Pluggable module type		Description	Connector type
SFP (small form-factor pluggable)	Gigabit SFP optical module	SFP pluggable optical transceiver module	LC
	100 Mbps SFP optical module	SFP pluggable optical transceiver module
	Gigabit BIDI (bi-direction) optical module	BIDI optical transceiver module
	100 Mbps BIDI optical module	BIDI optical transceiver module
	Gigabit CWDM (coarse wavelength division multiplexing) optical module	Gigabit CWDM optical transceiver module
	SFP electrical module	—	RJ-45
	SFP IRF module	SFP-STACK-Kit only, with fixed connection cable and dedicated for interconnecting devices.	—
SFP+ module	10-Gigabit SFP+ optical module	10-Gigabit SFP+ optical transceiver module, hot-swappable	LC
SFP+ module	SFP+ IRF cable	Hot-swappable, dedicated to interconnecting devices	—
GBIC (Gigabit interface converter)	GBIC optical module	Pluggable optical transceiver module	SC
	GBIC electrical module	Hot-swappable	RJ-45
	GBIC IRF module	Hot-swappable, dedicated for interconnecting devices	HSSDC
XFP (10-Gigabit small form-factor pluggable)		10-Gigabit small form-factor pluggable transceiver module	LC
XENPAK (10-Gigabit Ethernet transceiver package)		Optical transponder, hot-swappable	SC

l Different models of the H3C low-end series Ethernet switches may support different pluggable modules. For details, see respective installation manuals.

l The types of pluggable module types are subject to changes. To obtain latest module type information, consult marketing or technical support personnel of H3C.

Introduction to Optical Modules

Introduction

Optical modules are used for transmitting optical signals over optical fibers. Optical transmission features low loss and is fit for long distance transmission.

The H3C low-end series Ethernet switches support varied optical module models of different specifications. You can choose suitable optical modules as needed for data transmission over optical fibers.

At present, the commonly used optical modules include optical transmitters, optical receivers, transceivers, and transponders. The H3C low-end series Ethernet switches mainly support transceivers and transponders.

Transceiver

Transceivers are mainly used for optical-to-electrical and electrical-to-optical conversions and provide the following functions: optical power control, modulation transmission, signal probe, IV conversion, and limiting amplifier and decision regeneration. In addition, transceivers provide some other functions, such as counterfeit-prevention query and TX-disable. Common transceivers include SIP9, SFF, SFP, GBIC, and XFP.

Transponder

In addition to optical-to-electrical and electrical-to-optical conversions, a transponder has multiple signal processing functions, such as MUX/DEMUX, CDR, function control, and performance collection & monitoring. Common transponders include 200/300pin, XENPAK, and X2/XPAK.

Data Rate

Data rate is the number of bits transmitted per second. The unit of measure for data rate is Mbps (Megabits per second) or Gbps (Gigabits per second). The optical modules available for the H3C low-end series Ethernet switches mainly provide the following three levels of data rates: 100 Mbps, 1000 Mbps, and 10 Gbps.

Transmission Distance

For optical modules, three types of transmission distances are available: short haul, middle reach, and long haul. Generally, a distance of 2 km (1.24 mi.) is considered as short haul, 10 km (6.21 mi.) to 20 km (12.43 mi.) as middle reach, and 30 km (18.64 mi.) and over as long haul.

Transmission distances provided by optical modules are mainly limited by certain loss and dispersion suffered during the transmission of optical signals over optical fibers.

l Loss is the optical energy loss due to the absorption, dispersion and leakage over the media when light travels through optical fibers. This loss increases in direct ratio to transmission distance.

l Dispersion happens mainly because electromagnetic waves of different wavelengths travel at different rates over the same medium, causing different wave components of optical signals to reach the receiving end early or late as the transmission distance increases, which in turn causes impulse broadening, making the signal values indistinguishable.

Therefore, you need to choose suitable optical modules according to actual networking conditions to meet different transmission distance requirements.

Central Wavelength

Central wavelength represents the wave band used for optical signal transmission. At present, there are mainly three central wavelengths for common optical modules: 850 nm, 1310 nm, and 1550 nm, respectively representing three wavebands.

l The 850 nm wave band is mainly used for short-reach transmission.

l The 1310 nm and 1550 nm wave bands are mainly used for middle- and long-reach transmission.

Fiber Types

Fiber mode

Depending on the mode of light transmission in fibers, fibers fall into two types: single-mode and multimode.

l Multimode fibers (MMFs) have thicker fiber cores and can transport light in multiple modes. However, the inter-mode dispersion is greater and worsens as the transmission distance increases. Other factors that influence the transmission distance of multimode fibers include data rate, core diameter, and mode bandwidth. For details, see Table 1-2.

Table 1-2 Multimode fiber specifications

Fiber mode	Data rate	Core diameter	Mode bandwidth	Transmission distance
Multimode	Gigabit per second	62.5/125 μm	—	< 275 m (902.23 ft.)
	Gigabit per second	50/125 μm	—	< 550 m (1804.46 ft.)
	10-Gigabit per second	62.5/125 μm	160 (MHz*km)	< 26 m (85.30 ft.)
		62.5/125 μm	200 (MHz*km)	< 33 m (108.27 ft.)
		50/125 μm	400 (MHz*km)	< 66 m (216.54 ft.)
			500 (MHz*km)	< 100 m (328.08 ft.)
			2000 (MHz*km)	< 300 m (984.25 ft.)

l Single-mode fibers (SMFs) have thinner fiber cores and can transmit light in only one mode. Therefore, single-mode fibers suffer little inter-mode dispersion and are suitable for long-reach communication.

Fiber diameter

Fiber diameter is generally expressed as core diameter/cladding diameter, in μm. For example, 9/125 μm means the fiber core diameter is 9 μm and the fiber cladding diameter is 125 μm.

For the H3C low-end series Ethernet switches, the following fiber diameters are recommended:

l G.652 common single-mode fiber: 9/125 μm

l Common multimode fiber: 62.5/125 μm

l G.651 multimode fiber: 50/125 μm (for multimode VCSEL laser)

Connector Type

Connectors are used to connect pluggable modules to the corresponding transmission media. The optical modules available for the H3C low-end series Ethernet switches use two types of optical connectors: SC and LC.

SC connector

Figure 1-1 shows the appearance of an SC (subscriber connector standard connector).

Figure 1-1 Appearance of an SC connector

LC connector

Figure 1-2 shows the appearance of an LC (Lucent connector or local connector).

Figure 1-2 Appearance of an LC connector

To keep the optical connector clean, make sure it is covered with a dust cap when it is not connected to any optical fiber.

Connector Index

Output optical power

Output optical power is the output power of the optical transmitter of an optical module, in dBm.

Receiving sensitivity

Receiving sensitivity is the minimum optical power that is needed at the receiving end for the optical module to receive optical signals at a given data rate and bit error rate, in dBm. Generally, the higher the data rate is, the worse the receiving sensitivity is, that is, the greater the minimum input optical power is; and a greater input optical power has higher requirements on the receiving components of the optical module.

Suppressed sensitivity

Suppressed sensitivity is the sensitivity measured when the jitter and vertical eye closure degradations are added to the input signals, in dBm. This concept applies to 10 Gbps interface modules (XENPAK and XFP modules) only.

Optical saturation

Optical saturation (also known as saturated optical power) is the maximum input optical power at a given data rate and bit error rate range (10^-10 to 10^-12), in dBm.

Note that, saturated photocurrent occurs if a fiber probe is irradiated by intensive light. When this occurs, it takes the probe some time to recover. In this case, the receiving sensitivity worsens and the received signals may be decided incorrectly, causing bit errors. This will probably damage the receiving probe. Therefore, when you perform operations, try to maintain a normal saturated optical power level.

Generally, the average output optical power of a long-haul optical module is greater than its maximum input optical power, namely, optical saturation. Therefore, be careful about the length of the optical fiber you use to ensure that the actual received optical power reaching the optical module is less than its optical saturation; otherwise, the optical module may be damaged.

