CUSTOMER QUESTIONS
What is the difference between SX and LX?
The term SX means Short Range. LX means Long Range.
The main difference in the potential range of the module. SX, short range, will be exclusively a multimode whereas LX, Long Range, could be Single mode or multimode.
Single mode or multimode will depends on your installation and application.
What does SFP 10G mean?
10G refers to the speed of the SFP. In fact SFP refers to 1gb transceivers but the complementary terms “10G” refers to the maximum speed of the module. SFP10G is a SFP+. The example is just a shortcut in the naming bu refers to the same 10g module : SFP+
What is the difference between SFP and SFP+?
SFP means Small factor Pluggable, hence from dimensions perspective SFP and SFP+ are the same and visually the same.
The main difference between SFP and SFP+ lies in their speed: SFP+ supports higher data rates, up to 10 Gbit/s. This difference in bandwidth also affects transmission distance — standard SFP modules typically offer longer reach. The SFP+ standard is defined by SFF-8431.
Regarding compatibility, an SFP+ port can usually accept an SFP module, but only at the lower speed of 1 Gbit/s.
For compatibility between your SFP+ port and an SFP or the reverse you need to check the data sheets of your switch and transceiver manufacturer.
SFP network port refers to the Network port of your device where you will put the SFP to enable network communication.
SFP 1G, SFP 1g sx 85, sfp1g-sx-85, 1000Base-LX-31 SFP 1310nm 10km, 1000 Base LX 31 SFP are different names for different models of SFP 1G.
No. If you need to connect an SFP Multi-mode to a single mode cable, it’s better to adapt the set-up:
- change SFP to single mode sfp
- insert between multi-mode SFP and single mode cable a media converter (MM to SM)
NO. Due to the different size core, they are not compatible between each others.
Yes, you can use SM / singlemode / single-mode fibre or sfp or any active equipment on a “short” distance, but keep in mine that usually the set-up is more expansive. Transceivers are up to 5 times more expansives…
Typically multimode is really cost effective on short distance and is the no-brainer choice.
Short distancer is typically under 400/500m
Yes, you can use MM / multimode / multi-mode fibre or sfp or any active equipment on “long” distance, but you will be limited by the capabilities of the material.
Typically multimode is suitable on distance up to 400/500m
Above, it’s better to go to a singlemode set-up.
Multimode or Single mode ? Based on the comparison between single-mode and multimode fibre optic cables, it can be concluded that single-mode fibre is ideal for long-distance data transmission and is commonly used in carrier networks, metropolitan area networks (MANs), and passive optical networks (PONs). In contrast, multimode fibre is suited for shorter distances and is widely deployed in enterprise networks, data-centres, and local area networks (LANs). Regardless of the type chosen, selecting the fibres that best meets your network requirements while considering total cost is a crucial decision for any network designer.
Long-distance >500m (or several km) => Single-mode
Short distance <500m => Multi-mode
All those terms refer to the same fibre technology : multimode
Multi-mode optical fibre is a type of fibre primarily used for short-distance communication, such as within buildings or across campuses. It supports data transmission rates of up to 800 Gbit/s. Due to its relatively large core diameter, multi-mode fibre can carry multiple light modes simultaneously. However, this also introduces modal dispersion, which limits the maximum transmission distance. The ITU-T G.651.1 standard defines the most commonly used types of multi-mode optical fibre.
Multimode fibre offers a cost-effective, high-speed connection suitable for short distances up to about 400 meters.
It features a large core, approximately 50 µm in diameter, allowing it to transmit multiple modes of light—typically at 850 nm or 1300 nm wavelengths. This enables high bandwidth over short ranges, but at longer distances, multimode fibre experiences greater dispersion and attenuation, reducing signal quality.
Several categories exist:OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4 and OM5. Depending on the category, specific colour code is used to differentiate easily.
All those terms refer to the same technology : Fibre technology related to single mode/mono-mode
In optical fibre communications, a single mode optical fibre—also known as fundamental-mode or mono-mode fibre—is designed to transmit only one mode of light, specifically the transverse mode. Modes are the possible solutions to the Helmholtz equation, derived from Maxwell’s equations and boundary conditions, and they describe how a light wave propagates and distributes in space.
In single-mode fibre, multiple light waves can have different frequencies but share the same spatial mode, meaning they travel through the fibre in the same pattern, forming a single coherent light path. Although the light beam runs parallel to the fibre’s length, it is referred to as a transverse mode because its electromagnetic oscillations occur perpendicular to that length.
