Optical Transceiver
Optical Transceivers Introduction

The difference between single and dual fiber optical transceiver

  • December 30. 2019

There are single-fiber and dual-fiber optical transceivers. How do we choose, and what are their differences and advantages? Let’s learn about this!


What is a Single-Fiber (BiDi) Transceiver?
Single fiber module also called BiDi transceiver or WDM module. It uses WDM technology to realize the bidirectional transmission of optical signals on one optical fiber. BIDI module only has 1 port, wave filtering through the filter of module, and finished the transmitting of 1310nm optical signal and receiving of 1550nm optical signal, or opposite. Therefore the module must be used in pairs, with matched BiDi wavelengths (e.g., one end TX1310/RX1550, the other end TX1550/RX1310).


Common wavelength of BIDI optical module

SFP BIDI:TX1310nm/RX1550nm; TX1550nm/RX1310nm;TX1490nm/RX1550nm; TX1550nm/RX1490nm;TX1310nm/Rx1490nm; TX1490nm/Rx1310nm.

10G SFP+ BIDI: TX1270/RX1330nm; TX1330/RX1270nm


What is a Dual-Fiber Transceiver?

Dual fiber module has two ports, TX is transmitting port, RX is receiving port. Both transmitting and receiving needs one optical fiber, so it requires two fibers for a single link.

Common wavelength of dual fiber optical module
SFP: 850nm; 1310nm; 1550nm; 10G SFP+: 850nm; 1310nm; 1550nm


The advantages of BIDI module: BIDI optical module is relatively expensive in unit price, but save fiber resources, only need one fiber. It is a better choice for users with insufficient fiber resources or those looking to upgrade fiber optic network without laying new cables.
The advantages of dual fiber module: The both ends module don't need to be used in pairs, any 2 can be connected. It's cheaper than the BiDi SFP optical module. But needs two fibers, can choose the dual-fiber module if the optical fiber resources are sufficient.

Cost Analysis: Which is More Economical?
How single-fiber modules to save fiber resources? Let's do a simple cost calculation:
For example: Dual-fiber module is $6/pcs, BiDi SFP for sale is $10/pcs, patch cord is $0.15/pcs.

Which do you think is more economical? I believe you have the answer in mind!

BiDi optical module may be a little expensive than the common optical module, but it can save you the cost of optical cable from the whole network program. ETU-Link offers various rate compatible BiDi modules and stand

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