The types and selection of commonly used SFP optical modules

Common optical module form factors and their characteristics include 1x9, SFP, SFP+, and QSFP+. Typically, the pull tab color of an optical module can be used to distinguish between different wavelengths. The pull tab color primarily indicates the fiber type, wavelength, and functionality, helping technicians quickly identify module parameters and application scenarios. Reliable SFP transceiver manufacturers ensure consistent quality, precise specifications, and compatibility across various networking devices.

Single mode optical SFP module

·      ‌Blue pull tab‌: 1310nm wavelength(Gigabit/10G module, transmit distance20-40km）‌‌

·      ‌Yellow pull tab‌: 1550nm wavelength(long distance transmission, such as 40km and above)‌‌

·      ‌Purple pull tab‌: 1490nm wavelength(usually used in PON networks)‌‌

·      ‌Green pull tab‌: 80km and above extreme long-distance module

·      ‌Red pull tab‌: 1550nm wavelength(40km distance)‌‌

Multi-mode optical SFP module

·      ‌Black pull tab‌: 850nm wavelength(short distance transmission, usually ≤550m)‌‌‌‌

Specially functional module

·      ‌Grey pull tab‌: CWDM module’s 1470nm or 1310nm wavelength‌‌‌‌

·      ‌Orange/brown pull tab‌: Single fiber bi-directional module(BIDI) or CWDM specific wavelength‌‌

·      ‌Colorless/transparent pull tab‌: Test or unclassified fiber‌‌

Reminders

• Non-standardized variations: Different manufacturers may adopt non-uniform color schemes, so in practice, it is necessary to verify details based on the module label or product manual. ‌‌‌‌

• CWDM Module Complexity: The relationship between pull-tab colors and wavelengths is more intricate. For example, gray corresponds to 1470nm, green to 1530nm, and so on.‌‌

• Quick Differentiation Between Single-Mode and Multi-Mode: Black pull-tab usually indicates multi-mode (850nm)， Blue, yellow, or purple pull-tabs are commonly used for single-mode modules.

  
  

1. The wavelength can be identified by the pull-tab color of the optical module.

1.1 Common Optical Module Color Distinguish

Common optical modules come in four wavelengths: 850nm, 1310nm, 1490nm, and 1550nm. The corresponding pull-tab colors for Gigabit SFP modules are as follows:

• 850nm (Multimode): Black pull-tab

• 1310nm: Blue pull-tab

• 1490nm: Purple pull-tab

• 1550nm: Yellow pull-tab

For long-distance modules (80km and above), a green pull-tab is typically used.

Details are as follows:

1.2 CWDW module color distinguish

For CWDM SFP modules, there are a total of 18 wavelengths, divided into two bands: First band (Short wavelengths): 1270nm–1450nm； Second band (Long wavelengths): 1470nm–1610nm. The specific pull-tab colors corresponding to each wavelength are listed in the table below.

1.3 10G dual fibers optical module

The 10G dual-fiber optical modules primarily support three wavelengths: 850nm, 1310nm, and 1550nm. The corresponding pull-tab colors are as follows:

• 850nm: Black pull-tab

• 1310nm: Blue pull-tab

• 1550nm (40km): Red pull-tab

• 1550nm (80km): White pull-tab

1.4 10G single fiber optical module

10G single fiber optical module wavelength and pull-tab color is: 1270nm(Black), 1330nm (Blue), 1490nm(Purple), 1550nm (Yellow).

2. Common Optical Module Form Factors

The most commonly used optical module form factors are SFP and SFP+. Based on packaging types, optical modules are mainly classified into 1×9, SFP, SFP+, SFP28, QSFP+, QSFP28, and QSFP-DD. High-quality SFP gigabit ethernet module is widely used in these form factors to ensure reliable network connectivity and optimal data transmission performance.

2.1 1*9 package

The 1*9 packaged optical module has 9 PIN pins, so it is also called a 9-pin or 9PIN optical module. It is a soldered-type optical module that mainly uses SC interfaces and typically supports rates of 10M, 155M, 622M, and 1.25G.

2.2 SFP package

The SFP-packaged optical module features LC or SC interfaces and belongs to the small form-factor pluggable category. In terms of speed, it can be classified into 155M, 622M, 1.25G, and 2.5G. The wavelengths typically include 850nm, 1310nm, 1550nm, and 1490nm. The 850nm wavelength is used for SFP multimode with a transmission distance usually under 2KM, while the 1310nm, 1490nm, and 1550nm wavelengths are for single-mode with transmission distances exceeding 2KM.

2.3 SFP+ package

The SFP+ is an upgraded version of the SFP, supporting rates of 6G, 8G, 10G, and 16G. It typically operates at wavelengths of 850nm, 1310nm, or 1550nm, with a maximum transmission rate of 10Gbit/s.

2.4 SFP28 package

The SFP28 package maintains the same dimensions as SFP+ while serving as its enhanced version, capable of supporting single-channel 25Gb/s data rates. It is widely used in 25G Ethernet and 100G (4x25Gbps) Ethernet applications.

2.5 QSFP+ package

The QSFP+ packaged optical module features four 10G channels with a transmission rate of up to 40Gbps. It is a quad-channel small form-factor hot-pluggable optical module, typically using LC or MPO/MTP interfaces, and complies with various standards including 40G Ethernet.

2.6 QSFP28 package

The QSFP28 packaged optical module supports 4-channel transmission with each channel delivering 25Gbit/s data rates. Due to advantages like low cost and power consumption, it has become the dominant packaging solution for 100G networks.

2.7 QSFP56 package 200G

QSFP56 200G 850nm SR4 100m DSP

2.8 QSFP56 package 400G

OSFP 400G 850nm

Here are the various types of optical modules commercially available on the market: