SFP-10G-SR vs SFP-10G-LRM vs SFP-10G-LR: Battle of the SFP+ Modules
When building a 10G Ethernet network, choosing the right optical module is crucial to ensuring the performance and stability of the network. The common 10G SFP+ optical modules on the market mainly include SFP-10G-SR, SFP-10G-LRM and SFP-10G-LR. They differ in transmission distance, fiber type, working wavelength and application scenarios. This article will comprehensively compare SFP-10G-SR vs SFP-10G-LRM vs SFP-10G-LR. This guide will provide you with a clear decision reference.
10G SR SFP Transceivers Overview
What is 10GBASE-SR SFP Transceiver?
The 10GBASE-SR SFP optical module is used for short-distance transmission of 10 Gigabit Ethernet. The 10G SR optical module is a type of SFP+ package transceiver, where "SR" stands for "Short Range." It typically utilizes multimode optical fiber (such as OM3 or OM4), with an operating wavelength of 850 nm. The typical transmission distance is up to 300 meters under OM3 fiber and up to 400 meters under OM4 fiber.
SFP-10G-SR vs SFP-10G-SR-S, What's the Difference?
Similar to the SFP-10G-SR, the SFP-10G-SR-S typically refers to the Cisco S-Class 10GBASE-SR SFP+ optical module. The Cisco SFP-10G-SR-S module also operates at 850nm. It is typically used with OM3 or OM4 fiber, offering a maximum range of 300 meters on OM3 and 400 meters on OM4, with an LC duplex connector and SFP+ form factor.
The difference between SFP-10G-SR-S and SFP-10G-SR is mainly in protocol support and price:
Protocol Support Differences
The SFP-10G-SR-S is primarily designed for Ethernet transport applications and does not support advanced protocols such as FCoE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet), OTN (Optical Transport Network), or WAN-PHY (Wide Area Network Physical Layer). Additionally, it is not TAA (Trade Agreements Act) certified. Its design focuses on removing unnecessary features to reduce cost.
On the other hand, the SFP-10G-SR module is more comprehensive, supporting multiple protocols such as FCoE, OTN, and WAN-PHY, and also complies with TAA certification. Therefore, it is more suitable for application scenarios that require multi-protocol compatibility or high compliance requirements, such as telecom or government networks.
Cost Difference
Due to the removal of some advanced features, the SFP-10G-SR-S is more cost-effective for standard enterprise networks or data center environments, making it a cost-effective choice when additional protocol support is not required.
In contrast, the SFP-10G-SR is more powerful and more expensive, and is better suited for network environments with higher performance and compatibility requirements.
Specifications of 10GBASE SR SFP Module
The following are typical specifications for 10GBASE-SR SFP transceivers:
10G LR SFP Transceivers Overview
What is 10GBASE-LR SFP Transceiver?
10GBASE-LR transceiver supports 10Gbps transmission rate. The form factor is SFP+, where "LR" stands for "Long Reach", meaning long-distance transmission. It usually uses a 1310nm wavelength, an LC duplex connector, and is compatible with single-mode fiber (SMF). The maximum transmission distance can reach 10km, and it is suitable for medium and long-distance network connection scenarios such as data centers, enterprise campus networks, and metropolitan area networks.
Specifications of Cisco SFP 10G LR Module
The following are typical specifications for 10GBASE-LR SFP transceivers:
10G LRM SFP Transceivers Overview
What is 10GBASE-LRM SFP Transceiver?
10GBASE-LRM SFP transceiver is an optical module for 10G Ethernet, where "LRM" stands for "Long Reach Multimode". It is used to transmit 10Gbps data on MMF or SMF, with a transmission distance of up to 220 or 300 meters, depending on the type of fiber used. Compared with 10G SR modules, LRM modules are more compatible and can run on older multimode cabling systems, especially suitable for upgrading the original multimode cabling.
10G LRM modules usually use 1310nm wavelength, LC duplex connector, and are mainly in SFP+ form factor. Although its transmission distance is not as far as 10G LR (single mode) modules, its support for old multimode optical cables gives it a unique advantage in some renovation projects.
Specifications of Cisco SFP 10G LRM Module
Differences Between SFP 10G SR vs 10G LR vs 10G LRM Transceivers
Here's a comparison table showing the differences between SFP-10G-SR, SFP-10G-LRM, and SFP-10G-LR:
Cisco SFP-10G-SR vs SFP LRM vs SFP+ 10G LR, How to Choose?
When choosing between the three 10G SFP+ optical modules, SFP+ 10G SR, SFP+ 10G LRM, and SFP+ 10G LR, the most critical considerations are the transmission distance, fiber type, and existing cabling environment.
The 10G SR is the most common multimode optical module, operating at a wavelength of 850nm and suitable for OM3 and OM4 multimode optical fibers. It has a maximum transmission distance of 300 meters on OM3 and up to 400 meters on OM4. Due to its stable performance and low price, it is the preferred solution for short-distance interconnection in data centers. However, it should be noted that SFP-10G-SR can only transmit up to about 33 meters on OM1 or OM2 optical fibers, so it is not suitable for old wiring environments.
SFP-10G-LRM is mainly designed for transmission up to 220 meters on various multimode optical fibers such as OM1, OM2, OM3 and OM4. SFP LRM provides good compatibility for old networks that still use OM1/OM2 cabling. It should be noted that when transmitting on OM1/OM2, a mode conditioning patch cable must be used to ensure transmission quality, while such a patch cable is not required on OM3/OM4. In addition, the LRM module is also suitable for single-mode optical fiber transmission scenarios within 300 meters, which is an option that takes into account both distance and cost.
SFP+ 10G LR is a module designed for single-mode optical fiber. Its operating wavelength is also 1310nm. Its maximum transmission distance can reach 10 kilometers. It is suitable for long-distance transmission across buildings or campuses. If your network is based on OS2 single-mode optical fiber, or the transmission distance exceeds 300 meters, then SFP-10G-LR is the most suitable choice.
Conclusion
This article discusses the basic principles, technical specifications, application scenarios and differences between three common 10G SFP+ modules: SFP-10G-SR, SFP-10G-LRM and SFP-10G-LR. With 850nm wavelength and OM3/OM4 multimode fiber support, 10GBASE-SR SFP transceiver is the most universal choice for short-distance (300-400 meters) interconnection within the data center, especially suitable for new multimode fiber environments. The core advantage of SFP-10G-LRM lies in its good compatibility with old multimode fibers (such as OM1/OM2), which can achieve 10G transmission at a distance of 220 meters. It is an ideal solution for retaining the original multimode wiring in upgrade and renovation projects. 10GBASE-LRM SFP module can also be used for short-distance single-mode transmission of 300 meters when necessary. 10GBASE-LR SFP transceiver focuses on long-distance needs. It uses 1310nm wavelength and OS2 single-mode fiber to achieve stable transmission up to 10 kilometers, which is perfect for medium and long-distance connections across buildings, campuses or metropolitan areas.
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