Introduction to Electrical Modules

Introduction

Electrical modules are used for transmitting electrical signals over Category-5 unshielded twisted pair (UTP). UTP transmission cover shorter distances than optical transmission and therefore can be used in small-sized networks only.

The H3C low-end series Ethernet switches support the following two models of electrical modules:

l SFP electrical module: SFP-GE-T

l GBIC electrical module: GBIC-T-A

Data Rate

The data rates of the two models of electrical modules supported by the H3C low-end series Ethernet switches are both 1250 Mbps.

Transmission Distance

Through UTP cables, electrical signals can be transmitted over a distance of 100 m (328.08 ft.) only. This is because electrical signals attenuate during transmission through the UTP cables.

Attenuation refers to the dissipation of the power of a transmitted signal as it travels over a cable. Attenuation occurs because signal transmission suffers certain resistance from the cable, which weakens the electrical signals as they travel over the cable. When signals are transmitted over a very long distance, signal strength decreases very significantly, causing the signal-to-noise ratio to drop below the accepted level. This makes it impossible to distinguish between signals and noise, resulting in decision errors.

Therefore, use electrical port modules only when signals are to be transmitted over a short distance.

Connector Types

RJ-45 (Registered Jack-45) twisted pair connectors are used as the connectors for electrical port modules. Figure 1-3 shows the appearance of an RJ-45 connector.

Figure 1-3 Appearance of an RJ-45 connector

Table 1-3 RJ-45 GE connector pin assignment

Pin	Signal		Function
1	MX_0+	Data transmit/receive
2	MX_0-	Data transmit/receive
3	MX_1+	Data transmit/receive
4	MX_2+	Data transmit/receive
5	MX_2-	Data transmit/receive
6	MX_1-	Data transmit/receive
7	MX_3+	Data transmit/receive
8	MX_3-	Data transmit/receive

Introduction to IRF Modules/Cables

An IRF module provides one IRF interface for connecting this switch to another switch to obtain higher port capacity. IRF modules are dedicated for interconnections between devices, generally over very short distances.

The H3C low-end series Ethernet switches support two models of Gigabit IRF modules and three models of 10-Gigabit SFP+ dedicated IRF cables, as shown in Table 1-4.

Table 1-4 IRF modules and cables

Type		Model	Remarks
Gigabit IRF module	SFP IRF module	SFP-STACK-Kit	For details, see SFP IRF Module.
Gigabit IRF module	GBIC IRF module	GBIC-STACK	For details, see GBIC IRF Module.
10-Gigabit SFP+ IRF cable		LSWM1STK	For details, see SFP+ Cable.
		LSWM2STK
		LSWM3STK

2 SFP Modules

Gigabit SFP Optical Module

Appearance

Figure 2-1 Appearance of a Gigabit/100 Mbps SFP optical module

Models and Specifications

Gigabit SFP optical modules provide a transmission rate of 1250 Mbps and use LC connectors.

Table 2-1 Specifications of Gigabit SFP optical modules

External model	Central wavelength	Fiber mode	Fiber diameter	Transmission distance	Connector index
External model	Central wavelength	Fiber mode	Fiber diameter	Transmission distance	Output optical power	Receiving sensitivity	Optical saturation
SFP-GE-SX-MM850-A	850 nm	MMF	50/125 μm	550 m (1804.46 ft.)	-9.5 dBm to 0 dBm	≤ -17 dBm	≤ -3 dBm
SFP-GE-SX-MM850-A	850 nm	MMF	62.5/125 μm	275 m (902.23 ft.)	-9.5 dBm to 0 dBm	≤ -17 dBm
SFP-GE-LX-SM1310-A	1310 nm	SMF	9/125 μm	10 km (6.21 mi.)	-9.5 dBm to -3 dBm	≤ -20 dBm
SFP-GE-LH40-SM1310	1310 nm			40 km (24.86 mi.)	-2 dBm to +5 dBm	≤ -22 dBm
SFP-GE-LH40-SM1550	1550 nm			40 km (24.86 mi.)	-4 dBm to +1 dBm	≤ -21 dBm
SFP-GE-LH70-SM1550				70 km (43.50 mi.)	-4 dBm to +2 dBm	≤ -22 dBm
SFP-GE-LH100-SM1550				100 km (62.14 mi.)	0 dBm to 5 dBm	≤ -30 dBm	≤ -9 dBm

100 Mbps SFP Optical Module

Appearance

Figure 2-1 shows the appearance of a 100 Mbps SFP optical module.

Models and Specifications

100 Mbps SFP optical modules provide a transmission rate of 155 Mbps and use LC connectors.

Table 2-2 Specifications of 100 Mbps SFP optical modules

External model	Central wavelength	Fiber mode	Fiber diameter	Transmission distance	Connector index
External model	Central wavelength	Fiber mode	Fiber diameter	Transmission distance	Output optical power	Receiving sensitivity	Optical saturation
SFP-FE-SX-MM1310-A	1310 nm	MMF	62.5/125µm	2 km (1.24 mi.)	-19 dBm to -14 dBm	≤ -30 dBm	≤ -14 dBm
SFP-FE-LX-SM1310-A		SMF	9/125 µm	15 km (9.32 mi.)	-15 dBm to -8 dBm	≤ -28 dBm	≤ -7 dBm
SFP-FE-LH40-SM1310				40 km (24.86 mi.)	-5 dBm to 0 dBm	≤ -34 dBm	≤ -9 dBm
SFP-FE-LH80-SM1550	1550 nm			80 km (49.71 mi.)	-5 dBm to 0 dBm	≤ -34 dBm	≤ -10 dBm

Gigabit BIDI Module

Appearance

Figure 2-2 Appearance of a Gigabit/100 Mbps BIDI module

Models and Specifications

Gigabit BIDI modules provide a transmission rate of 1250 Mbps and use LC connectors.

Table 2-3 Specifications of Gigabit BIDI modules

External model	Central wavelength		Fiber mode	Fiber diameter	Transmission distance	Connector index
	Transmitting end (TX)	Receiving end (RX)				Output optical power	Receiving sensitivity	Optical saturation
SFP-GE-LX-SM1310-BIDI	1310 nm	1490 nm	SMF	9/125µm	10 km (6.21 mi.)	-9 dBm to -3 dBm	≤ -18.7 dBm	≤ -3 dBm
SFP-GE-LX-SM1490-BIDI	1490 nm	1310 nm

l BIDI modules use different central wavelengths in transmit and receive directions, in order to implement bidirectional transmission of optical signals over the same fiber.

l BIDI modules must be used in pair. For example, if an SFP-GE-LX-SM1310-BIDI is used at one end, another SFP-GE-LX-SM1490-BIDI must also be used at the other end.

100 Mbps BIDI Module

Appearance

Figure 2-2 shows the appearance of a 100 Mbps BIDI module.

Models and Specifications

100 Mbps BIDI modules provide a transmission rate of 155 Mbps and use LC connectors.

Table 2-4 Specifications of 100 Mbps BIDI modules

External model	Central wavelength		Fiber mode	Fiber diameter	Transmission distance	Connector index
	Transmitting end (TX)	Receiving end (RX)				Output optical power	Receiving sensitivity	Optical saturation
SFP-FE-LX-SM1310-BIDI	1310 nm	1550 nm	SMF	9/125µm	15 km (9.32 mi.)	-15 dBm to -8 dBm	≤ -31 dBm	≤ -3 dBm
SFP-FE-LX-SM1550-BIDI	1550 nm	1310 nm

l BIDI modules use different central wavelengths in transmit and receive directions, in order to implement bidirectional transmission of optical signals over the same fiber.

l BIDI modules must be used in pair. For example, if an SFP-FE-LX-SM1310-BIDI is used at one end, another SFP-FE-LX-SM1550-BIDI must also be used at the other end.

Gigabit CWDM Module

Appearance

Figure 2-3 Appearance of a Gigabit CWDM module

Models and Specifications

Gigabit CWDM modules provide a transmission rate of 1250 Mbps and use LC connectors.

