Everything You Need to Know Before Buying CWDM and DWDM SFP+ Transceivers

It is known to us that WDM (Wavelength-division Multiplexing) can increase network bandwidth by allowing data streams at different frequencies to be sent over a single optical fiber. With the advent of this technology, different wavelengths can be assigned to optical modules like CWDM SFP+ transceiver and DWDM SFP+ transceiver, thus expanding and optimizing the network capacity. This post aims to be a buyer’s guide of CWDM and DWDM 10G SFP+ module selection.

 

CWDM and DWDM SFP+ Transceiver Basics

Both CWDM SFP+ and DWDM SFP+ transceivers are based on the popular SFP form factor. They are commonly used in 10G Ethernet and all can reach a maximum speed of 11.25G. However, they are different in such aspects as wavelength, distance, and application.

 

10G CWDM SFP+ transceiver often operates at a nominal wavelength of CWDM wavelength. To be specific, CWDM SFP+ transceiver can support 18 wavelengths from 1270nm to 1610nm, and its transmission distance is from 20km to 80km. It is an important part in CWDM system. To learn more details about 10G CWDM SFP+ transceivers in CWDM system, you may read: How to Install Your CWDM MUX/DEMUX System

 

10G DWDM SFP+ transceiver operates at nominal DWDM wavelengths from CH17-CH61, supporting a transmission distance up to 80km. It is specifically designed for carriers and large enterprises that require a scalable, flexible, cost-effective system for multiplexing, transporting and protecting high-speed data, storage, voice and video applications. Since the wavelengths for DWDM network is boarder, 10G tunable DWDM SFP+ transceiver is also available in DWDM system, which can change the channel according to actual needs.

 

How to Select and Buy CWDM and DWDM SFP+ Transceiver on the Market

CWDM SFP+ or DWDM SFP+

CWDM SFP+ can typically support up to 18 channels, while DWDM SFP+ can support more than 40 channels on one strand of fiber. Although customers can gain more capacity and longer link distance from the DWDM SFP+, they have to pay more since cost of it is more expensive than CWDM SFP+. For customers that don’t require a long transmission distance, CWDM SFP+ may be the first choice. But in the long-term, DWDM SFP+ serves the future trend for high-density network better.

 

CWDM and DWDM SFP+ Transceiver Price

Compared with normal SFP+ modules, CWDM and DWDM SFP+ are more expensive due to the cost brought by different working modes. And as it has been mentioned before, CWDM SFP+ tends to be cheaper than DWDM SFP+. And generally speaking, the longer the supported transmission range is, the more expensive it would be for CWDM or DWDM transceivers. Also, transceivers from a third-party CWDM and DWDM SFP factory are much cheaper than the original manufacturers. Therefore, to purchase compatible modules can help you save a large sum of money.

 

CWDM and DWDM SFP+ Transceiver Supplier

As mentioned above, affordable transceivers can bring you a big save, but you need to pay attention to the reliability. Although the price for compatible modules is nice, not all of them on the market are qualified. If you don’t want to go “buy cheap, buy twice”, you need a reliable supplier. Reputed third-party suppliers like fiber-mart.COM have their own test labs to ensure the compatibility and quality of the transceiver. Customers can also enjoy after sale service and warranty from these trustworthy CWDM SFP+ suppliers.

 

Common Questions When Buying and Using CWDM and DWDM SFP+ transceivers?

1. How About the Price of CWDM SFP+ Transceiver and DWDM SFP+ Transceivers?

 

Generally speaking, the branded CWDM and DWDM transceivers are much expensive than compatible ones. Here we take Cisco CWDM-SFP10G-1470 and Cisco DWDM-SFP10G-61.41 for example. The prices for the original ones are $1500 and $2,345, while CWDM SFP10G 1470 from fiber-mart.COM only takes $360 and $369 respectively.

 

2. Do Cisco Switches Have to Be Used with Original Cisco CWDM SFP+?

 

No. There are many compatible transceivers provided by third party transceiver supplier that you can adopt to replace Cisco CWDM SFP+ or even Cisco DWDM SFP+. If you can get your transceivers from a reliable third-party supplier, they will be just as dependable as the Cisco branded ones, but for a fraction of the price.

 

3.Is It Possible to Convert the Conventional Wavelength like 850nm into DWDM or CWDM Wavelength?

 

Yes. If you need to convert the wavelengths into CWDM or DWDM wavelengths, you can employ an OEO converter to make this happen. OEO converter realizes wavelength conversion based on the O-E-O transformation technology.

 

4. How to Choose Between 100GHz and 50GHz in DWDM Channel Spacing?

 

Compared with 50GHz, the 100GHz C-Band is the commonly used in the telecom industry. The spacing between the channels is 0.8nm and it’s around 1550nm. The colors or wavelength are named in channels and channel 17 to 61 is commonly used. The 50GHz with 0.4nm spacing and other spectrum bands can be provided by most manufacturers as well.

 

5. How to Select the Suitable Fiber Cables for CWDM and DWDM SFP+ Transceivers?

 

Fiber optic cables can be categorized into two types: single-mode and multimode fiber optic cables. The former is normally used for long-distance transmission while the latter for short-distance transmission. For CWDM and DWDM SFP+ transceiver, which can support a link up to 80km, we choose single-mode fiber cables terminated with LC connector.

 

6. Is There a Difference Among CWDM and DWDM Wavelengths for Transmission Quality? Which Wavelengths Are Better?

 

Yes. Different wavelength may deliver different transmission quality. Generally speaking, 1470nm and 1550nm are the most widely used wavelength, with 1550nm being more popular since the attenuation of 1550nm is lesser and ensures better transmission quality in long-distance application.

 

Buy CWDM and DWDM SFP+ Transceivers With Less Money and Fewer Worries

As it has been mentioned before, to purchase compatible transceivers from a reliable source can be a real money-saver. The following table displays the information of compatible CWDM and DWDM SFP+ Transceivers from fiber-mart.COM.

 

Also, fiber-mart.COM provides customized services, including SFP vendor name, interface type, distance, wavelength, DDM/DOM, temperature, label, label design, and shipping package. If you need customized service or you’re unsure of which type you need, you can contact fiber-mart.COM and they will help you.

 

As a leading supplier for optical products, fiber-mart.COM can provide all the equipment you need for building a CWDM or DWDM network. And all these products are assured with a warranty and return policy.