Optoelectronics
How compatible optical transceivers are driving network innovation
By Sam Walker, vice president sales, EMEA & India, ProLabs O
ptical transceivers are small, powerful devices responsible for the transmission of data within a network. They convert electrical signals
from a switch to optical light signals which are then transmitted along fibre cables and vice versa at the other end of the cable. These components – so critical to the performance of a network – come in a variety of shapes and sizes, called form factors. Which form factor to use will depend on the environment these components will be used in, and the type of data and speed required for it. There are two different sources businesses can use when it comes to procuring optical transceivers. Firstly, they can buy original brand optics sold by Network Equipment Manufacturers (NEMs), whose established branding means they hold a dominant market position. There is also the option to buy compatible optical transceivers provided by alternative vendors capable of manufacturing optics to the same specifications as those sold by NEMs.
The shape of the market In recent years, there has been an explosion of alternative suppliers offering impressive levels of performance within the optical transceiver market. This is one reason why the global third-party transceiver market is predicted to be worth $1.36 billion USD by 2027 (1)
.
Suppliers of compatible transceivers actually purchase the same hardware as NEMs use, from the same sources. When new NEM optics are launched, these will then be analysed by alternate suppliers to deliver a product compatible with that brand’s switches and OLTs. As these components are interoperable and are sold at a competitive price, it’s no surprise compatible transceivers
22 September 2024
are becoming an increasingly popular option for network builders. One optical transceiver which has grown in prominence in recent years is the small form-factor pluggable (SFP). These are designed for use with small form factor (SFF) connectors to offer extremely high speeds in networks over fibre cabling.
SFP modules can connect a single network device to a range of fibre cable distances
and types. However, sometimes an NEM may not advise whether the SFP slots on their devices are compatible with SFP created by other vendors. For businesses such as service providers and Altnets, which live or die depending on the reliability of their networks, this could become a critical issue. If their switches are
unable to
communicate with SFP devices purchased
from other vendors, then their networks will fail, leading to significant operational and financial detriment.
Supporting the service providers It’s for this reason that compatible SFPs offered by alternative third-party suppliers
Components in Electronics
have grown in popularity. These solutions will work as long as they meet the same MSA standard achieved by the NEMs. MSA is short for ‘multi-source agreement’, resembling a deal agreed with multiple manufacturers to ensure products retain the same basic functionality and operability across different vendors. Because the hardware is consistent with the ones used in NEM products, these SFP solutions should work seamlessly with the same brand’s network equipment. Using transceivers with SFP compatibility empowers businesses to make key cost savings and removes the pressure of being ‘locked in’ to a specific product or pricing model.
Addressing warranty concerns Of course, in the past there may have been concerns from prospective customers
www.cieonline.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64