Compatible SFP Transceivers
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The small form-factor pluggable (SFP), sometimes referred to as a Mini-GBIC, was jointly developed by many of the world’s leading network vendors, as a new industry standard for hot-pluggable transceiver interfaces. The SFP was designed under the Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) which meant that the specification for the interface and electrical operation were standardised between vendors. Post MSA; after the manufacture of SFP modules began, larger vendors looked at methods to increase revenue from the sales of these and, whilst not breaking the MSA, came up with ways of locking down the modules to their own equipment. The vendors use the method of adding a check in the device's firmware that will only enable the vendor's own modules. This then required the modules to be coded for the device to verify them. |
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EEPROM memory normally used on the transceivers to determine the capabilities (such as transmission speed and wavelength), was also then used to verify the SFP module on the host device. This method of coding the modules EEPROM, became commonplace amongst the largest network vendors (Light Reading Telecom News covered this in an article headed ‘Cisco’s Secret Franchise’). This paved the way for excessively priced, vendor branded transceivers. |
Compatibility and Your Network
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Netwerks understands the need to reduce infrastructure costs for customers across all markets and offers Advance compatible transceiver modules as an alternative to vendor branded products.
Advance transceivers are MSA compliant modules which use a custom coded EEPROM memory. This custom coding allows the vendor device to successfully verify the SFP as its own and eliminates the need to use a higher cost, vendor branded module. |
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It is not just the low cost that makes these compatible modules more attractive when looking at project costing and overall network expenditure, but also the flexibility of compatible modules can bring extra benefits:
- Power levels to suit required distances (choose from distance ranges far outside the standard vendor options)
- Wavelength options giving greater flexibility (non-standard wavelengths for CWDM and DWDM applications)
Advance compatible transceivers also use the same technology for other common interfaces such as GBIC, XFP, X2 and XENPAC.
Assurance
The Advance range of compatible transceivers delivers additional support with the entire product range. Customers can benefit from the following:
- Lifetime Warranty
- Guaranteed compatibility
Netwerks also offer a re-coding service in the UK, this service means existing SFPs can be adapted if the host device is to be changed. In some cases even cross-device compatibility is achievable.
Compatible transceiver FAQ
• Will compatible transceivers affect my host device warranty?
No, host device warranties will be unaffected. Please note that host device warranties do not cover transceiver modules, Advance offer lifetime warranties to protect these.
• How does transceiver compatibility work?
Each module holds its own information in EEPROM; this memory is coded with unique identifiers such as part numbers and manufacturers details. The firmware of the host device then checks the memory for the correct information to confirm compatibility.
• I have a compatible SFP, why does it not work with the host device?
This is a common problem, a large amount of host devices do not have a firmware check for compatibility, this is known as an ‘open platform’. Many transceivers are sold as compatible when in fact they are open platform, they will work in many host devices but not in any that require coded transceivers. Advance transceivers are coded specifically to suit each host device to avoid this problem. Even HP's range of J4858C and JD118B SFPs are covered.
• Is compatibility guaranteed?
Yes, Advance compatible transceivers guarantee the compatibility of the modules against the host device which they are programmed for.
• What is the warranty period for Advance compatible transceivers?
Lifetime.
• Can I use the transceiver modules on host devices other than those originally intended?
In some cases yes, the modules can be cross-compatible. Netwerks also offer a re-coding service to ensure devices are supported. Contact enquiries@netwerking.co.uk for more information.
• Are extended distances of 160km achievable on any host device?
Yes, laser performance is controlled by the module itself and does not need any additional assistance from the host device to operate.
• Do compatible transceivers have DDM capability?
Yes, Advance transceivers can be ordered with Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM/DOM/DMI) built in.