP-style transceivers, supporting data rates of 40Gbps and higher. It is an Enhanced Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP+) transceiver, featuring four channels and hot-pluggable capabilities. Compatible with LC Duplex and MPO-12 fiber connectors, the QSFP+ offers larger dimensions compared to SFP+ transceivers and can cover distances of up to 40km. It remains the predominant form factor for achieving data rates of 40Gbps.

QSFP28


The QSFP28 (Quad Small Form Pluggable) transceiver form factor was introduced to facilitate multi-lane (quad) optical transceivers, such as those used in 100GbE and 128GFC, accommodating various optical connectors including 4+4 MPO and duplex LC. Developed in 2013, QSFP28 supports electrical interfaces with speeds ranging from 25Gb/s to 28Gb/s per lane, catering to applications like 100Gb/s Ethernet, 128GFC Fibre Channel, and EDR InfiniBand. Its specifications are publicly defined by SFF Committee standards SFF-8636 and SFF-8665. QSFP28 has become the standard interface for 100G applications, offering configurations ranging from 100m using multimode to 80km using single-mode. 

QSFP56


The QSFP56 standard, established in 2019, represents a significant leap in data transfer rates compared to its predecessor, QSFP28, achieving a maximum speed of 200 Gbps. This enhanced performance is achieved through parallel fibers and 8 x 25G wavelengths, or by leveraging PAM4 modulation and an internal multiplexer to transmit 50G over 4 wavelengths. QSFP56 transceivers come in various configurations, utilizing OM4 for distances up to 100m and OS2 for distances of up to 10km. Supported connectors include LC or MPO-12.

QSFP-DD


The QSFP-DD (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable Double Density) standard, designed to be backward compatible with previous QSFP versions, revolutionizes high-speed connectivity with an additional row of contacts, allowing for an 8-lane electrical interface. Compatible with LC and MPO-16 connectors, QSFP-DD facilitates seamless integration into various network architectures. Furthermore, it introduces a new connector – the CS connector, featuring 2 x CS Duplex connectors on a single transceiver. This innovative design supports breakout applications for 2x100G and 2x200G connections.

QSFP-DD-800G


The QSFP-DD (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable Double Density) module represents a dual-density four-channel high-speed solution, making it the preferred choice for 800G optical modules. This innovative package empowers data centers to seamlessly expand and scale their cloud capacity as demand dictates. Utilizing 8-channel electrical interfaces capable of rates up to 25Gb/s (with NRZ modulation) or 50Gb/s (utilizing PAM4 modulation) per channel, the QSFP-DD module delivers versatile solutions for aggregation up to 200Gb/s or 400Gb/s. With its high-performance capabilities.

Applications

Data Centre Needs for Optical Interconnect


The landscape of data center networks is experiencing rapid evolution. With substantial growth in IP traffic driven by streaming media, content delivery, remote work, and educational settings, there is a significant surge in demand for high-density, high data rate optics. Operators and engineers across hyperscale, enterprise, and cloud data centers are ramping up port speeds to 400GB while striving to strike a balance between power consumption and port density.

In tandem with this trend, global infrastructure spending has seen an uptick. Ensuring reliable connectivity is paramount for the sustained growth of data centers. Approved Networks collaborates closely with data center operators to anticipate and address the escalating demand. We specialize in providing cost-effective and dependable optical solutions, thereby helping to reduce operational costs while ensuring seamless connectivity.

In the network architecture of a Data Center, the infrastructure is divided into Spine Core, Edge Core, and ToR (Top of Rack) components. Interconnection between the ToR access switches and server NICs is facilitated by the use of 10G SFP+ AOC (Active Optical Cables). For linking ToR access switches with Edge Core switches, 40G QSFP+ SR4 optical transceivers and MTP/MPO cables are employed. Similarly, for interconnecting Edge Core switches with Spine Core switches, 100G QSFP28 CWDM4 optical transceivers and duplex LC cables are utilized.

