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Nederlands (Nederland)Fiber optic transceivers
Intronics supplies a full portfolio of fibre optic transceivers. These are also referred to as SFP or mini GBIC modules. Fibre optic transceivers are used to let switches and servers communicate with each other through fibre optics, at the same or at different locations. They are often used in data centres, networks and video and audio equipment. Optical transceivers are one of the most reliable and versatile ways to enable communication over long distances. They are also easy to install and designed to resist shock and vibration which is important for industrial applications. Optical transceivers use optical fibres to transmit information over long distances. The advantage of optic fibres is that they are smaller in size and offer higher speed than copper cables.
The fibre optic modules can be coded for compatibility with A-brand network switches and servers. With traditional network equipment and twisted pair (UTP) cabling, the cable is connected directly to the network device such as a switch or server. With optical fibre, the fibre-optic cable is connected to an optical transceiver that plugs into the network equipment. The optical receiver is an intermediate step to increase the flexibility of the network equipment used such as switches and servers.
The fibre optic modules can be coded for compatibility with A-brand network switches and servers. With traditional network equipment and twisted pair (UTP) cabling, the cable is connected directly to the network device such as a switch or server. With optical fibre, the fibre-optic cable is connected to an optical transceiver that plugs into the network equipment. The optical receiver is an intermediate step to increase the flexibility of the network equipment used such as switches and servers.
Distance, form factor and coding
The wavelength of the laser or LED light source determines the distance that can be covered and the speed of the link. In the market, there is a wide variety of encodings used by different brands such as Cisco and HP. To choose the right transceiver, a number of details are important: the network protocol, the speed, the wavelength, the maximum distance that can be bridged and the platform that will be used. Transceivers are available in different standards (form factor): QSFP28, CFP4,CFP2, CFP, QSFP+, SFP28, XFP, X2, XENPAK, SFP+,SFP, GBIC.
Warranty and compatibility with A-brands
Our range of optical transceivers is compatible with all A-brands in the field of network equipment. These parties conform to optics standards. However, some major market players choose to provide their optics with the coding required for compatibility with their equipment. Our range consists of transceivers that feature encodings to ensure compatibility. This also makes them compatible with equipment from Cisco, Hewlet Packard (HP), Avaya, D-Link, Alcatel-Lucent, Huawei etc., (all brand names mentioned are property of the respective brand holders). Warranty and support are hereby maintained. The compliance document contains statements from manufacturers that the warranty will continue to be guaranteed when using third-party transceivers. A good feeling to know that our range of optical transceivers is not only compatible with the A-brands of network equipment, but the warranty and support are also legally guaranteed.
The three main advantages of optical transceivers
Optical Transceivers, or SFP modules, provide a number of benefits when used in a network environment. For example, professional switches are equipped with SFP ports for connecting the switches to each other. Optical fibre realises high bandwidth combined with distance. SFP modules form the bridge between the existing equipment and the fibre connection. Another advantage is that SFP modules are hot swappable and therefore equipment does not need to be rebooted.
SFP modules are the standard for fiber optic communication
Network equipment manufacturers support the SFP, SFP+ and QSFP standards. SFP modules are used in various equipment such as switches, routers, firewalls, servers and storage devices. The equipment has a port where a SFP module can be plugged into. The abbreviation SFP stands for Small Formfactor Pluggable. The standard for use of SFP modules was created in cooperation with the various manufacturers. This standard is therefore called an MSA, which stands for Multi-Source Agreement.
SFP modules ensure maximum flexibility in a fibre-optic network
A fibre-optic cable is connected to an SFP module. This module is inserted into the switch. The SFP module serves as an interface between the fibre-optic cable and the connected equipment. This ensures maximum flexibility, because the SFP can be adapted
without having to adapt or replace the relevant equipment.
Situations where only the SFP module needs to be adapted, instead of the equipment:
Situations where only the SFP module needs to be adapted, instead of the equipment:
- Transition to network with different type of fibre; for example, from singlemode to multimode.
- Changed distance; for example, from cables 100 metres to 80 kilometres.
- Change to a different speed; if, for example, switch speed changes from 1G to 10G.
- Different type of fibre optic connector; if, for example, an SC connector is placed on the cabling instead of an LC.
Network continuity through use of hot swappable SFP modules
When changes in fibre type, distance, speed and connector occur, the SFP module is replaced. An important advantage is that equipment does not have to be switched off or rebooted during SFP module placement, ensuring excellent network continuity. Keeping equipment in operation during installation and/or replacement of fibre optic (SFP) modules is called "Hot swappable".