Table 2-5 Specifications of Gigabit CWDM modules

External model	Central wavelength	Fiber mode	Fiber diameter	Transmission distance	Connector index
					Output optical power	Receiving sensitivity	Optical saturation
SFP-GE-LH70-SM1470-CW	1470 nm	SMF	9/125µm	70 km (43.50 mi.)	0 dBm to 5 dBm	≤ -23 dBm	≤ -3 dBm
SFP-GE-LH70-SM1490-CW	1490 nm
SFP-GE-LH70-SM1510-CW	1510 nm
SFP-GE-LH70-SM1530-CW	1530 nm
SFP-GE-LH70-SM1550-CW	1550 nm
SFP-GE-LH70-SM1570-CW	1570 nm
SFP-GE-LH70-SM1590-CW	1590 nm
SFP-GE-LH70-SM1610-CW	1610 nm

Gigabit CWDM modules adopt the CWDM technology that uses wavelength division multiplexers to multiplex optical signals with different wavelengths for transmission over a single optical fiber, thereby saving optical fiber resources. The receiving end uses a wavelength division demultiplexer to demultiplex the multiplexed optical signals.

External model	Transmission distance	Data rate	Cable type	Connector type
SFP-GE-T	100 m (328.08 ft.)	1250 Mbps	UTP/STP	RJ-45

External model	Transmission distance	Data rate	Cable type	Remarks
SFP-STACK-Kit	1.5 m (4.92 ft.)	1250 Mbps	UTP/STP	An SFP-STACK-Kit module is fixed with a 1.5 m cable.

3 SFP+ Modules

External model	Central wavelength	Fiber Mode	Fiber diameter	Mode bandwidth	Transmission distance	Connector index
External model	Central wavelength	Fiber Mode	Fiber diameter	Mode bandwidth	Transmission distance	Output optical power	Receiving sensitivity	Optical saturation
SFP-XG-SX-MM850-A	850 nm	MMF	50/125 µm	2000 MHz*km	300 m (984.25 ft.)	-7.3 dBm to -1 dBm	≤ -7.5 dBm	+0.5 dBm
				500 MHz*km	82 m (269.03 ft.)
				400 MHz*km	66 m (216.54 ft.)
			62.5/125 µm	200 MHz*km	33 m (108.27 ft.)
			62.5/125 µm	160 MHz*km	26 m (85.30 ft.)
SFP-XG-LX220-MM1310	1310 nm	MMF	62.5/125 µm	500 MHz*km	220m (721.78ft.)	-6.5 dBm to +0.5 dBm	≤ -6.5 dBm	+1.5 dBm
			50/125 µm	500 MHz*km	220m (721.78ft.)
			50/125 µm	400 MHz*km	100m (328.08ft.)
SFP-XG-LX-SM1310		SMF	9/125 µm	—	10 km (6.21 mi)	-8.2 dBm to +0.5 dBm	≤ -10.3 dBm	+0.5 dBm

External model	Length	Data rate	Type	Remarks
LSWM1STK	0.65 m (2.13 ft.)	10.31 Gbps	SFP+ cable	Dedicated to interconnecting SFP+ ports; supporting Intelligent Resilient Framework (IRF)
LSWM2STK	1.2 m (3.94 ft.)
LSWM3STK	3 m (9.84 ft.)

4 GBIC Modules

External model	Central wavelength	Fiber mode	Fiber diameter	Transmission distance	Connector index
External model	Central wavelength	Fiber mode	Fiber diameter	Transmission distance	Output optical power	Receiving sensitivity	Optical saturation
GBIC-SX-MM850-A	850 nm	MMF	50/125µm	550 m (1804.46 ft.)	-9.5 dBm to -3 dBm	≤ -17 dBm	≤ -3 dBm
GBIC-SX-MM850-A	850 nm	MMF	62.5/125µm	275 m (902.23 ft.)	-9.5 dBm to -3 dBm	≤ -17 dBm	≤ -3 dBm
GBIC-LX-SM1310-A	1310 nm	SMF	9/125µm	10 km (6.21 mi.)	-9.5 dBm to -3 dBm	≤ -19 dBm	≤ -3 dBm
GBIC-LH30-SM1310	1310 nm			40 km (24.86 mi.)	-4 dBm to +3 dBm	≤ -23 dBm	≤ -3 dBm
GBIC-LH40-SM1550-A	1550 nm			60 km (37.28 mi.)	-2 dBm to +3 dBm	≤ -23 dBm	≤ -3 dBm
GBIC-LH70-SM1550-A				80 km (49.71 mi.)	0 dBm to +5 dBm	≤ -24 dBm	≤ -3 dBm
GBIC-LH100-SM1550				100 km (62.14 mi.)	-2 dBm to +5 dBm	≤ -29 dBm	≤ -10 dBm

