SFP-10G-SR vs SFP-10G-LRM vs SFP-10G-LR, Which to Choose?
If you talk about the commonly used 10G SFP+ modules used in the fiber optic communicarions, the names would be SFP-10G-SR, SFP-10G-LRM, and SFP-10G-LR. These transceivers are widely manufactured by major companies such as Cisco, Juniper, Arista, and FS, and are primarily used in switches and routers.
An SFP module is a compact, hot-swappable device. The designation “10G” denotes its maximum transmission capacity of 10.3 Gbps, which makes it compatible with 10 Gigabit Ethernet. The acronyms SR, LRM, and LR indicate the transmission range of the 10G optical module, ranging from short to long distances.
The primary focus of this blog post will be the difference between SFP-10G-SR vs SFP-10G-LRM vs SFP-10G-LR. Also, we will discuss which one should you choose.
The 10GBASE-SR SFP+ module, also known as the SFP-10G-SR, utilizes VCSEL technology and is capable of transmitting data up to 300 meters when used with OM3 Multimode Fiber (MMF). The design of these modules is such that they are cost-effective and consume low power.
The SFP-10G-LR module is a 10GBASE-LR SFP+ module that employs Distributed Feedback Laser (DFB) technology. It operates at a nominal wavelength of 1310nm and is capable of transmitting data up to a distance of 10 km over Single Mode Fiber (SMF). These modules are typically used for connecting buildings on a large campus or establishing a Metro Area Network (MAN).
The SFP-10G-LRM module is a 10GBASE-LRM module that can accommodate link distances of up to 220m using standard Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) grade multimode fiber. To meet the specifications of FDDI-grade, OM1, and OM2 fibers, it is necessary to couple the transmitter through a mode conditioning patch cord. However, for applications over OM3 or OM4, no mode conditioning patch cord is required.
Other differences based on different factors are:
Package type:
All three module types have different package types. Talking about SFP-10G-SR and SFP-10G-LRM, they use an LC duplex interface. On the other hand, SFP-10G-LR works with a single connector.
Transmission rate:
These three module types are suitable for 10-gigabit Ethernet because they have a maximum transmission rate of 10.3Gbps. No other modules have this high transmission rate.
Wavelength:
The wavelength of these module types varies. You cannot use them randomly expecting desired results. The shortest wavelength of 850nm is used by SFP-10G-SR. Next, the longer wavelength of 1310 nm is used by SFP-10G-LRM and the longest wavelength of 1310nm or 1550 is used by SFP-10G-LR. But, the thing is that the wavelength depends on the manufacturer.
Maximum distance:
The maximum distance of these module types varies depending on different parameters. The SFP-10G-SR transmits a maximum distance of up to 300 meters. The SFP-10G-LRM transmits the maximum distance of up to 220 meters. And lastly, the SFP-10G-LR transmits maximum distance up to 10 kilometers, 20 kilometers and more. Even this depends on the manufacturer.
Interface:
Surprisingly, all the SFP module types support LC duplex interfaces. The only difference is that the SFP-10G-LRM comes with a unique capability that supports both single-mode and multi-mode fiber.
Laser type:
The SFP-10G-LRM and SFP-10G-LR use the same laser type, which is a Distribute Feedback (DFB) laser. On the other hand, SFP-10G-SR uses a Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL). The laser type used by these modules makes a major difference.
Fiber optic type:
Like laser type, two SPF module types use the same fiber optic type. The two similar ones are SFP-10G-SR and SFP-10G-LRM. They use multi-mode fiber optic cables. Talking about SFP-10G-LR, they use single-mode fiber optic cables.
Transmitted light power:
The light power transmission rate is different for all three SFP modules. The power light transmitted by SFP-10G-SR is between -6 and -1 dBM, SFP-10G-LRM is between -6 and 0 dBm and SFP-10G-LR is between 0 and 4 dBm.
Received sensibility:
The received sensibility of SFP-10G-SR and SFP-10G-LRM is the same, which is -11.1 dbm. Regarding SFP-10G-LR, the received sensibility is high, which is -14.4 dBm.
Commercial temperature
SFP-10G-SR and SFP-10G-LRM operate at a commercial temperature ranging between 0 and 70 degree Celsius. On the other hand, the SFP-10G-LR functions at the range of -40 to 85 degree Celsius, which is a wider commercial temperature.
Application range:
The application range depends on the communication distance. For short-distance communication, SFP-10G-SR is used. For longer distances within a data center, SFP-10G-LRM is used. And lastly, for long-distance communication between data centers or across wide areas, SFP-10G-LR is used. This longest distance is seen in metropolitan and access networks.
What should you choose?
The choice depends on your network requirements. For a short distance transmission distance (up to 300 meters), you should choose SFP-10G-SR. This is an affordable option as well. But, if the transmission distance is longer (up to 200 meters), you should choose SFP-10G-LRM. This distance is relatively short. Regarding SFP-10G-LR, you should choose this if the transmission is longer (up to 10 kilometers) and your budget permits.
Other than this, you should consider the fiber optic cable used in these module types because it plays an important role. SFP-10G-LR supports single-mode fiber but SFP-10G-SR and SFP-10G-LRM support multimode fiber. Also, you should consider the compatibility of the SFP module types with the network equipment. Just keep in mind that all equipment doesn’t support all types of SFP modules. The objective is that your network should run smoothly without any interruption.
To know more about SFP-10G-SR, SFP-10G-LRM, and SFP-10G-LR modules, please connect with us via WhatsApp at +971585811786