Single-mode dual-fiber transceiver gigabit

Single-mode dual-fiber SFP transceivers use two fibers—one for transmitting and one for receiving—to support gigabit Ethernet over long distances, typically up to 10 km or more.

Overview

Dual-fiber transceivers, also known as duplex SFPs, operate over single-mode fiber (SMF) and are designed for point-to-point gigabit Ethernet links. Each transceiver uses one fiber strand for transmit (TX) and another for receive (RX), requiring a duplex LC connector. Common wavelengths for these modules are 1310 nm or 1550 nm, depending on the distance and optical budget .

Key Specifications

• Data Rate: 1 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet)
• Fiber Type: Single-mode (SMF)
• Connector Type: Dual LC (duplex)
• Wavelength: Typically 1310 nm for 10 km links; 1550 nm for longer spans
• Distance: Up to 10 km for standard 1000BASE-LX SFPs; longer distances possible with 1000BASE-EX or 1000BASE-ZX modules
• Power Budget: ≥11 dB for 10 km links
• Hot-Pluggable: Compatible with MSA-compliant SFP slots
• Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM): Supported for real-time monitoring of optical parameters

Deployment Considerations

• Duplex Cabling: Ensure TX of one end connects to RX of the other and vice versa using a duplex patch cord .
• Distance Planning: Single-mode fiber allows tens of kilometers, but link span depends on fiber quality, splices, and connectors .
• Compatibility: SFPs are platform-specific; check vendor compatibility and coding if using non-standard modules .
• Environmental Range: Typically 0°C to 70°C, with some industrial models supporting wider ranges .

Comparison with Single-Fiber BiDi SFPs

• Dual-Fiber: Uses two fibers, simpler to deploy, standard TX/RX pairing.
• Single-Fiber BiDi: Uses WDM technology to transmit and receive on a single fiber using different wavelengths (e.g., 1310 nm TX / 1550 nm RX), requiring matched pairs at each end .
• Use Case: Dual-fiber is preferred for simplicity and standard duplex cabling; BiDi is used when fiber strands are limited.

Applications

• Campus networks, data centers, and enterprise backbones
• FTTx deployments and long-distance point-to-point links
• Storage networks and high-speed Ethernet aggregation In summary, single-mode dual-fiber gigabit SFP transceivers provide reliable, long-distance Ethernet connectivity using two fibers, with standard LC connectors, 1310/1550 nm wavelengths, and support for hot-swappable deployment and digital monitoring, making them ideal for enterprise and carrier-grade networks .