External model	Transmission distance	Data rate	Cable type	Connector type
GBIC-T-A	100 m (328.08 ft.)	1250 Mbps	UTP/STP	RJ-45

External model	Transmission distance	Data rate	Cable type	Connector type	Remarks
GBIC-STACK	30 m (98.43 ft.)	1.25 Gbps/ 1.0625 Gbps	GBIC-STACK Cable	HSSDC	GBIC-STACK modules use the IRF cables dedicated for HSSDC connectors (external model: GBIC-STACK Cable), as shown in Figure 4-4.

Figure 4-4 Appearance of a GBIC-STACK Cable

5 XFP Modules

Appearance

Figure 5-1 Appearance of an XFP module

Models and Specifications

XFP optical modules use LC connectors.

Table 5-1 Specifications of XFP modules

External model	Central wavelength	Transmission distance	Data rate	Fiber mode	Fiber diameter	Mode bandwidth	Connector index
External model	Central wavelength	Transmission distance	Data rate	Fiber mode	Fiber diameter	Mode bandwidth	Output optical power	Receiving sensitivity	Suppressed sensitivity	Optical saturation
XFP-SX-MM850	850 nm	300 m (984.25 ft.)	10.31 Gbps	MMF	50/125 µm	2000 MHz*km	-7.3 dBm to -1.08 dBm	≤ -11.1 dBm	≤ -7.5 dBm	≤ -1 dBm
XFP-LX- SM1310	1310 nm	10 km (6.21 mi.)	10.31 Gbps	SMF	9/125µm	—	-8.2 dBm to +0.5 dBm	≤ -12.6 dBm	≤ -10.3 dBm	≤ 0.5 dBm
XFP-LH40-SM1550-F1	1550 nm	40 km (24.86 mi.)	9.95 Gbps to 10.7 Gbps	SMF	9/125µm	—	-1.0 dBm to +2 dBm	≤ -14.1 dBm	≤ -11.3 dBm	≤ -1 dBm

6 XENPAK Modules

Appearance

Figure 6-1 Appearance of an XENPAK module

Models and Specifications

XENPAK optical modules provide a transmission rate of 10.31 Gbps and use SC connectors.

Table 6-1 Specifications of XENPAK modules

External model	Central wavelength	Transmission distance	Fiber mode	Fiber diameter	Mode bandwidth	Connector index
External model	Central wavelength	Transmission distance	Fiber mode	Fiber diameter	Mode bandwidth	Output optical power	Receiving sensitivity	Suppressed sensitivity	Optical saturation
XENPAK-SX-MM850	850 nm	300 m (984.25 ft.)	MMF	50/125µm	2000 MHz × km	-7.3 dBm to -1 dBm	≤ -11.1 dBm	≤ -7.5 dBm	≤ -1 dBm
XENPAK-LX-SM1310	1310 nm	10 km (6.21 mi.)	SMF	9/125µm	—	-8.2 dBm to +0.5 dBm	≤ -12.6 dBm	≤ -10.3 dBm	≤ 0.5 dBm
XENPAK-LH40-SM1550	1550 nm	40 km (24.86 mi.)	SMF	9/125µm	—	-4.7 dBm to +4 dBm	≤ -14.1 dBm	≤ -11.3 dBm	≤ -1 dBm

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Table of Content

Related Links

H3C Low End Series Ethernet Switches Pluggable Modules Manual-(V1.02)

Transceiver

Transponder

Fiber diameter

SC connector

LC connector

Output optical power

Receiving sensitivity

Suppressed sensitivity

Optical saturation

Introduction to IRF Modules/Cables

3 SFP+ Modules

6 XENPAK Modules