As the demand for bandwidth in data centers, carrier networks, and enterprise networks continues to grow, 10G optical modules are still widely used, especially in mature networks and small and medium-sized enterprise environments. 10G optical modules can be divided into SR (Short Range), LR (Long Range), ER (Extended Range), and ZR (Zettabyte Range) according to different transmission distances. This article will introduce the differences between them in detail to help network engineers and system integrators choose the right module to meet specific application requirements.
SFP-10G-SR (Short Range)
● Standard protocol: IEEE 802.3ae 10GBASE-SR
● Transmission distance: up to about 300 meters (using OM3 multimode fiber); up to 400 meters (using OM4 fiber)
● Transmission medium: multimode fiber (MMF)
● Wavelength: 850nm
● Interface type: LC duplex
● Application scenarios:
Internal connection in data center
Connection between the same rack or adjacent racks
Cost-sensitive deployment
● Advantages: low cost, low power consumption, suitable for short-distance high-speed transmission.
SFP-10G-LR (Long Range)
● Standard protocol: IEEE 802.3ae 10GBASE-LR
● Transmission distance: Maximum 10km
● Transmission medium: Single-mode fiber (SMF)
● Wavelength: 1310nm
● Interface type: LC duplex
● Application scenarios:
Enterprise campus backbone network
Small and medium-sized operator access network
Data center connection (no more than 10km)
● Advantages: Suitable for medium-distance transmission, moderate cost, flexible deployment.
SFP-10G-ER (Extended Range)
● Standard protocol: IEEE 802.3ae 10GBASE-ER
● Transmission distance: up to 40km
● Transmission medium: single-mode fiber (SMF)
● Wavelength: 1550nm
● Interface type: LC duplex
● Application scenarios:
Construction of metropolitan area network (MAN)
Telecom operator backbone transmission network
Data center cross-city connection
● Features:
High transmission power and high receiving sensitivity.
Sometimes an optical attenuator is required to avoid overload at the receiving end.
SFP-10G-ZR (Zettabyte Range)
● Standard protocol: ITU G.959.1 10GBASE-ZR (not IEEE standard)
● Transmission distance: up to 80km
● Transmission medium: single-mode fiber (SMF)
● Wavelength: 1550nm
● Interface type: LC duplex
● Application scenarios:
Cross-regional metropolitan area network
Carrier-level trunk network
Services with high requirements for long-distance transmission
● Precautions:
The transmission power is very high, and attention should be paid to optical power management.
Often used with an optical attenuator.
Type | Transmission distance | Fiber Type | Wavelength | Interface | Application Scenario | Cost |
SFP-10G-SR | 400M | MM | 850nm | LC | Short-distance connections within a data center | Low |
SFP-10G-LR | 10KM/20KM | SM | 1310nm | LC | Campus network, medium-distance transmission | Medium |
SFP-10G-ER | 40KM/60KM | SM | 1550nm | LC | Metropolitan area network, cross-city connection | High |
SFP-10G-ZR | 80KM-120KM | SM | 1550nm | LC | Long distance backbone network | High |
When choosing a 10G optical module, you should make a comprehensive judgment based on the following factors
● Transmission distance: First determine the distance between the two devices, and the selection is based on this.
● Cabling environment: Is the existing cabling multi-mode or single-mode? Does it support OM3/OM4?
● Equipment compatibility: Confirm whether the switch or router supports the selected module.
● Budget and performance trade-off: The longer the transmission distance, the higher the cost. Choose reasonably according to actual needs.
10G SR, LR, ER, and ZR modules are respectively for short, medium, long, and ultra-long distance applications, and are important basic components for building efficient and stable networks. Reasonable selection of optical modules can not only improve network performance, but also play a key role in overall project cost control. Sopto provides a full range of 10G optical module solutions. Please contact us for customized suggestions and selection support. Inquiry info@sopto.com.cn, My whatsapp: https://wa.me/+8618688759008/
