1.25G BiDi SFP Transceiver 20km | 1310nm/1550nm Simplex LC | SFP-GE-BX20

Overview

Maximize your fiber infrastructure efficiency with the 1.25G Bi-Directional (BiDi) SFP Transceiver (SFP-GE-BX20). Designed for Gigabit Ethernet applications, this module allows for the transmission and reception of data over a single strand of fiber, effectively doubling the capacity of your existing cabling plant compared to standard dual-fiber duplex transceivers.

This industrial-grade optical module operates at a data rate of 1.25 Gbps and supports link distances of up to 20 kilometers on Single Mode Fiber (SMF). Utilizing Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) technology, it pairs a 1310nm channel with a 1550nm channel to separate upstream and downstream traffic, ensuring interference-free communication.

Key Features

• Bi-Directional Technology: Transmits and receives on a single fiber core, saving cabling costs.
• Gigabit Speed: Supports 1.25 Gbps data rates for 1000BASE-BX Ethernet links.
• Long Reach: Operational distance up to 20km.
• Wavelengths: Uses 1310nm/1550nm (must be paired with complementary module).
• Interface: Simplex LC Connector.
• DDM Support: Integrated Digital Diagnostic Monitoring for real-time tracking of voltage, temperature, and laser power.
• Hot-Swappable: MSA compliant form factor for easy installation without network downtime.

Applications

The SFP-GE-BX20D is ideal for diverse networking environments:

• ISP & FTTx Networks: Efficient backhaul connections where fiber strands are limited.
• Campus LANs: Connecting buildings up to 20km apart using half the fiber strands normally required.
• Telecom Backhaul: Reliable Gigabit links for mobile base stations and remote access nodes.
• Security & Surveillance: High-bandwidth IP camera connections over long distances.

Specifications

Cross-Platform Compatibility

This 1.25G BiDi SFP adheres to the Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) standards, ensuring broad interoperability with network equipment that supports open-standard SFPs. It is compatible with:

Advantages of BiDi Optics

Switching to Bi-Directional optics offers immediate ROI. By utilizing a single strand of glass for full-duplex communication, you effectively double your available fiber plant capacity. This eliminates the need to lease or lay new fiber when expanding capacity. Furthermore, the inclusion of DDM (Digital Diagnostic Monitoring) allows network administrators to remotely monitor the health of the link, checking parameters like optical output power and temperature to prevent failures before they occur.

FAQ (Technical & Product Questions)

1. Do I need to buy these modules in pairs?

Yes. BiDi transceivers must always be used in matched pairs. If Side A transmits at 1310nm and receives at 1550nm, Side B must transmit at 1550nm and receive at 1310nm. You cannot connect two identical Side A modules together.

2. Can I use this module with Multimode Fiber (MMF)?

No. This transceiver is designed strictly for Single Mode Fiber (SMF) (9/125µm). Using it with Multimode fiber will result in massive signal dispersion and link failure, even at short distances.

3. What does “DDM” mean?

DDM stands for Digital Diagnostic Monitoring. It allows the switch or router to read real-time data from the SFP, such as optical input/output power, temperature, laser bias current, and transceiver supply voltage.

4. Is this compatible with a 10G SFP+ port?

Generally, yes. Most 10G SFP+ ports on switches are backward compatible with 1G SFP modules. However, you may need to manually set the port speed to 1000Mbps (1G) in your switch configuration, as auto-negotiation typically does not work between 10G and 1G optics.

5. Why is the connector Simplex and not Duplex?

Because BiDi technology uses a single fiber for both sending and receiving data (using different wavelengths), it only requires one physical connection point. Therefore, it uses a Simplex LC connector instead of the Duplex LC connector found on standard two-fiber SFPs.