Optical modules and fiber optic transceivers are both important devices in fiber optic communication systems, is there any difference between them? How to choose? This article will introduce the difference between the two and the precautions to be taken when connecting.

I. Conceptual nature

Optical module: belongs to a pluggable photoelectric conversion module, it is designed to be inserted into the corresponding slot network equipment, such as switches, routers, etc., is a key component of the network equipment to realize the optical communication function, its own no independent complete shell packaging, must rely on the main body of the equipment.

Fiber optic transceiver: is an independent and complete network transmission equipment, has an independent shell, power supply system, can be placed on the desktop, machine room racks, do not rely on other equipment can also be completed independently of the photoelectric conversion and data transmission work.

II. Port types and connections

Optical Module: Optical ports are generally used for docking optical fibers, and electrical ports are connected to the corresponding interfaces of switches, server NICs and other devices. Optical modules and devices are tightly connected to the slots through gold fingers, which make the connection solid and precise.

Fiber optic transceiver: the device is equipped with optical and electrical ports on both ends, the optical port is connected to the optical fiber, the electrical port is connected to the Ethernet cable, the use of Ethernet cables to dock switches, routers, computers and other devices, the connection is more flexible and diverse.

III. Functional characteristics

Optical Module: Functions focused on the conversion of photoelectric signals, in order to adapt to different transmission distances, rates, wavelengths, derived from a number of types, such as the transmission distance is as short as a few dozen meters, as long as a hundred kilometers; rate covers 1G, 10G, 25G, 40G, 100G, 400G and other different standards.

Fiber optic transceiver: In addition to the basic photoelectric conversion, often also integrates some simple network management functions, such as link status monitoring, indicator lamps intuitive display of the work status, etc., but also able to support different rates of adaptive, convenient and fast network formation.

IV. Application Scenarios

Optical Module: Mainly used in medium and large-scale data centers, enterprise-level network switches, high-end servers for internal fiber-optic link expansion, with the core network equipment to achieve high-speed transmission of massive data.

Fiber optic transceiver: more focused on small office space, campus network, security monitoring systems such as this scenario, to meet the distance is slightly shorter, the network structure is relatively simple fiber optic network set up to complete the basic needs of photoelectric conversion and network access.

Q: Can optical modules be interconnected with fiber optic transceivers?

The answer is yes. However, the following conditions need to be met:

Transmission rate matching: the transmission rate of optical modules and fiber optic transceivers must be the same. For example, 100 megabit optical module should be matched with 100 megabit fiber optic transceiver, and gigabit with gigabit.

Fiber Mode Matching: Fiber modes need to strictly correspond. Single-mode optical modules must be connected to single-mode fiber optic transceivers, and multi-mode matches multi-mode.

Matching wavelength and transmission distance: the working wavelength and transmission distance of optical modules and fiber optic transceivers need to be consistent.

In summary, optical modules and fiber optic transceivers differ significantly in terms of conceptual nature, port type, functional characteristics and application scenarios. Although they have their own characteristics, they can be connected under specific conditions, providing more flexibility for the construction of fiber optic communication systems. In practical application, the differences between the two should be considered according to specific network requirements, transmission distance, rate requirements and other factors, reasonable selection and use, in order to achieve efficient and stable fiber-optic communication network, E-Ten Optical Communications, as a professional manufacturer of optical modules, support for the provision of 1G-400G optical modules and other communication products, users are welcome to come to consult.