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Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an optical transceiver?
An optical transceiver is a network hardware component that converts electrical data signals into optical signals for transmission over fibre, and converts incoming optical signals back into electrical data. Optical transceivers are commonly used in switches, routers, servers, storage systems, and other networking equipment.
2. What types of optical transceivers do you supply?
We supply a wide range of optical transceiver form factors and configurations, including SFP, SFP+, SFP28, QSFP+, QSFP28, QSFP56, QSFP-DD, and other industry-standard solutions. Products are available for different data rates, transmission distances, wavelengths, fibre types, and networking applications.
3. How do I know which transceiver I need?
The correct transceiver depends on several factors, including:
- Host equipment manufacturer and model
- Required data rate
- Fibre type — single-mode or multimode
- Transmission distance
- Wavelength
- Connector type
- Form factor
- Network protocol or application
- Operating temperature requirements
If you are unsure which product is suitable, our technical team can help identify the appropriate solution.
4. What is the difference between single-mode and multimode fibre?
Single-mode fibre (SMF) is generally used for longer-distance transmission and typically operates with wavelengths such as 1310 nm or 1550 nm.
Multimode fibre (MMF) is generally used for shorter-distance applications, commonly within data centres and enterprise networks, and often uses 850 nm optics.
The correct transceiver must be matched to the fibre type and intended transmission distance.
5. What is the difference between SR, LR and ER optics?
These designations generally indicate the intended transmission distance and optical application:
- SR (Short Reach): Typically used for shorter-distance multimode fibre links.
- LR (Long Reach): Typically used for longer-distance single-mode fibre links.
- ER (Extended Reach): Designed for applications requiring greater transmission distances than standard LR solutions.
Always check the individual product specification for the exact supported distance and optical characteristics
6. Can I use a longer-distance transceiver over a shorter link?
In some applications, a longer-reach transceiver can be used over a shorter distance, but this should not be assumed. Optical power levels, receiver sensitivity, link budget, fibre type, and other system characteristics must be considered.
Our technical team can help determine whether a particular combination is appropriate for your application.
7. Why isn’t my optical link working?
Common causes include:
- Incorrect or incompatible transceivers
- TX/RX fibre connections being reversed or incorrectly connected
- Dirty fibre connectors
- Incorrect fibre type
- Excessive optical attenuation
- Damaged fibre or connectors
- Incorrect equipment configuration
- Optical power outside the specified operating range
Cleaning the fibre connectors and checking compatibility are good first steps when troubleshooting a link.
8. How important is cleaning fibre connectors?
Extremely important. Dust and contamination on fibre connectors can cause high insertion loss, poor optical performance, intermittent links, or complete link failure.
Before installing or testing an optical transceiver, connectors should be inspected and cleaned using appropriate fibre-cleaning equipment.
9. Do you test your optical transceivers?
Yes. We recognise how important network functionality and uptime are to our customers. Each transceiver is rigorously tested on the relevant platforms before leaving our facility. This testing process helps us identify potential issues and significantly reduces the likelihood of problems during deployment.
10. Do you offer technical support?
Yes. Our experienced Optical Engineers provide both pre-sales and post-sales technical support. We can assist with product selection, compatibility, troubleshooting, optical specifications, and deployment questions.
If you need assistance, please use the chat button in the top-right corner of the website to contact our Engineering Team.
11. What information should I provide when asking for technical support?
To help us diagnose an issue quickly, please provide as much of the following information as possible:
- Host equipment manufacturer and model
- Transceiver part number
- Data rate
- Fibre type and approximate link length
- Network configuration
- Description of the problem
- Equipment error messages or interface statistics
- Optical power measurements, if available
Photos of the installation, connectors, or equipment can also be helpful.
12. What should I do before returning a transceiver?
Before requesting a return, we recommend checking the fibre connections, cleaning the fibre connectors, confirming transceiver compatibility, and testing the equipment where possible.
Many optical issues are caused by contaminated connectors or installation-related problems rather than a faulty transceiver. Our Engineering Team can assist with troubleshooting before a return is processed.
13. Do you provide custom or non-standard solutions?
Depending on the application and requirements, we may be able to provide specialised or customised optical networking solutions. Contact our technical or sales team with your requirements and we will assess the available options.
14. How can I find the right product for my application?
If you know your equipment manufacturer, platform, part number, data rate, fibre type, or transmission distance, our team can help identify a suitable product.
If you are unsure, simply contact us with details of your application. Our Optical Engineers can help you select a compatible and appropriate solution.
