Why Using a Compatible SFP Over Branded Ones is Best

The optical module consists of optoelectronic devices, functional circuits, and optical interfaces. The optoelectronic devices include two parts: transmit and receive. The optical module can convert the electrical signal into an optical signal at the transmitting terminal through photoelectric conversion, and then transmits the optical fiber and then converts the optical signal into an electrical signal at the receiving end. Any of the optical modules have the functions of sending and receiving two parts, performing photoelectric conversion and electro-optical conversion, so that the optical modules are inseparable from both ends of the network. Nowadays, the equipment in a data center is often tens of thousands. In order to realize the interconnection of these devices, optical modules are indispensable. Today, optical modules have become a subset of the data center.

In a large-scale network transmission system, saving costs is a very important factor, especially when a large number of optical modules are needed, especially the original optical modules. As we all know, the price of the original optical module is very high, and many manufacturers can only deter. Therefore, many manufacturers have turned their attention to compatible optical modules. When the compatible optical module is in use, its performance is almost the same as that of the original optical module, and the price is several times cheaper than the original optical module. This is also the reason why the compatible optical module can be hot. With the wide range of compatible optical modules, more and more customers have begun to pay attention to the stability and reliability of the module itself. However, the commodities on the market are mixed, and many merchants are shoddy and fishy, causing difficulties in the selection of optical modules. The following is a brief discussion on the selection of optical modules.

Those who buy a lot of optical modules to buy know that high-quality compatible modules are much more cost-effective than original switch brand (OEM) modules. Of course, some people still favor big-brand modules, and they feel that big-brand’s products are definitely better and their price just makes sense. Others think that the OEM module is just taking the influence of switch sales. Which kind of module is better? How is the difference between the two prices so great?

Today we share some relevant knowledge with you.

Through the following questions，you will find why a Compatible SFP is better and how to choose it. 

1. Does compatible module have the Data Diagnostic Monitoring Interface (DDMI) defined by the SFF-8472 standard?

The SSFF-8472 standard is a key factor in judging whether the quality and compatibility of the compatible optical modules pass. It is defined by the SFF committee and is used to define the data module's data diagnostics monitoring interface (DDMI), which helps us to understand the optical module parameters in real time.

DDMI, also known as DDM or DOM, has an alarm function when one or more of the data in an optical module's operation exceeds the standard parameters specified by the manufacturer.

DDM monitoring parameters

2. Does compatible module have a fault location function?

Fault location helps engineers find problems and can quickly repair optical modules and reduce downtime.

If the compatible optical module has data diagnostic monitoring function (DDM), we can use DDM to analyze each parameter of the optical module, such as output optical power, virtual channel connection (VCC), etc., to determine the fault point in the optical fiber link.

3. Is compatible module passed the compatibility verification?

Compatibility needs to be tested on the switch to check the operation of the module. This is the only way to determine the performance of the optical module. In general, the higher the performance of the optical module, the stronger the compatibility.

4. How does sopto communication test the compatibility of compatible optical modules?

The optical modules provided by Sopto Communications will perform switch compatibility tests before shipment to ensure that each module is 100% compatible. We provide switches that are compatible with major brands of network equipment such as Cisco, Juniper, Huawei, HP, H3C, Alcatel, MikroTik, and others.

The quality of the optical module can directly affect the transmission efficiency of the optical fiber link. Although the quality of the original optical module is good, it is expensive. Nowadays, compatible optical modules offered by many vendors can be comparable to original optical modules, and the price is very advantageous, which can help users save a lot of costs. Sopto is such a supplier of optical modules. Our supplied optical modules have been widely praised by customers both at home and abroad.