Charles K. Kao received the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physics for his groundbreaking theoretical work on single-mode optical fibres. The most widely used types of single-mode fibres are defined by the ITU-T G.652 and G.657 standards.
Single-mode fibre provides a higher-cost but high-speed connection that utilises laser diodes for transmission.
It features a small core, approximately 9 µm in diameter, and carries a single mode of light—typically at 1310 nm or 1550 nm wavelengths. This design results in minimal signal attenuation and enables maximum transmission speeds over long distances.
PoE refers to the common name, whilst 802.xx refers to the norm defining the standards:
- PoE (Type 1) = 802.3af
- PoE+ (Type 2) = 802.3at
- PoE++ (Type 3 & 4) = 802,3.bt
The nominal (under normal conditions), available power for the device depends on the PoE norm:
- PoE = 12,95W (nominal)
- PoE+ = 25,50W (nominal)
- PoE++, Type 3 =51W (nominal)
- PoE++ Type 4 = 71,3W (nominal)
The terms PoE+ or PoE++ refer to the power budget available for the device.
See table below
| Official name in IEEE 802.3 |
Type 1 | Type 2 | Type 3 | Type 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common name(s) | PoE | PoE+ | PoE++ / 4PPoE | |
| Defining IEEE document | 802.3af | 802.3at | 802.3bt | |
| Power available at PD | 12.95 W | 25.50 W | 51 W | 71.3 W |
| Maximum power delivered by PSE | 15.40 W | 30.0 W | 60 W | 90 W |
| Voltage range (at PSE) | 44.0–57.0 V | 50.0–57.0 V | 52.0–57.0 V | |
| Voltage range (at PD) | 37.0–57.0 V | 42.5–57.0 V | 41.1–57.0 V | |
| Maximum current Imax | 350 mA | 600 mA per pair | 960 mA per pair | |
| Maximum cable resistance per pairset | 20 Ω | 12.5 Ω | ||
| Power management | Three power classes (1–3)negotiated by signature | Four power classes (1–4)negotiated by signature or 0.1 W steps negotiated by LLDP | Six power classes (1–6)negotiated by signature or 0.1 W steps negotiated by LLD | Eight power classes (1–8)negotiated by signature or 0.1 W steps negotiated by LLDP |
| Derating of cable maximum ambient operating temperature | None | 5 °C with only two pairs active, at Imax | 10 °C with all of the bundled cables pairs active, at Imax | 10 °C with temperature planning required |
| Supported cabling | Category 3 and Category 5 | Category 5 | ||
| Supported modes | Mode A (from Endpoint PSE), Mode B (from Midspan PSE) | Mode A, Mode B | Mode A, Mode B, 4-pair mode | 4-pair mode mandatory |
POE means Power over Ethernet and refers to a set of standards or proprietary systems that deliver electrical power and data through the same twisted-pair Ethernet cable. This enables a single cable to supply both network connectivity and the necessary power for devices like wireless access points (WAPs), IP cameras, and VoIP phones.
While we all aim to have the best technology for optimal service and the longest lifespan of our investments, this can be very costly upfront. A good value-for-money option can also be a wise investment if it meets both current and medium-term needs. CAT6A has now commonly become the standard. Unless you really need higher bandwidth for dedicated applications, ee therefore naturally recommend staying within this range of Arcane Groupe CAT6A products, as it offers an excellent balance of performance and cost.
Category 8 was ratified by the TR43 working group under the ANSI/TIA 568-C.2-1 standard. It supports frequencies up to 2000 MHz and is specified for maximum distances of 30 meters or 36 meters, depending on the patch cords used.
The ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 25/WG 3 committee developed the corresponding international standard, ISO/IEC 11801-1:2017/COR 1:2018, which defines two options:
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Class I channel (Category 8.1 cable): Minimum cable design of U/FTP or F/UTP, fully backward compatible and interoperable with Class EA (Category 6A) using 8P8C connectors.
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Class II channel (Category 8.2 cable): Minimum cable design of F/FTP or S/FTP, interoperable with Class FA (Category 7A) using TERA or GG45 connectors.
up to 40Gbps at 50meters or 100Gbps at 15meters
If you don’t really need those bandwidths, a more wise choice would be CAT6A.
