SFP-16G31-LW 16G SFP+ LW 1310nm 10km LC SMF DDM Transceiver Module

Overview

The SFP-16G31-LW is a high-performance, hot-pluggable optical transceiver module specifically engineered for demanding 16G Fibre Channel (16GFC) applications. This 16G SFP+ LW transceiver provides a robust and reliable solution for building high-speed Storage Area Networks (SANs) and connecting data centers over longer distances. It operates at a long wavelength of 1310nm and utilizes a high-quality DFB laser, enabling stable data transmission up to 10 kilometers over standard single-mode fiber (SMF). Each module is rigorously tested in real-world SAN environments to ensure seamless compatibility and mission-critical performance, making it an ideal alternative to expensive OEM optics for connecting Fibre Channel switches, directors, and host bus adapters (HBAs).

Key Features

• Triple-Rate Connectivity: Supports auto-negotiation for 16G, 8G, and 4G Fibre Channel data rates, ensuring backward compatibility with existing SAN infrastructure.
• Long Wavelength (LW): Operates at a nominal 1310nm wavelength, perfect for long-reach applications up to 10km.
• Superior Performance: Built with a high-quality Distributed Feedback (DFB) laser and PIN photodiode for excellent signal integrity.
• Hot-Pluggable SFP+ Footprint: Allows for insertion or removal from host devices without shutting down the system, ensuring network uptime during maintenance or upgrades.
• Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM): Provides real-time access to critical operating parameters such as temperature, supply voltage, laser bias current, and optical power levels (Tx/Rx).
• Low Power Consumption: Engineered for power efficiency (typically < 1.2W), reducing operational costs and thermal load in high-density deployments.
• MSA Compliant: Fully compliant with SFP+ Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) specifications for broad interoperability with compliant hardware.
• Industry-Standard Connector: Features a duplex LC connector for reliable and easy connection to SMF cabling.

Applications

The SFP-16G31-LW module is the go-to solution for high-throughput, low-latency storage networking. Its robust design and long-reach capabilities make it perfectly suited for a variety of enterprise and data center scenarios, including:

• 16G/8G/4G Fibre Channel Storage Area Networks (SAN)
• Data Center Core-to-Edge Links
• High-Performance Computing (HPC) Clusters
• Server-to-SAN and Switch-to-Switch Interconnects
• Enterprise Storage and Data Backup/Replication Links

Specifications

Advantages

Deploying the SFP-16G31-LW optical module provides significant technical and financial advantages. Each transceiver undergoes extensive testing for signal integrity, compatibility, and performance under load, guaranteeing it will perform flawlessly within your SAN fabric. The built-in DDM functionality is a critical tool for network administrators, enabling proactive health monitoring and rapid troubleshooting to minimize downtime. Moreover, its multi-rate capability ensures a smooth migration path, allowing you to upgrade your network to 16G Fibre Channel speeds while maintaining connectivity with legacy 8G and 4G equipment. This combination of reliability, forward-looking compatibility, and cost-effectiveness makes this 16G SFP+ LW transceiver a strategic investment for any modern storage infrastructure.

FAQ (Technical & Product Questions)

1. What is a 16G SFP+ LW transceiver?

A 16G SFP+ LW (Long Wavelength) transceiver is a small form-factor pluggable module designed for 16 Gigabit Fibre Channel networks. It uses a 1310nm laser to transmit data over single-mode fiber optic cables for distances up to 10km, primarily used in Storage Area Networks (SANs).

2. Is the SFP-16G31-LW compatible with Brocade or Cisco MDS switches?

Yes, this 16G Fibre Channel SFP+ module is built to MSA (Multi-Source Agreement) standards and is designed for broad compatibility. It is a reliable equivalent for use in Fibre Channel equipment from major vendors like Brocade, Cisco MDS, QLogic, and Emulex that do not have specific vendor locks.

3. Can I use a 16G FC SFP+ module in an 8G FC port?

Absolutely. The SFP-16G31-LW module supports multi-rate functionality (16/8/4G). When plugged into an 8G or 4G Fibre Channel port, it will auto-negotiate to the lower speed, ensuring seamless backward compatibility with your existing SAN hardware.

4. What is the difference between 16G LW and 16G SW SFP+?

The key difference is the fiber type and distance. “LW” (Long Wavelength) uses a 1310nm laser over single-mode fiber (SMF) for long distances (up to 10km). “SW” (Short Wavelength) uses an 850nm laser over multi-mode fiber (MMF) for short distances (up to 125m).

5. What fiber optic cable is required for this 16G SFP+ module?

To achieve the maximum distance of 10km, you must use a standard single-mode fiber (SMF) patch cable, typically OS1 or OS2 grade, terminated with LC Duplex connectors to interface with the SFP-16G31-LW module.

6. Does this Fibre Channel SFP+ module support DDM?

Yes, this 16GFC LW optic fully supports Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM), also known as Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM). This allows network administrators to monitor the module’s vital statistics in real-time for improved network management.

7. Is a 16G Fibre Channel SFP+ the same as a 10G Ethernet SFP+?

No, they are not interchangeable. While they share the same physical SFP+ form factor, a 16G Fibre Channel SFP+ is designed for the 16GFC protocol (with a data rate of 14.025Gbps) used in SANs. A 10GbE SFP+ is designed for the 10 Gigabit Ethernet protocol (10.3125Gbps) used in LANs and WANs.

8. Is the SFP-16G31-LW module hot-swappable?

Yes, the SFP-16G31-LW transceiver is fully hot-swappable. This feature allows you to install or remove the module from a compatible SAN switch or HBA while the system is operational, preventing service disruptions during maintenance.