How Are Fiber Optic

Transceivers Classified

Overview

Fiber Optic Transceivers acts as an optical module to facilitate photoelectric

conversion where the transmitter end takes in and converts the electrical signal in to

light. The optical fiber transmission occurs in the fiber cable plant to reach the

receiving end, which converts the light signals into electrical components. Both the

transmitters end and the receiver end have their own circuitry, and that handles all the

transmissions in both directions.

Classification of Optical Transceivers

There are different classifications that define the different types of the fiber

transceivers that we have on the market.

A. CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO THE NATURE OF THE FIBER

OPTIC MODE

In relation to the above classification, two types of transceivers are available. These

are;

1. Single-mode fiber transceivers

2. Multi-mode fiber transceiver

Single-mode fiber transceivers

The single mode transceiver has a higher tolerance for the optics used. The fiber core

is smaller and the wavelength of the laser is narrower. This means that the SMF has

the capacity to accommodate higher bandwidth with much longer distances in the

transmission of the optical signals. The SMF work mainly at 1310nm to 1550nm

wavelength and are mostly used in the long distance transmission in the range of 2km,

10km, 40km, 80km, and 120km.

Multi-mode fiber transceiver

In the Multimode Fiber (MMF), it uses a much bigger core with a longer wavelength

of light. The optics that are used in MMF have a higher capacity to gather light from

the laser making the optics be cheaper. The FIBER OPTIC TRANSCEIVERS work at

850nm wavelength for short distance transmissions in the range of 100m – 500m. It is

not able to make long distance transmissions but it can transport many kinds of optical

signals.

B. CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO THE NETWORK MANAGEMENT

When classifying OPTICAL TRANSCEIVERS according to network management,

two distinct classifications emerge. These are;

1. Managed Optic Transceivers

2. Unmanaged Optic Transceivers

Managed Optic Transceivers

This is a more costly transceiver than unmanaged one. It provides additional network

monitoring with fault detection and remote configuration functionality.

Unmanaged Optic Transceivers

This form of media allows devices to communicate and does not provide the same

level of monitoring, detection of fault and configuration. Devices connected to the

unmanaged OPTICAL TRANSCEIVERS communicate automatically.

C. CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO POWER SUPPLY

The above form of classification bring out two distinct Fiber Optic Transceivers

types;

1. Built-in Switching Power Transceiver

2. External Power Supply Transceiver

The Built-in Switching Power Transceiver are made for the carrier grade power. It

supports a wide power supply voltage regulations and filtering reducing any external

point of failure that is caused by the mechanical contact.

The External Power Supply Transceiver are made for the multi-use civilian equipment.

This type of device is compact and cheap.

D. CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO WORK RATE

The above type of classification brings about two distinct types. These are;

1. Full Duplex Mode

2. Half Duplex Mode

Full Duplex Mode

This occurs when the data transmission and reception of the shunt is respectively

transmitted by two different transmission lines. The communication on both sides

occurs with the sending and the receiving operations taking place at the same time.

The full duplex mode occurs without the need for the switching of the direction and

no switching time delay is generated by the operation.

Half Duplex Mode

This mode is used with a transmission line, for both the reception and the

transmission. The data may thus be transmitted in both directions in the Fiber Optic

Transceiver, but the communicating parties cannot have a simultaneous sending and

receiving of data at the same time.