Comparing 100G SWDM4 and 100G BIDI Transceivers
In modern data centers and high-speed networking environments, selecting the right transceiver is essential for achieving efficient, high-performance connectivity. Two notable options for 100G Ethernet are the 100G SWDM4 (Short Wavelength Division Multiplexing) transceiver and the 100G BIDI (Bidirectional) transceiver. Each offers unique advantages tailored to different networking requirements. This article will elucidate the differences between the 100G SWDM4 and 100G BIDI transceivers.
What is a 100G SWDM4 Transceiver?
The 100G SWDM4 transceiver uses short-wavelength division multiplexing to transmit data over four independent optical communication lanes on a single fiber pair (one for each direction), typically over OM3 or OM4 multimode fiber. The SWDM4 technology multiplexes all wavelengths together and transmits the signal over MMF. On the other end, SWDM4 technology demultiplexes the signal into 4×25.78Gbps PIN receiver lanes.
Key Specifications of 100G SWDM4:
- Data Rate: Up to 103.125 Gbps
- Wavelengths: 850 nm, 880 nm, 910 nm, 940 nm
- Distance:
- Up to 100 meters over OM4 fiber
- Up to 70 meters over OM3 fiber
- Up to 150 meters over OM5 fiber
- Connector: Duplex LC
- Optical Budget: 3dB
What is a 100G BIDI Transceiver?
The 100G BIDI transceiver uses bidirectional technology to transmit and receive data over two different wavelengths on a single fiber, allowing data transmission in both directions simultaneously. The 100G BIDI module uses 2x50Gbps PAM4 modulation lanes, one lane transmitting on 850nm and the other on 900nm.
Key Specifications of 100G BIDI:
- Data Rate: Up to 103.125 Gbps
- Wavelengths: 850 nm, 900 nm
- Distance:
- Up to 100 meters over OM4 fiber
- Up to 70 meters over OM3 fiber
- Up to 150 meters over OM5 fiber
- Connector: Duplex LC
- Optical Budget: 1.9dB
100G SWDM4 vs 100G BIDI
Both transceivers are used in short connection topologies, but there are key differences that network engineers should consider when choosing between them:
| 100G SWDM4 | 100G BIDI | |
| Technology: | Utilizes four wavelengths to transmit data over a pair of fibers | Uses two wavelengths to transmit data bidirectionally over a single fiber |
| Optical budget: | 3dB, meaning its suitable for more complex network topologies | 1.9dB, meaning its suitable for simpler network configurations |
| Fiber Usage: | Requires two fibers (one for each direction) | Uses a single fiber for both directions |
| Wavelength Multiplexing: | Relies on short-wavelength division multiplexing (SWDM) | Relies on bidirectional transmission using two distinct wavelengths |
| Upgrade Path: | Suitable for networks with a need for new fiber installation or existing OM3/OM4 infrastructure | Ideal for seamless upgrades in networks with existing duplex MMF infrastructure |
Conclusion
To sum up, both 100G SWDM4 and 100G BIDI transceivers are meant for short connections over MMF and provide effective solutions for high-speed data transmission in modern networks. By understanding the unique advantages and applications of each, network engineers can make informed decisions to optimize their network performance and cost-efficiency.
Check out our SWDM4 Transceivers and 100G BIDI Transceivers to find the perfect fit for your networking needs!
| SWDM4-100G-QSFP28-150 | Double Fiber 100G SWDM4 QSFP28 Module |
| SWDM4-40-100G-Q28-440 | Double Fiber 40G & 100G SWDM4 QSFP28 Module |
| BIDI-100G-QSFP28-150 | Single Fiber 100G QSFP28 & 40G QSFP Module |
| BIDI-100G-QSFP28-151 | Single Fiber 100G QSFP28 Module |
