Compatibility
The topic transceiver compatibility is wrapped in many myths and trustworthy informations are hard to find, here we try to clarify this obscure subject.The scurrile in advance:
Independent voices - the mystery that doesn't exist.
Independent analysts and reputable insiders have addressed the phenomenon several times already. Here you'll find several of those articles:
"Cisco's Secret Franchise"
http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=102950
"Use Our Optics, or Else!"
http://www.lightreading.com/document.asp?doc_id=44456
ReConfigurables
The basic concept of replacing fixed interfaces with pluggable transceivers like GBIC, SFP, XFP and SFP+ has wide range of advantages- Wide range of communication media
(Chopper, Multimode, Singlemode, C/DWDM, …) - Different transfer rates
(Ranging from 100 Mbps up to 10 Gbps) - Power levels meeting the demands (dB)
(Distances from several meters up to 200km)
Hint:
Keep the configurability in mind!
Beside the basic strengths most cost optimized transceivers have an often overseen hardware weakness:
Limited ReConfigurability
The optimization of the manufacturing process as a result of mass production often results in limitations of the interoperability. Those units are often assembled with static modules which later restrict the reprogramming ability. That results in limited reprogramability or the need of complex reinitialization methods.
Whereas flexOptix transceivers contain an integrated micro controller which allows specified and approved configuration changes.
The simple reconfigurability of your transceivers provides the highest possible long term reusability. Regard that before you book your next order.
