Parallel optical module or ordinary optical module

There are two approaches to deploying 40GbE multimode fiber (MMF) infrastructure. One is to use MTP multimode fiber jumpers (12 cores) and parallel optical modules, and the other is to use ordinary multimode 40G optical modules and LC multimode fiber jumpers (2 cores). The first solution requires adding additional fiber to increase the number of 40GbE links. So, this solution requires more fiber cost. In contrast, ordinary multimode can use the components in the previous 10GbE network (such as LC multimode fiber patch cords) without paying for additional fiber. This article introduces the cost difference between parallel optical modules and ordinary multi-mode optical modules in 40G network cabling.

The cost of building a 40G network using parallel optical modules

In this scheme, a pair of 40GbE parallel optical modules (40GBASE-SR4 QSFP+) are used with MTP patch cords and backbone cables. In addition, two MTP-MTP bundled fan-out trunk fiber patch cables are required. Each link has two fiber optic patch cords, two MTP-MTP bundled fan-out trunk fiber optic patch cords and a 24-fiber trunk cable. Since the 40GBASE-SR4 QSFP+ optical module only uses 8 of the 12 cores of the MTP fiber optic patch cord, two MTP-MTP bundled fan-out trunk fiber optic patch cords can be used for three links.

Parallel Optical Module

The cost of building a 40G network using common duplex optical modules

In the scheme using duplex optical modules such as (Juniper JNP-QSFP-40G-LX4 or Arista 40G QSFP-UNIV), two need to be used, two MTP-LC fiber distribution boxes and 24-core backbone cables. By deploying duplex 40GbE optical modules, users can quadruple the number of 40G links without changing the previous line equipment. In other words, a total of two MTP-LC fiber optic distribution boxes can meet the use of 12 links.

Ordinary optical module

In addition, duplex optical modules can also support single-mode fiber operation, which is a cost-effective solution for migrating from multimode fiber to single-mode fiber. However, the price of duplex 40GbE optical modules is more expensive than that of parallel optical modules, so the final choice depends on your specific situation.

The above are the parallel optical modules or ordinary optical modules provided for you, which is more suitable for 40G multimode fiber cabling. If you want to know more about the optical communication industry, please visit our official website.