SFP vs. 1×9 Transceiver Comparison: Picking the Right Transceiver for Your Network Platform

Introduction

As telecommunication networks continue to evolve, so do the types of transceivers used to connect different devices within those networks. SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) and 1×9 transceivers are two of the earlier transceiver types on the market today. But what are the differences between them? This article will help you understand the major features of each type of transceiver so you can decide which one is best for your needs.

What is SFP Transceiver?

SFP transceivers are a type of small form-factor pluggable optical transceiver that transmit and receive signals over optical fiber cables. They are usually used to connect devices within a local area network (LAN) or a metropolitan area network (MAN). The SFP transceiver comes later than the 1×9 transceiver. But it provides many enhanced features such as hot-pluggable, digital diagnostics monitoring (DDM), higher speed, and higher port density.

To learn more about SFP transceivers, please read this article What is SFP Transceiver?

What is 1×9 Transceiver?

1×9 transceivers are a type of 1×9 pin optical transceiver that transmit and receive signals over optical fiber cables. The most prominent feature of this optical transceiver is that it has 1 row of 9 PINs, which can be directly soldered and cured in the host devices.

They were one of the earliest types of transceivers on the market and are still used in some networks today. 1×9 transceivers are larger and bulkier than SFP transceivers. They are not as widely used as SFP transceivers because they don’t offer as many features. The normal 1×9 transceivers only support speeds up to 2.5Gbps and do not have hot-plug or DDM capabilities.

To learn more about SFP transceivers, please read this article What is 1×9 Transceiver?

SFP Transceiver vs. 1×9 Transceiver: Key Differences

The following table summarizes the key differences between SFP and 1×9 transceivers:

What are the benefits of an SFP transceiver over a 1×9 transceiver?

SFP transceivers typically offer a number of advantages over 1×9 transceivers, including:

• Smaller form factor: SFP transceivers are often smaller in size than 1×9 transceivers, making them more convenient to use in cramped spaces.
• Hot Pluggable: SFP transceivers can be plugged in and unplugged without having to power down the device, making them more convenient to use.
• Faster data speeds: SFP transceivers can typically support data speeds of 8 Gbps or higher, while 1×9 transceivers are limited to 2.5Gbps.
• Lower power consumption: SFP transceivers often consume less power than 1×9 transceivers, making them more energy-efficient.
• Digital diagnostics monitoring: Many SFP transceivers include digital diagnostics monitoring (DDM), which allows network administrators to monitor the health of the transceiver in real-time. 1×9 transceivers do not typically offer this feature.
• Much more product options: 1×9 transceivers are produced by only a handful of manufacturers, while there are dozens of companies that produce SFP transceivers. This gives you more options to choose from when selecting an SFP transceiver.
• Lower total cost: Simply mounting the SFP cage to the host PCB allows it to receive the SFP transceiver. In addition to offering quick replacement and reconfiguration, this also lowers costs by skipping additional manufacturing procedures. 1×9 transceivers, on the other hand, require that the host PCB be manufactured with a 1×9 footprint, which can add to the overall cost of the device.

What are the benefits of an SFP transceiver over a 1×9 transceiver?

1×9 transceivers do have some advantages over SFP transceivers, however, including:

• Reliability: 1×9 transceivers are often more reliable than SFP transceivers, as they have fewer moving parts.
• Suitable for industrial application: 1×9 transceivers can operate in a wider range of temperatures than most SFP transceivers, making them more suitable for industrial applications.
• More connector options: 1X9 transceiver comes with various fiber connectors such as SC, ST, FC, and pigtails, whereas most SFP is with LC interface only.

When choosing between an SFP and 1×9 transceiver, it is important to consider the specific needs of your application. If data speed and convenience are important, then an SFP transceiver is likely the better choice. If reliability and industrial applicability are key, then a 1×9 transceiver may be the better option. Ultimately, the right transceiver for your application will depend on your specific needs.

FAQs about SFP vs. 1×9 Transceiver

Q: Can I use an SFP transceiver along with a 1×9 transceiver?

No, we do not recommend using those two transceivers in the same system, because they have different form factors and features. Though the optical link may be connected, it may cause other problems when using them together. So you should always connect a 1×9 transceiver with another 1×9 transceiver, SFP is also the same.

Q: Why there are so few 1×9 suppliers in the market?

Since 1×9 is an older type of transceiver, most manufacturers have stopped producing 1×9 transceivers in favor of newer, more advanced transceiver types. This is why there are only a few 1×9 suppliers on the market today.

Q: Can you recommend any 1×9 transceiver suppliers?

Yes, we would like to recommend Avago, APAC, and Optcore.

Q: I’m looking for a 1×9 that supports digital diagnostics monitoring (DDM). Can you recommend any?

No, we do not recommend using 1×9 transceivers with DDM functionality. 1×9 transceivers are not typically compatible with DDM equipment. If you need a transceiver with DDM functionality, we recommend choosing an SFP transceiver instead.

Q: Does the 1×9 transceiver have EEPROM?

No, all 1×9 transceivers do not have EEPROM. That is not like an SFP transceiver.

Q: Does the 1×9 transceiver require a compatibility configuration?

No. 1×9 transceivers do not require a compatibility configuration. You can simply solder them into your device and they will work.

Q: What is the common application of a 1×9 transceiver?

The 1×9 transceiver is most commonly used in Ethernet applications. 1×9 transceivers can be used for both full-duplex and half-duplex applications.

Q: What is the distance limitation of a 1×9 transceiver?

It depends on the data rate. 155M and 1G 1×9 transceiver have a maximum distance limitation of 120km. But for some ultra speed 2Mbps 1×9 transceiver, it only supports 80km.

Q: What’s the optical interface of a 1×9 transceiver?

The 1×9 transceiver has an SC, ST, and FC interface. It provides more flexibility for fiber cabling.

Q: What Optcore 1×9 transceivers are available to offer?

We provide various 1×9 transceivers that cover data speeds of 2Mbps, 155Mbps, 622Mbps, 1.25Gbps, and 2.5Gbps. Optcore 1×9 transceivers are also available in other variants such as BiDi 1×9, CWDM 1×9, and DWDM 1×9.

Conclusion

So, which type of transceiver is right for your needs? If you need a versatile transceiver that can be used in a variety of applications, an SFP transceiver is probably the way to go. However, if you know you’ll only be using your transceiver in one specific industrial application, a 1×9 transceiver may be a better choice. Whichever type of transceiver you choose, make sure it’s compatible with your network platform.

However, the 1×9 transceiver market has been increasingly occupied by SFP transceivers, It is foreseeable that this trend will continue and the 1×9 transceiver is already marginalized. So think long the term, the SFP transceiver is a more future-proof investment.