Fiber optics has gained huge traction in the last few years, and it is expected to grow further over the next few years. There are many benefits of using fiber optic solutions. The good part is that you can use it to extend your existing legacy networks. For any network, efficient and speedy transmission and reception of data is crucial, which is much achieved through optical transceivers in fiber optic networks. This post discusses the differences between single and dual fiber optical transceivers.
Fiber Optic Transceivers
Fiber Optic Transceivers are compact devices designed to transmit and receive data over a fiber optic cable. In fiber optics, the data is sent in the form of light pulses or signals at high speeds and over long distances. The fiber optic transceivers convert the electrical input received from existing UTP cables into light signals, and which is why they are a significant device on the network.
Primarily, there are two types of optical transceivers - single fiber and dual fiber.
- Single Fiber Optical Transceivers: In this device, the transmission and reception of data happens on a single fiber. So, it is bidirectional and often called BIDI. Technically, it requires only half of the actual length of the optical fiber. Single mode fiber media converter act as a photoelectric conversion device and also use the WDM technology. WDM integrates and splits the data according to the wavelength of light. The range of wavelength varies between 1300 and 1600 nm. These happen to be more stable in terms of signal strength. The good part is that this type of transceiver can be used in remote places where the availability of optical fibers is scarce.
- Dual Fiber Optical Transceivers: This is the more commonly used type of the two. Dual fiber optical transceivers use the same wavelength on two fiber strands. It has two distinct channels or ports for transmission and reception of data. Of these channels, the TX is used for transmission and RX for reception. The core function of converting electrical signals to light signals remains the same, albeit in a different way.
Difference Between Single vs. Dual Optical Fiber Transceivers
The definitions of these two types of transceivers explicitly point out some differences. Still, here is how a single fiber optical transceiver is different from a dual one.
- A dual fiber transceiver can be converted to single fiber upon requirement, and the vice versa is also possible. This can be done in case the connection provider offers a single fiber and the complex or area where the network is required has a dual fiber transceiver.
- They differ in the number of ports. The dual type has two ports, while the single type has just one.
- Cost wise, single mode fiber optic transceivers are more expensive compared to dual optical fiber transceivers.
- A fiber patch cable can connect two single fiber transceivers easily.
- BIDI transmits and receives data on a single strand of fiber, while dual fiber transceivers operate on two strands of fiber.
Single vs. Dual Optical Fiber Transceivers Comparison Summary
|
Parameters |
Single Transceivers |
Dual Transceivers |
|
Number of Ports |
1 |
2 |
|
Cost |
More expensive |
Less expensive |
|
Fiber Patch Cable Compatibility |
Directly connectable |
May require a coupler |
|
BIDI Support |
Supported |
Not supported |
|
Conversion Capability |
Convertible to dual if required |
Convertible to single if required |
|
Transmission Mode |
Bi-directional (BIDI) |
Separate transmit and receive |
If you are looking for fiber optic devices such as fiber optic transceivers and more for your network or plan to extend your legacy network, be sure you choose a reliable manufacturer and supplier. VERSITRON is a leading manufacturer and supplier various fiber optic devices and installation kits. They offer high definition transceivers which offer an excellent quality of video and audio outputs.