Class F channels and Category 7 cables are backward compatible with Class D/Category 5e and Class E/Category 6. Class F introduces stricter requirements for crosstalk and system noise than Class E, achieved by adding shielding to both individual wire pairs and the overall cable. In contrast, unshielded cables rely on tightly controlled twists to protect against electromagnetic interference (EMI). Cables with individually shielded pairs, such as Category 7, depend more on the shielding, allowing the pairs to have longer twists.
The Category 7 standard was ratified in 2002, primarily to support 10-gigabit Ethernet over 100 meters of copper cabling. Like previous standards, it consists of four twisted copper wire pairs rated for transmission frequencies up to 600 MHz.
In 2006, Category 6A was introduced to support 10 Gbit/s Ethernet while still using the conventional 8P8C connector. Care must be taken to avoid signal degradation when mixing cables and connectors not designed for that purpose, even if they appear similar. Most manufacturers of network equipment and cards opted to use the 8P8C connector for 10-gigabit Ethernet over copper rather than the GG45, ARJ45, or TERA connectors originally specified for Class F. As a result, the Category 6 specification was updated to Category 6A to accommodate this use, requiring a Class EA channel (i.e., Cat 6A).
We suggest you to analyse your real business needs and if you don’t need speed above 10Gb to fall back on a most cost effective Cat6A solution.
Shielded or not, this questions is valid for any cables category : Cat5E, CAT6, CAT6A. For CAT8 by default there is shielding !
Shielded Ethernet cables are generally more expensive and harder to install than unshielded ones due to their increased stiffness and larger diameter, which also requires more conduit space. In contrast, unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables can deliver faster transmission speeds in environments free from electromagnetic interference (EMI). They are more affordable, easier to handle, and have long been the industry standard, making them common in most existing network installations.
Regardless of whether you choose UTP or shielded twisted pair (STP) cables, it’s important to use high-quality materials. Superior cable quality ensures longer service life, minimizing future replacement and labor costs.
The Category 6A (Augmented Category 6) standard, defined by ANSI/TIA-568.2-D (which replaced 568-C.2), was introduced by the TIA in 2009 to enhance the performance of twisted pair cabling systems. Cat 6A supports frequencies up to 500 MHz—double that of Cat 6—and includes improved specifications for alien crosstalk, reducing interference from external noise sources at high frequencies.
The international cabling standard ISO/IEC 11801 was updated through Amendment 2 to include new requirements for Cat 6A components and Class EA permanent links. These global Cat 6A/Class EA standards demand next-generation connecting hardware with significantly higher performance than products built to the U.S. TIA specifications. A key distinction between ISO/IEC and EIA/TIA standards lies in the NEXT (Near-End Crosstalk) transmission parameter: at 500 MHz, an ISO/IEC Cat 6A connector performs 3 dB better than its EIA/TIA counterpart—representing a 50% reduction in near-end crosstalk noise power.
The max speed is 10Gb over 100meters.
Category 6 (Cat 6) cable is a standardized twisted pair cable used for Ethernet and other network physical layers, designed to be backward compatible with Category 5/5e and Category 3 standards.
Cat 6 cables adhere to stricter requirements for crosstalk and system noise compared to Cat 5 and Cat 5e, offering performance up to 250 MHz—significantly higher than the 100 MHz limit of its predecessors.
While Cat 6 cables have a reduced maximum length of 55 meters for 10GBASE-T applications, the enhanced Category 6A (Cat 6A) version supports frequencies up to 500 MHz and features improved alien crosstalk resistance, enabling 10GBASE-T transmission over the full 100-meter (330 ft) distance supported by earlier Ethernet standards.
For 10/100/1000BASE-T applications, the maximum permitted length of a Cat 6 cable is 100 meters. This includes a 90-meter permanent link—typically solid horizontal cabling connecting two points, such as a patch panel and a wall jack—and an additional 10 meters of stranded patch cords. Some manufacturers now claim their Cat 6 cables can support distances exceeding 100 meters, though such lengths fall outside the TIA 568–2.D standard.
Category 5 (Cat 5) cable is a type of twisted pair cable used in computer networking. Since 2001, its enhanced version, Category 5e (Cat 5e), has been the standard in common use. This cable supports performance up to 100 MHz and is compatible with most Ethernet standards over twisted pair up to 2.5GBASE-T, though it is most often used for 1000BASE-T (Gigabit Ethernet). In addition to networking, Cat 5 cables can also transmit other signals, including telephone and video.
CAT6A became the most used standard, we suggest you to upgrade to CAT6A, visit : https://www.arcane-group.be/?s=CAT6A
Orders are usually shipped within 1-2 business days after placing the order.
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