5G Fronthaul 25G SFP28 Optical Transceiver Modules


The typical architecture for wireless fronthaul comprises distributed RAN (DRAN) or centralized RAN (CRAN). In CRAN mode, baseband units (BBUs) are centralized in a central office. This configuration offers significant advantages, including reduced space and power consumption for auxiliary equipment, such as air conditioners, leading to lower capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expenditure (OPEX). Moreover, centralized BBUs enable the formation of a BBU baseband pool, facilitating centralized management and scheduling to meet various network requirements. Given the higher construction costs and challenges associated with site acquisition due to the increased number of base stations in 5G networks compared to 4G, CRAN is often preferred for large-scale deployments.

JTOPTICS offers a comprehensive range of 25G SFP28 optical transceiver modules in both grey and colored variants, all of which meet industrial-grade standards. These modules adhere to the SFP28 protocols SFF-8419 and SFF8472, with electrical ports compliant with CEI-28G-VSR specifications. They are designed to comply with 5G fronthaul CPRI/eCPRI specifications and IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standards, supporting data rates of both 24.33Gb/s and 25.78Gb/s.

Customers have the flexibility to choose from different options based on their performance requirements and budget constraints. Our full series of 5G fronthaul 25G SFP28 optical transceiver modules caters to various distributed RAN (DRAN) and centralized RAN (CRAN) application scenarios, ensuring compatibility and reliability across diverse network environments.

Rapid Demand of 200G/400G Migration


The network architecture of the Next-Generation Cloud Data Center typically comprises three layers: Spine Core, Edge Core, and ToR (Top of Rack). JTOPTICS provides an optimal solution for next-generation 200G/400G optical interfaces.

For transmissions spanning less than 5 meters between ToR access switches and server NICs, the 200G solution entails 25G or 50G DAC/AOC interconnects, while the 400G solution involves 50G or 100G DAC/AOC interconnects. DAC (direct-attached copper cable) offers advantages such as lower cost, power consumption, and heat dissipation, whereas AOC (active optical cable) boasts benefits like reduced weight, longer transmission distance, and easier installation and maintenance.

The distance between ToR access switches and Edge Core switches typically spans less than 100 meters. While optical transceivers and MTP/MPO cables can be utilized in this scenario, AOC is predominantly favored. For 200G solutions, the 200G QSFP-DD AOC and 200G QSFP56 AOC are commonly deployed. Notably, the 200G QSFP-DD AOC employs NRZ modulation, whereas the future trend leans toward the 200G QSFP56 AOC adopting PAM4 modulation. Meanwhile, the 400G solution entails the use of 400G QSFP-DD AOC employing 8x 50G PAM4 modulation technology.

Moving to the transmission between Edge Core switches and Spine Core switches, which typically covers less than 2 km, 200G FR4 and 400G FR8 optical transceivers are employed, interconnected with duplex LC cables. For the 200G solution, the 200G QSFP56 FR4 2km optical transceiver and the 200G QSFP-DD PSM8 2km optical transceiver are commonly used, while the 400G solution involves the 400G QSFP-DD FR8 2km optical transceiver.

Facilitating Next-Generation Enterprise Networks


In today's dynamic business landscape, enterprise networks have become increasingly complex, necessitating additional support across campuses, data centers, and telecommunication environments. With over twenty-five years of experience, the Approved Networks family of brands has been a trusted partner, offering unparalleled expertise and guidance in every aspect of critical IT networking. We possess unique insights into how modern companies depend on network connectivity to effectively manage all aspects of their operations. Serving the largest and most diverse global customers in the industry, we deliver cutting-edge optical solutions tailored to meet the evolving needs of our clients.

Our comprehensive range of optical solutions and services simplifies network operations and reduces costs for enterprises of all sizes. From small businesses to large corporations, organizations trust Approved Networks for their connectivity requirements. We enhance bandwidth reliability while simultaneously reducing the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), ensuring that our clients' networks remain robust, efficient, and cost-effective.

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