SFP-10G-LRM (Long-Reach Multi-Mode 10G) Transceiver?

● Introduction

The SFP-10G-LRM optical transceiver—short for 10 Gigabit Ethernet, Multi-Mode—is designed for 10 Gbps transmission over older or installed multimode fibers. It bridges the gap between short-range modules and longer, single-mode solutions, offering a cost-effective upgrade path for existing networks.

● What Makes SFP-10G-LRM Special?

  • Standard Compliance: Defined in the IEEE 802.3aq (2006) amendment for 10GBASE-LRM.

  • Fiber Compatibility: Works over FDDI-grade, OM1, OM2, and OM3 fibers—up to 220 meters reach.

  • Technology: Operates at 1310 nm and uses Electronic Dispersion Compensation (EDC) to overcome modal distortion.

  • Single-mode Support (non-standard): Some modules extend reach up to 300 m on SMF (G.652), though this isn’t IEEE-defined.

● Why Choose SFP-10G-LRM?

  • Upgrade without replacing infrastructure: Enables 10G performance on existing multimode fiber cabling (OM1–OM3), ideal for retrofits.

  • Economic and practical: More affordable than single-mode solutions and avoids fiber re-cabling.

  • Reliable design: Supports at least 99% link coverage for typical installed fibers, ensuring stable performance.

  • Competitive over LX4 for shorter distances: LRM offers greater distance on multimode fibers compared to 10GBASE-LX4 (SR alternatives) in many legacy environments.

● Comparing 10G SFP+ Options

Standard

Fiber Type

Wavelength

Max Reach

Notes

10GBASE-SR

MMF (OM3/OM4)

850 nm

300 m / 400 m

Standard, short-range module

10GBASE-LRM

MMF (OM1–OM3)

1310 nm

up to 220/300 m

With EDC, avoids recabling

10GBASE-LR

Single-mode SMF

1310 nm

up to 10 km

Long-distance backbone links

● LINK-PP Example: 10GBASE-LRM Module

LINK-PP 10GBASE-LRM Module

LINK-PP offers an SFP+ 10GBASE-LRM module—model LS-MM3110-S2I—that embodies this standard:

  • Wavelength: 1310 nm

  • Max Reach: Up to 220 m on multimode fibers

  • Form Factor: LC duplex connector, SFP+ housing

  • Use Case: Seamless upgrades of legacy fiber infrastructures

  • Interface specifics and specs are available in the datasheet PDF.

● Final Thoughts

For environments with installed multimode fiber, the SFP-10G-LRM transceiver delivers a practical upgrade path to 10 Gbps performance while minimizing cost and disruption. It is a smart, standards-compliant choice for many enterprise and data center scenarios.

● See Also