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.

 
Difference: SFP Module vs Media Converter

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 an ethernet 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.
Now that SFP modules vs media converters are being analyzed in terms of their individual properties and working principles, it is essential to focus on the following key points before selecting one of these devices for your applications.
  • 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.
No matter which device you find suitable for your application, it is essential to pay attention to the build quality and performance efficiency of these devices. Therefore, you should source SFP modules and media converters from trusted suppliers like VERSITRON. The company offers high-quality industrial media converters and other fiber optic communication devices. They offer EIA/TIA-RS-232, RoHS, IP30, and ISO-9001compliant media converters and SFP modules which certainly assure the quality and performance of their products.

Available SFP Modules (Ordered Separately):

Model
Speed (Mbps)
Wavelength
Media
Distance
Connector
TX Pwr.
RX Pwr.
Temp
RFQ
TSRJ45
10/100/1000
-
Copper
100m
RJ-45
-
-
0 to 70°C
FEMM
100
850nm
MMF
2km
LC
-10 ~ -4
< -24
0 to 70°C
FE2MM
100
1310nm
MMF
2km
LC
-20 ~ -4
< -31
0 to 70°C
FE10SM
100
1310nm
SMF
10km
LC
-15 ~ -8
< -34
0 to 70°C
GBMM
1000
850nm
MMF
62.5µ: 220m
50µ: 550m
LC
-9.5 ~ -4
< -18
0 to 70°C
GB2MM
1000
1310nm
MMF
2km
LC
-9 ~ -1
< -19
0 to 70°C
GB10SM
1000
1310nm
MMF/SMF
MM 62.5µ: 220m
MM 50µ: 550m
SM 9µ: 10km
LC
-9.5 ~ -3
< -20
0 to 70°C
GB20SM
1000
1310nm
SMF
20km
LC
-4 ~ +1
< -24
0 to 70°C
GB40SM
1000
1550nm
SMF
40km
LC
-4 ~ +1
< -24
0 to 70°C
GB70SM
1000
1550nm
SMF
70km
LC
0 ~ +5
< -24
0 to 70°C
GB100SM
1000
1550nm
SMF
100km
LC
0 ~ +5
< -30
0 to 70°C
GB10SFA
1000
Tx: 1310nm
Rx: 1550nm
SMF
10km
LC
-3 ~ -9
< -21
0 to 70°C
GB10SFB
1000
Tx: 1550nm
Rx: 1310nm
SMF
10km
LC
-3 ~ -9
< -21
0 to 70°C
GB20SFA
1000
Tx: 1310nm
Rx: 1550nm
SMF
20km
LC
-3 ~ -8
< -23
0 to 70°C
GB20SFB
1000
Tx: 1550nm
Rx: 1310nm
SMF
20km
LC
-3 ~ -8
< -23
0 to 70°C
GB40SFA
1000
Tx: 1310nm
Rx: 1550nm
SMF
40km
LC
-3 ~ +2
< -23
0 to 70°C
GB40SFB
1000
Tx: 1550nm
Rx: 1310nm
SMF
40km
LC
-3 ~ +2
< -23
0 to 70°C
GB60SFA
1000
Tx: 1310nm
Rx: 1550nm
SMF
60km
LC
0 ~ +5
< -24
0 to 70°C
GB60SFB
1000
Tx: 1550nm
Rx: 1310nm
SMF
60km
LC
-2 ~ +4
< -25
0 to 70°C
GB80SFA
1000
Tx: 1310nm
Rx: 1550nm
SMF
80km
LC
-2 ~ +3
< -26
0 to 70°C
GB80SFB
1000
Tx: 1550nm
Rx: 1310nm
SMF
80km
LC
-2 ~ +3
< -26
0 to 70°C
10GBMM
10G
850nm
MMF
62.5µ: 30m
50µ: 80m
OM3: 300m
LC
-7 ~ -1
< -10
0 to 70°C
10GB10SM
10G
1310nm
SMF
10km
LC
-6 ~ +1
< -14
0 to 70°C
10GB40SM
10G
1550nm
SMF
40km
LC
-1 ~ +2
< -16
0 to 70°C
10GB80SM
10G
1550nm
SMF
80km
LC
0 ~ +4
< -23
0 to 70°C


Rich Tull

Rich Tull
R.W. Tull is the President of Versitron, a leading technology company specializing in data communication and networking solutions. With expertise in Guiding network switches and media converters, R.W. Tull has played a pivotal role in driving Versitron's success. His deep understanding of these technologies has enabled the company to provide innovative and reliable solutions to clients. As a visionary leader, He ensures that Versitron remains at the forefront of the industry, delivering cutting-edge networking solutions that enhance data communication efficiency.

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