Common Application Scenarios of CFP Optical Modules

CFP is an optical device that transmits high-speed data signals, usually capable of transmitting ultra-high rates of 40G, 100G or even 400G. CFP MSA defines the hardware interface specifications and management interface specifications of CFP optical modules with different rates. 100G coherent optical modules are mainly used for line-side optical transmission of 100G wavelength division systems. Compared with other forms of line-side optical modules, they have good performance, sensitivity, dispersion tolerance, and DGD tolerance. DWDM wavelength division multiplexing technology using coherent CFP optical modules is widely used in 100G metropolitan area network to meet its high capacity and long distance requirements.

1. CFP optical module is applied to 100G multi-channel DWDM transmission network

Since the 100G rate is more susceptible to dispersion, it is necessary to additionally compensate for dispersion and increase optical power. First use a 100 GHz DWDM fiber multiplexer to combine all 100G rates, and then perform dispersion compensation and amplification of the entire combination. This architecture supports "pay-as-you-grow" service providers. Existing legacy 10G channels can be seamlessly swapped with 100G services when bandwidth is exhausted. The rest of the same components can even be reused to scale the data rate up to 2.4 Tb/s.

This solution will require 24 IPL CFP optical modules and a 48-channel fiber multiplexer. First, all 100G lines are multiplexed together, and then only one dispersion compensation and amplification is required. Obviously, such a network structure provides higher density at a reasonable cost and has the ability to flexibly reuse existing infrastructure.

2. CFP optical module is applied to 100G distance extension solution

The SFP + OEO optical amplifier repeater can be used in conjunction with the switch to achieve distance extension. After the 100G output signal of the switch is converted into a DWDM signal, longer distance transmission can be realized. This solution removes the distance limitation by using coherent CFP optical modules to connect the output signal to the line fiber and transmit the signal over a longer distance.

In order to achieve higher cabling density with CFP 100G fiber, the architecture mixes 16-channel dual-fiber and 8-channel dual-fiber available for CWDM/DWDM hybrid by adding MTP breakout cable and WDM SFP+OEO converter. Use OEO to convert conventional SR wavelengths to DWDM wavelengths. Therefore, the 100G coherent CFP optical module is an effective solution for building a 2500 km long-distance DWDM network.

The interface of the CFP optical module is designed according to the SFP optical module, but it provides 10 channels of 10Gbit/s or 4 channels of 25Gbit/s parallel data channels in the direction of sending and receiving, with a transmission rate of up to 100Gbps. Due to its continuous development, there are now classifications such as CFP2, CFP4, and CFP8. The 100G coherent CFP module can ensure transmission performance while reducing optical transmission loss, and is an effective solution for 100G metropolitan area network.