1. Introduction
With the rapid growth of the internet, fiber optic communication has become a vital technology in modern networks. The BIDI SFP transceiver facilitates bidirectional data transmission, improves resource utilization and lowers the wiring costs. This article will introduce the working principle, features, and applications of BIDI SFP transceivers.
2. What is the BIDI SFP Transceiver
(1) Definition of the BIDI SFP Transceiver
The BIDI SFP transceiver is designed to enable bidirectional data transmission over a single optical fiber. Unlike conventional SFP modules that need two fibers, one for sending and one for receiving, BIDI modules use Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) technology to send optical signals at different wavelengths through the same fiber, allowing for two-way communication. BIDI modules are typically used with single-mode fiber (SMF) for long-distance, high-speed data transmission.
(2) How Does BIDI SFP Transceiver Work
BIDI SFP transceiver uses WDM to transmit data at different optical wavelengths, from the transmit (TX) port, to the receive (RX) port. It allows single-mode fiber to carry data traffic in two directions simultaneously.
Taking the common 1000BASE-BX10 module as an example, BIDI transceivers usually need to be used in pairs. At one end, the transmit port sends a 1310nm wavelength optical signal, while the receive port receives a 1490nm signal. At the other end, the BIDI module will work in the opposite direction, that is, transmits a 1490nm signal and receives a 1310nm signal. This method ensures a single fiber to carry bidirectional data traffic in different wavelengths for data transmission and reception, then significantly improves the utilization efficiency of the optical fiber.
The WDM coupler is the cornerstone of bidirectional data transmission. It is an optical device that combines signals of different wavelengths into a single optical fiber, and then decouples the signals at the receiver. The WDM coupler ensures the correct transmission and reception of different signals, preventing interference between wavelengths. Its main function is to ensure correct transmission and separation of different signals during bidirectional communication.
3. BIDI SFP vs Common SFP
(1) Port Number
BIDI SFP: A single fiber BIDI module commonly has one port, connecting a single optical fiber. This makes the BIDI SFP design more compact, and helps save optical fiber resources.
Common SFP: Common SFP modules usually have two ports, one for transmission and one for reception, so requiring two fibers for bidirectional communication.
(2) Fiber Requirements
BIDI SFP: Uses a single optical fiber for bidirectional transmission. Send ans receive the data, using signals in different wavelengths (such as 1310nm and 1490nm), through WDM technology, reducing the number of optical fibers.
Common SFP: Requires two fibers, one for transmission and the other for reception, and cannot achieve bidirectional communication over a single fiber.
(3) Internal Structure
BIDI SFP: The BIDI module Incorporates a WDM coupler, using different wavelengths to transmit bidirectional data in an optical fiber. It must be used in pairs, for example, 1000BASE-BX10-U must be paired with 1000BASE-BX10-D).
Common SFP: In contrast, common SFP modules do not use WDM technology or coupler, requiring separate fibers for transmission and reception.
(4) Wavelength Support
BIDI SFP: BIDI SFP modules typically support single-mode fiber, ideal for long-distance transmission. Additionally, some BIDI modules are also compatible with multi-mode fiber, especially in short-range applications.
Common SFP: Common SFP module supports both single-mode and multi-mode fibers, suitable for short and long-distance applications.
(5) Cost Efficiency
BIDI SFP: Better for long-distance transmission, BIDI modules meet the high data transfer demands, and reduce power consumption and cost.
Common SFP: For long-distance transmission, common SFP modules typically require more fibers and higher power consumption, leading to higher costs.
| Feature | BIDI SFP | Common SFP |
| Port Number | 1 port, uses single fiber for bidirectional communication. | 2 ports, requires two fibers for bidirectional communication. |
| Fiber Requirements | Single fiber, uses WDM with different wavelengths. | Two fibers, one for transmission and one for reception. |
| Internal Structure | WDM coupler for bidirectional transmission, must be used in pairs. | No WDM, separate fibers for transmission and reception. |
| Wavelength Support | Primarily supports single-mode fiber for long-distance, some support for multimode fiber. | Supports both single-mode and multimode fibers for short and long-range. |
| Cost Efficiency | More cost-effective due to reduced fiber usage and simpler network design. | Higher cost due to the need for more fibers and complex installation. |
4. Main Features of BIDI SFP Transceivers
Single-fiber Bidirectional Transmission: BIDI transceiver enables bidirectional data transmission within a single fiber. It reduces fiber requirements, simplifies network architecture, and lowers cabling costs. Furthermore, it is particularly suitable for data centers and large enterprise networks.
Long-distance Transmission: BIDI transceivers support transmission distances of 10km, 20km and even longer. It uses single-mode fiber, supporting low loss and high bandwidth, and meeting the needs of complex network environments.
Low Power Consumption & Compact Design: BIDI transceiver adopts a low-power design, reducing energy consumption and operational costs. The compact size is ideal for environments with limited space, such as data centers and high-density network devices.
Standardized Interfaces: It complies with standards like SFP+ and SFP28, compatible with most networking equipment. The BIDI module enables fast deployment and upgrading, and saves hardware investment.
5. Applications of BIDI SFP Transceivers
Data Centers: BIDI modules are ideal for high-bandwidth, long-distance optical fiber transmission. The modules reduce the cabling complexity and fiber costs, especially in high-density network environments.
Enterprise Networks: Reducing the number of optical fibers, thus BIDI SFP helps enterprises lower construction and maintenance costs, providing high-speed connections between headquarters, branch offices, or data centers.
Telecommunications Networks: In base station connections and long-distance data transmission, BIDI module enhances the reliability and energy efficiency of telecom networks with its stability and low power consumption.
High-speed Fiber Optic Transmission: Suitable for high-speed, low-latency applications, such as cloud computing, big data, and supercomputing centers.
- Conclusion
BIDI SFP transceiver has become an indispensable core component in modern fiberoptic communication networks, for its bidirectional single-fiber transmission, long-distance support, and low-power design. Its application in data centers, telecom networks, and enterprise networks enhances the efficient utilization of optical fiber resources, and reduces cabling and maintenance costs.
With the continuous improvement of network speed, the increasing demand for energy saving and environmental protection, the BIDI SFP transceivers will play an even more important role in the future of fiber optic communications.
