When you buy the optical transceivers, you need to figure out the key factors that impact the price of optical transceivers.
Form Factors
There are many types of form factors available for different reasons, but the most popular (with variations) still today are:
GBIC – Gigabit Interface Converter
SFP – Small Form-factor Pluggable
SFP+ - Enhanced Small Form-Factor Pluggable
QSFP+ - Enhanced Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable
QSFP-DD – Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable Double Density
SFP-DD – Small Form-factor Pluggable Double Density
Wavelength
The wavelength is one of the most limiting factors which will highly impact the speed of the system. Shorter wavelengths can hit higher speeds, but longer wavelengths can carry the signal farther. Below are the most three common wavelengths.
850nm signals can only go around 500m.
1310nm signals can get up to 40km in distance.
1550nm signals can exceed 40km.
Data Rate
Speed is a major concern. When it comes to fiber optics, you can get networks that are incredibly fast, but they are not cheap. Likewise, if you are trying to save money, sacrificing speed is one of the easiest ways to lower costs.
1 Gbps
10 Gbps
25 Gbps
40 Gbps
100 Gbps
200 Gbps
400 Gbps
800 Gbps
Range
How far is the signal traveling? You already considered range a little when you picked your wavelength, but there’s more to the equation. Single-mode (SMF) vs multi-mode fiber (MMF) impacts range considerably. Single-mode fiber has a much larger reach at higher costs, while multimode fiber is advantageous in price with higher data rate capabilities.Is your cable meters away from the signal source or kilometers away? Also, what max distance is your optic rated for? These are important questions that will dictate much of your decision.
Temperature
Fiber networks operate in all kinds of environments. You need to specify the temperature when you choose the optical transceivers.
Commercial transceivers – basic operating temp: 0 - 70° C / 32 - 158° F
Industrial transceivers – basic operating temp: -40 – 85° C / -40 - 185° F
Bill of Material
Don't forget to ask the supplier about the key materials of optical transceivers when you place an order. The cost varies if different brands of LDs, MCUs, drivers are used.
Above are the tips to help to do the fair value evaluation apple-to-apple.