Differences Between SFP, BiDi SFP and Compact SFP
As we know, a common SFP transceiver is generally with two ports, one is TX port which is used to transmit the signal, and the other one is RX port which is used to receive signals. Unlike common SFP transceiver, BiDi SFP transceiver is only with one port which uses an integral WDM coupler to transmit and receive signals over a single strand fiber. In fact, the compact SFP is a 2-channel BiDi SFP, which integrates two BiDi SFP in one SFP module. Therefore, a compact SFP is also with two ports as the common SFP. SFP, BiDi SFP and Compact SFP Connection Methods All SFP transceivers must be used in pairs. For common SFPs, we should connect the two SFPs which have the same wavelength together. For example, we use a 850nm SFP at one end, then we must use a 850nm SFP on the other end (shown in the figure below). For BiDi SFP , since it transmits and receives signals with different wavelengths, we should connect the two BiDi SFPs which have the opposite wa...