Overview of 16G BiDi SFP+ Transceivers
16G BiDi SFP+ (Bi-Directional Small Form-factor Pluggable Plus) modules provide an innovative solution for 16G Fibre Channel (16GFC) networks where fiber resources are limited. Unlike standard transceivers that require two fiber strands (one for transmitting and one for receiving), BiDi modules utilize Wave Division Multiplexing (WDM) technology to send and receive data over a single fiber strand. In short, this effectively doubles the capacity of your existing fiber plant without the need to run new cables.
Furthermore, these modules work in matched pairs. For instance, one module will transmit at 1270nm and receive at 1330nm, while the module at the opposite end of the link transmits at 1330nm and receives at 1270nm. Because they use a single fiber, they are fitted with a Simplex LC connector instead of the standard Duplex LC. Consequently, 16G BiDi SFP+ transceivers are an excellent, cost-effective choice for expanding SAN connectivity in data centers, campus networks, and metro links where deploying new fiber is impractical or expensive. They also retain full backward compatibility with 8GFC and 4GFC speeds.
Key Features and Benefits
Our 16G BiDi SFP+ modules are designed for high-performance SANs while maximizing fiber efficiency. Indeed, their unique design offers significant advantages.
- Single-Fiber Operation: First and foremost, they transmit and receive full 16GFC traffic over a single strand of single-mode fiber, instantly doubling your fiber infrastructure’s capacity.
- Significant Cost Savings: By reducing the amount of fiber cabling needed by 50%, BiDi modules lower the overall cost of network deployment and maintenance.
- Matched Wavelength Pairs: Modules are deployed in pairs (e.g., TX 1270nm/RX 1330nm and TX 1330nm/RX 1270nm) to ensure seamless, full-duplex communication.
- Fibre Channel Protocol Support: Specifically designed for 16GFC (14.025 Gbps) and fully backward compatible with 8GFC and 4GFC SAN environments.
- Simplex LC Connector: Features a single-port LC connector designed for a single fiber strand.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | SFP+ |
| Technology | BiDi (Bi-Directional) |
| Protocol | Fibre Channel (FC) |
| Max Data Rate | 14.025 Gbps (16GFC) |
| Backward Compatibility | 8.5 Gbps (8GFC), 4.25 Gbps (4GFC) |
| Wavelengths | Paired: 1270nm/1330nm & 1330nm/1270nm |
| Max Distance | 10km |
| Fiber Type | Single-Mode Fiber (SMF) |
| Connector | Simplex LC |
FAQ (Technical & product category Questions)
1. How does a BiDi SFP+ module work on a single fiber?
It uses two different wavelengths of light and a built-in WDM coupler. One wavelength is used to transmit data (e.g., 1270nm), and a different wavelength is used to receive data (e.g., 1330nm). The module at the other end of the fiber does the opposite (transmits at 1330nm, receives at 1270nm), allowing two-way communication without the signals interfering with each other.
2. Do I have to buy 16G BiDi SFP+ modules in pairs?
Yes, you must always deploy them in matched pairs. You need one “upstream” (e.g., TX:1270/RX:1330) and one “downstream” (e.g., TX:1330/RX:1270) module to complete a link. We sell these modules as pairs to ensure compatibility.
3. Can I connect a 16G BiDi SFP+ to a standard 16G SFP+ module?
No, this will not work. A BiDi module is designed for single-fiber operation with a Simplex connector and must be connected to another BiDi module with the complementary wavelengths. A standard module requires two fibers and uses a Duplex connector.
4. Is this module for Ethernet or Fibre Channel?
This specific module is designed for the 16G Fibre Channel (16GFC) protocol, which runs at 14.025 Gbps. It is intended for use in high-speed Storage Area Networks (SANs), not Ethernet networks.
5. Can I use a regular Duplex LC patch cord with a BiDi module?
While you can technically plug one side of a duplex patch cord into the Simplex LC connector, this is not recommended as it leaves the other fiber exposed and can cause confusion. The correct and best practice is to use a Simplex LC single-mode patch cord.