Know the Difference: SFP Module vs Media Converter

Several devices used in a fiber-optic network may possess similar operations. Often multiple devices can be utilized to serve a specific purpose under different circumstances. The SFP modules and media converters are two such devices with similar features and end-purposes. Owing to certain similarities, these devices are often confused, however, in reality, they differ a lot. Along with the construction, the working principles of both fiber SFP modules and fiber media converters differ in certain ways. However, the end results of both devices can be interchanged under compatible operating conditions. This post introduces the fiber media converters and the fiber SFP modules followed by a discussion over the difference between their individual working principles. It also offers a few key points to pay attention to while a selection of SFP modules or Ethernet media converters for specific applications.

 

SFP Modules vs. Media Converters: A Few Key Differences Analyzed

The following pointers would help you understand the differences between fiber SFP modules and fiber media converters.

• Construction: The key difference between a media converter and an SFP module lies in its construction.

• SFP Modules: SFP modules stand for small form-factor pluggable modules. The SFP modules are the transceiver devices. These are also known as gigabit interface converter (GBIC) modules. These are optoelectronic devices which means these can be used for transmission of electronic as well as optical signals. The main function of fiber SFP modules is to convert electronic signals into optical signals and vice versa. Therefore, these devices feature two ports, one is a copper SFP and another is an optical SFP. Depending on which port the data source is connected to, the contrary output is given by the SFP module.  The SFP modules can be used for telecommunication and information communication operations. However, being a small form-factor pluggable transceiver, these devices feature hot-pluggable connectivity, which allows plug-and-play operation of these devices.

• Media Converters: The media converters which are Ethernet-compatible devices known as Ethernet Media Converter. Similar to GBIC modules, the media converters can be used for fiber-to-copper and copper-to-fiber data conversion. These devices are designed to translate and transmit the data between two dissimilar transmission media, such as copper cables and optical fibers. 

• Working Principle: Other than the form factor of SFP modules and media converters, the major difference between these two devices is their working principles. Let us discuss the difference between both the devices in terms of their working principles.

• Fiber SFP Modules: The working of SFP modules relies on photovoltaic conversion. To perform the optoelectronic conversion, the SFP module features a pair of transmitter and receiver, optical interfaces, and functional circuits. The photovoltaic conversion from electronic signals to optical signals is performed by a transmitter and is received by a receiver to deliver converted signals. To perform reverse transmission of optical to electronic signals the optoelectronic conversion is reversed using digitizers.
• Fiber Media Converters: The fiber media converters operate on the physical layer of a copper-fiber network. The working principle of these devices is simple. The electronic signals are received by the converter and are then converted into optical pulses and vice versa. The electronic to optical conversion is done by using optical transmitters with LED or laser pulsating abilities. However, the reverse transmission of optical to electronic conversion is done by using readout equipment, digitizer, or oscilloscopic equipment.

• Fiber SFP modules are compatible with SONET, Fiber Channel, Gigabit Ethernet, etc communication standards.
• Due to the smaller form-factor, the SFP modules are used for compact integrated applications. Few of the common applications of SFP modules are found in CCTV cameras, telecommunication devices, etc.
• The Ethernet media converters are commonly used in the copper-fiber networks where the distance of transmission is to be extended by using fiber optic cables, however, the receiving devices or end-users’ devices require electronic output.
• Multiple wavelengths of optical transmission can be achieved by using fiber media converters as they support multi-mode to single-mode conversion, and dual-fiber-link transmission for bi-directional conversion.

Available SFP Modules (Ordered Separately):