Overview
Double your fiber infrastructure’s capacity without laying new cable using our Cisco SFP-10G-BX40U Compatible Bidirectional (BiDi) transceiver. This module is compliant with the 10GBASE-BX40 standard and uses Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) technology to transmit and receive data simultaneously over a single strand of Single-Mode Fiber (SMF).
The SFP-10G-BX40U transmits at 1270nm and receives at 1330nm. It is specifically designed to be paired with the SFP-10G-BX40D (which transmits at 1330nm and receives at 1270nm). This complementary pairing enables a robust 10 Gbps link up to 40km, making it an ideal solution for maximizing limited fiber resources in metropolitan area networks and campus backbones.
Key Features
- Bi-Directional Design: Sends and receives data on a single fiber strand, effectively doubling your fiber plant capacity.
- 40km Reach: Supports links up to 40km over OS2 single-mode fiber.
- Wavelength Pairing: Must be used in pairs: Tx 1270nm / Rx 1330nm (Side A) connects to Tx 1330nm / Rx 1270nm (Side B).
- Simplex LC Connector: Uses a single LC connector interface.
- Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM): Provides real-time access to device operating parameters including transceiver temperature, laser bias current, transmitted optical power, received optical power, and supply voltage.
- Protocol Agnostic: Supports 10G Ethernet, 10G Fibre Channel, and SONET/SDH OC-192 applications.
Applications
The SFP-10G-BX40U is critical for environments where fiber strands are scarce or expensive to lease. It is widely deployed in FTTx (Fiber to the x) architectures, point-to-point links between enterprise buildings, and mobile backhaul networks. By using only one fiber instead of the traditional two (duplex), network operators can save 50% on cabling costs or reserve the second fiber for redundancy or future expansion.
Specifications
| Feature Parameter | Technical Specification |
|---|---|
| Form Factor | SFP+ |
| Standard | 10GBASE-BX40-U |
| Data Rate | 10.3125 Gbps |
| Wavelength (Tx) | 1270nm (DFB Laser) |
| Wavelength (Rx) | 1330nm (PIN Receiver) |
| Max Distance | 40km |
| Tx Power | +1.0 ~ +5.0 dBm |
| Rx Sensitivity | < -15.0 dBm |
| Connector | Simplex LC |
| Cable Type | Single-Mode Fiber (SMF) |
| Temperature Range | 0°C to 70°C (Commercial) |
Cross-Platform Compatibility
Our 10G BiDi SFP+ modules are coded to meet MSA standards and specific OEM requirements. The SFP-10G-BX40U is functionally equivalent to the following part numbers, allowing for seamless deployment in mixed-vendor environments.
| Manufacturer | Equivalent Part Number |
|---|---|
| Cisco | SFP-10G-BX40U-I / SFP-10G-BXD-40K (Check specific pairing) |
| Juniper | EX-SFP-10GE-BX40-U |
| Dell | SFP-10G-BX40-U |
| Arista | SFP-10G-BX-U-40 |
| Huawei | OMXD30000 (BiDi 40km 1270T) |
| Generic MSA | SFP-10G-BX40U |
Advantages
Deployment of BiDi optics like the SFP-10G-BX40U offers a significant CapEx advantage. Instead of trenching new fiber or leasing additional dark fiber pairs, you can instantly double the bandwidth of your existing infrastructure. Our compatible modules provide this capability at a fraction of the cost of OEM optics, backed by rigorous testing and a lifetime warranty to ensure network stability.
FAQ (Technical & Product Questions)
1. What must I pair with the SFP-10G-BX40U?
You must pair this module with a SFP-10G-BX40D. The “U” (Upstream) transmits at 1270nm and receives at 1330nm. The “D” (Downstream) transmits at 1330nm and receives at 1270nm. If you connect two “U” modules together, the link will not work.
2. Does this module use one or two fiber cables?
It uses one single strand of fiber. The connector is a Simplex LC. Standard SFP+ modules use Duplex LC (two strands), but BiDi modules multiplex the signal to allow two-way traffic on one glass strand.
3. What is the difference between BX40U and BX10U?
The difference is distance. BX10 covers up to 10km, while BX40 covers up to 40km. Additionally, BX40 modules typically have a higher optical power budget to overcome the loss over the longer distance.
4. Can I connect this directly to a standard 10GBASE-LR module?
No. A standard 10GBASE-LR module transmits and receives at 1310nm on separate fibers. The SFP-10G-BX40U transmits at 1270nm and receives at 1330nm on a single fiber. The wavelengths and fiber count are incompatible.
5. Is this module hot-swappable?
Yes, the SFP-10G-BX40U is fully hot-swappable. You can install or remove it from the switch port without powering down the device, making maintenance and upgrades easy.
6. Will this work on my Cisco Catalyst switch?
Yes. We program the module with the necessary Cisco-compatible EEPROM code so that it is recognized as a valid Cisco part by Catalyst, Nexus, and Meraki switches.
7. Why is the Tx Power positive (+1 to +5 dBm)?
Long-reach BiDi modules (40km+) use higher power lasers to ensure the signal reaches the other side with sufficient strength. Ensure you do not use this on a very short patch cable (e.g., 1-2 meters) without attenuation, as it could saturate the receiver.


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