With the increasing demand for network bandwidth in scenarios such as 5G base station deployment, data center interconnect (DCI), and high-definition video transmission, 100G optical modules have become the mainstream choice. 100G Single-fiber Optical Modules, with their core advantage of enabling bidirectional transmission over a single fiber, are becoming a key device for conserving fiber resources and reducing deployment costs, attracting significant attention within the communications industry.

I. What is a 100G Single-Fiber Optical Module? What Are Its Core Advantages?

The 100G single-fiber optical module is an optical transmission device based on wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology. Unlike traditional dual-fiber optical modules that require two optical fibers for signal transmission and reception, it achieves bidirectional data transmission at 100Gbps by loading optical signals of different wavelengths (such as TX1330nm/RX1270nm) into a single fiber. Its core advantages are concentrated in three aspects:

1. Conserve Fiber Resources: Single-fiber transmission reduces fiber usage by 50%, significantly reducing line construction costs, especially in metropolitan area networks and inter-city DCI scenarios where fiber laying costs are high.

2. Simplified Cabling Architecture: Reduce the number of fiber optic patch cords in the equipment room, reduce cabling complexity, and improve operation and maintenance efficiency;

3. Compatible with Existing Networks: It can be adapted to common LC/SC interfaces, eliminating the need to modify existing fiber links and allowing for easy upgrades of network bandwidth.

II. Typical Application Scenarios for 100G Single-Fiber Optical Modules

(1). 5G Transport Network: In the backhaul link between the 5G core network and base stations, the 100G single-fiber module can meet the high-speed transmission requirements of massive user data while adapting to scenarios with limited fiber resources on the base station side;

(2). Data Center Interconnection: In remote disaster recovery and resource scheduling scenarios between small and medium-sized data centers, single-fiber transmission can reduce cross-campus fiber leasing costs and ensure 100G-level low-latency interconnection;

(3). High-definition Video and Security: Scenarios such as 4K/8K live streaming and remote medical consultations require high bandwidth support. 100G single-fiber modules can stably transmit HD video streams and reduce signal loss.

III. Three Key Considerations When Selecting a 100G Single-Fiber Optical Module

IV. Industry Development Trends for 100G Single-Fiber Optical Modules

With the advancement of the "East-West Computing" initiative and the increasing density of 5G base stations, demand for 100G single-fiber optical modules will continue to grow. In the future, modules will develop towards higher integration and lower power consumption. For example, the use of silicon photonic chips will reduce power consumption to below 5W, while also supporting 100G/200G adaptive speeds to meet the flexible deployment needs of various scenarios. For enterprise users, proactively planning single-fiber optical module upgrades can effectively address bandwidth growth demands over the next three to five years and reduce long-term network operation and maintenance costs.