With the rapid development of the communication industry and data centers at home and abroad, the demand for optical modules has increased sharply. In addition to the original optical modules of equipment manufacturers, there are also third-party optical module manufacturers. So how should we choose optical modules? In this article, ETU-LINK will introduce to you what factors we need to consider when purchasing optical modules.

When we choose an optical module, in addition to considering the type of optical module, we also need to consider its cost performance. Based on these two points, we will elaborate on them separately. The first is to choose the type of optical module. We need to choose according to the type of device port, transmission distance and compatibility. If it is a Gigabit SFP port, you need to use a Gigabit SFP optical module, and then determine the transmission according to the distance between the two ends of the device. Distance, short-distance transmission can use multi-mode optical modules, while long-distance transmission requires single-mode optical modules. The longest transmission distance of single-mode optical modules can usually reach tens of kilometers.

If you already have a wiring system, you need to select the interface type of the optical module according to the interface type on the optical fiber distribution frame. For example, the original configuration is an SC connector, and the Gigabit network can use a Gigabit optical module with an SC interface. Finally, the compatibility of optical modules must be considered. Switches of different brands are encrypted during transmission, so optical modules that are compatible with the switch brand can be used for optical transmission.

Next, let’s talk about the cost-effectiveness. The price of brand original optical modules is relatively expensive, so many customers will choose third-party compatible optical modules in order to save costs. Regarding the quality and compatibility of compatible optical modules, the following will list some points factors for your reference.

1. Confirm the warranty time. Generally, the original optical module of the brand is guaranteed for 1 year, while the warranty time for compatible optical modules is more than 3 years.

2. In view of the compatibility of optical modules, many optical module manufacturers do not have many models of brand switches, resulting in that the optical modules shipped out of the factory cannot be tested on the real machine for compatibility. In order to ensure the normal operation of optical modules in switches of various brands, ETU-LINK, a professional optical module manufacturer, will 100% test the compatibility of optical modules with real devices before shipment.

3. For the quality of the optical module, it is difficult for us to see it from the appearance. We can only run it on the machine for a period of time to see its operating status and then evaluate the quality of the manufacturer. Therefore, the quality evaluation of the optical module manufacturer is a For a relatively long process, we might as well test several compatible optical module products, and select the most cost-effective compatible optical module supplier through comparison.

4. When purchasing optical modules, pre-sales and after-sales services are very important. We can indirectly reflect the professional level of the company according to the professional level of its sales when connecting with the manufacturer's sales. When purchasing an optical module, you should not only talk about the price, but also understand the product-related knowledge. Optical modules are not fast-moving consumer goods, so they need to be carefully considered when purchasing, and subsequent problems will be very troublesome, so you must consult clearly before selling.

The above are the factors that ETU-LINK recommend to you which needs to consider when purchasing optical modules. If you want to know more about optical modules, please refer to previous blogs.