Cisco SFP-10G-BX20U Compatible 10GBASE-BX20-U BiDi SFP+ 1270nm-TX/1330nm-RX 20km DOM Simplex LC SMF Transceiver Module

Overview

Optimize your fiber optic network with the SFP-10G-BX20U Compatible transceiver. As the “Upstream” component of a Bidirectional (BiDi) pair, this module allows you to transmit and receive 10Gbps data streams simultaneously over a single strand of Single-Mode Fiber (SMF).

The SFP-10G-BX20U is specifically tuned for mid-range applications, offering a transmission distance of up to 20 kilometers. It utilizes a 1270nm laser for transmission and a 1330nm photodetector for reception. This unit must be paired with an SFP-10G-BX20D (Downstream) module at the opposite end of the link to establish a connection.

Key Features

• Single Fiber Efficiency: Doubles your fiber capacity by using one strand for both Tx and Rx.
• Wavelength Configuration: Transmits at 1270nm / Receives at 1330nm.
• 20km Reach: Perfect for links that are too long for 10km LR modules but don’t require expensive 40km ER optics.
• Connector: Simplex LC interface.
• Low Power Consumption: Typically < 1.0W, reducing heat generation in high-density switches.
• Diagnostic Monitoring: Supports Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM) for real-time link health analysis.

Applications

The SFP-10G-BX20U is an excellent choice for varied networking environments:

• Fiber Conservation: Expanding network capacity without laying new fiber cables in congested ducts.
• Wireless Backhaul: Connecting remote radio heads (RRH) to baseband units (BBU) in cellular networks.
• Enterprise Campus: Linking secondary distribution frames (IDF) to the main data center (MDF) across a large site.
• ISP Distribution: Providing dedicated 10Gbps uplinks to residential or commercial aggregation points.

Specifications

Cross-Platform Compatibility

Our 10GBASE-BX20U modules are manufactured to meet Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) standards, ensuring compatibility across a wide range of networking equipment. While “BX20” is a niche distance, this module is coded to function correctly in platforms such as:

Advantages

Choosing the 20km BX20U avoids the common pitfalls of using mismatched optics. Using a 10km module on a 15km link risks instability, while using a 40km module on that same link risks signal saturation. The 20km specification provides a robust optical budget for these intermediate distances, ensuring error-free transmission without the need for additional hardware like attenuators.

FAQ (Technical & Product Questions)

1. What happens if I pair two BX20U modules together?

The link will not work. Two “U” modules both transmit at 1270nm and listen at 1330nm. It would be like two people trying to speak and listen on the exact same frequency simultaneously—neither would hear the other. You must pair a BX20U with a BX20D.

2. Is the LC connector Angle Polished (APC) or Ultra Polished (UPC)?

Like most standard SFP+ transceivers, this module uses a UPC (Ultra Physical Contact) connector, which is typically Blue. APC connectors (Green) are rarely used for standard Ethernet transceivers unless specifically noted for PON applications.

3. Can I use Multimode fiber with this module?

No. BiDi modules rely on specific wavelengths that require Single-Mode Fiber (SMF) to travel distances like 20km. Using multimode fiber will result in massive signal dispersion and the link will fail almost immediately.

4. Does this module support 1G (Gigabit) speeds?

Generally, no. This is a dedicated 10G SFP+ module. While some switches allow manual speed negotiation, most 10G BiDi optics are fixed at 10Gbps. You would need a specific dual-rate or 1G SFP module for gigabit speeds.

5. What is the “U” and “D” naming convention?

“U” typically stands for Upstream (sending form client to headend) and “D” for Downstream (sending from headend to client). However, in point-to-point Ethernet, the direction doesn’t strictly matter as long as you have one U and one D on opposite ends.