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Fibre Optic Networking

Fibre optic networking covers the parts that carry Ethernet, video and control signals over optical fibre: SFP and SFP+ transceivers, direct attach and active optical cables, media converters that move copper Ethernet onto fibre, bulk fibre cable and patch leads, and fibre links for CCTV video, serial data and contact closures. Brands include AMG Systems, Comnet, Connectix Cabling Systems, Nitek, Ruijie and TRENDnet.

Choosing Fibre Optic Networking

Plan a fibre link from its two ends inwards: the ports on the switch or device, the fibre type and the distance, then whatever has to sit between them.

Transceivers and reach

An SFP module sets the speed, the fibre type and the reach of a port. The Ruijie MINI-GBIC-SX-MM850 is a 1000BASE-SX multimode SFP for links up to 550 metres, the MINI-GBIC-LX-SM1310 reaches 10 km over single-mode fibre, and the MINI-GBIC-ZX80-SM1550 80 km. At 10G, the XG-SFP-SR-MM850 covers 300 m over OM3 and the XG-SFP-ER-SM1550 40 km. The AMG S18941 is a 10G single-mode SFP rated for −40 °C to +75 °C, for industrial cabinets.

Short links between racks

For switch-to-switch runs in one room, a cable with the modules already fitted saves buying optics. The AMG SFP-DAC-10G series uses passive twinax copper from 0.5m to 5m, and the SFP-AOC-10G series uses active OM4 fibre from 7m to 30m, both for 1Gb or 10Gb Ethernet.

Media converters

A converter puts copper Ethernet onto fibre where a switch has no fibre port. The Nitek MM100-W1 carries 10/100 Ethernet up to 2km over multimode fibre and comes with a WP1325 weatherproof enclosure, while the ML3000POE-S1 takes a standard SFP and injects up to 30W of PoE for a remote device. The TRENDnet TFC-G21SFP has two SFP ports for a redundant uplink. Many more are on the fibre media converters page.

Video, data and alarm signals

The Comnet FVT1031S1 and FVR1031S1 send digital CCTV video with RS232, RS422 or RS485 data over one fibre, and the FDC80TM1 carries up to eight contact closures. Most of the range comes from AMG Systems, Comnet, Connectix Cabling Systems and Nitek.

NeedExampleReach or length
1G multimode SFPMINI-GBIC-SX-MM850550 m
1G single fibre BiDi SFPGE-SFP-LX20-SM1310-BIDI20 km
10G single-mode SFP+XG-SFP-ER-SM155040 km
10G direct attach copperSFP-DAC-10G-22m
10G active optical cableSFP-AOC-10G-1515m
Multimode converterMM1000-S12km
LC to SC patch lead005-629-050-01B5m

Related categories

Bulk cable and patch leads are in fibre optic cables and modules in fibre transceivers. See also SFP Modules & Transceivers. Uplink into network switches and PoE solutions, and use Ethernet cables for copper runs.

Brands we stock in Fibre Optic Networking

Advanced, AMG Systems, Axis Communications, Belden, Bosch, Comnet, Connectix Cabling Systems, D-Link, Dahua Technology, Genie, Hanwha Vision, Hikvision, Nitek, NVT Phybridge, Optex, Ruijie, TP-Link, TRENDnet, Vanco and Veracity.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an SFP and an SFP+ module?

Mainly speed: an SFP+ module runs 10 Gigabit Ethernet at 10.3125 Gb/s, while SFP modules carry slower links, such as 100 Mb/s, Gigabit Ethernet at 1.25 Gb/s and 2.5 Gb/s. The Ruijie MINI-GBIC-LX-SM1310 is a 1.25Gb/s 1000BASE-LX SFP, while the Ruijie XG-SFP-SR-MM850 is a 10G SFP+ at 10.3125 Gbps. Fit the type the port on the switch or converter accepts, and match the fibre type and reach at the two ends.

What is a BiDi SFP?

A BiDi SFP sends and receives on a single fibre by using two wavelengths. The Ruijie GE-SFP-LX20-SM1310-BIDI transmits at 1310 nm and receives at 1550 nm on single-mode fibre, with a 20 km reach, so the far end needs the complementary module, such as the GE-SFP-LX20-SM1550-BIDI. It saves one fibre strand compared with a duplex link.

Should I use a DAC or an AOC cable?

Use a DAC for the shortest runs and an AOC when the link is longer. The AMG SFP-DAC-10G series is passive twinax copper from 0.5m to 5m, and the SFP-AOC-10G series uses active OM4 fibre from 7m to 30m. The two series carry 1Gb or 10Gb Ethernet between SFP ports on switches and media converters.

Do I need an industrial SFP module for an outdoor cabinet?

Yes, if the cabinet may fall below 0 °C or rise above 70 °C, because an industrial SFP is rated for a wider temperature range than a standard one. The AMG S18941 is a 10G single-mode SFP rated for -40 °C to +75 °C, with a hot-pluggable metal housing and a 10 km reach. By contrast the Ruijie XG-SFP-SR-MM850 has a standard operating range of 0 °C to +70 °C.

Can CCTV video and camera control go over fibre?

Yes, with a fibre transmitter and receiver pair. The Comnet FVT1031S1 and FVR1031S1 carry 10 bit digital video for PAL, NTSC and SECAM cameras, plus RS232, RS422 or RS485 data, over one fibre. For IP cameras, a PoE media converter such as the Nitek ML3000POE-S1 powers the camera at the far end.

How do I take Ethernet past 100 metres?

Move the long section onto fibre with a media converter at the switch end and another at the device. The MM1000-S1 extends 10/100/1000 Ethernet up to 2km over multimode fibre. For longer runs, a converter that takes an SFP, such as the ML3000POE-S1, can use a single-mode module like the MINI-GBIC-ZX80-SM1550, which reaches 80 km.

  • Established 1975
  • Birmingham trade counter
  • UK-only supply

Written by the West Midlands Electrics technical team

Updated

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