In the field of fiber optic networking, identifying the right transceiver quickly is essential to maintain high performance and avoid installation errors. One key method of visual identification is the color of the transceiver’s pull tab, which corresponds to its wavelength. This article provides a professional guide on transceiver pull tab color codes by wavelength—spanning SFP, SFP+, CWDM, and BiDi modules—and introduces how LINK-PP standardizes color matching across its optical product lines.
🔍 Why Wavelength Matters in Optical Modules
Every optical transceiver operates at a specific wavelength, typically measured in nanometers (nm). Matching the correct wavelength with the right fiber type and application is essential to ensure:
Signal integrity
Transmission distance
Compatibility with other equipment (like multiplexers in WDM systems)
1️⃣ Standard SFP Wavelengths and Pull Tab Colors
The most commonly used SFP optical modules operate at 850nm, 1310nm, 1490nm, and 1550nm. Their pull tab colors help quickly distinguish between module types and supported transmission distances.
Wavelength | Application | Pull Tab Color |
|---|---|---|
850nm | Gigabit SX | Black |
1310nm | LX/SMF / Fast Ethernet | Blue |
1490nm | GPON / BiDi | Purple |
1550nm | Long Distance | Yellow |
1550nm ≥ 80KM | Ultra Long Haul | Green |
2️⃣ CWDM Transceiver Color Coding
CWDM (Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing) modules use 18 different wavelengths between 1270nm and 1610nm, each with a unique pull ring color for easy identification.
Wavelength | Pull Ring Color | Wavelength | Pull Ring Color |
|---|---|---|---|
1270nm | Gray | 1470nm | Gray |
1290nm | Gray | 1490nm | Purple |
1310nm | Gray | 1510nm | Blue |
1330nm | Purple | 1530nm | Green |
1350nm | Blue | 1550nm | Yellow |
1370nm | Green | 1570nm | Orange |
1390nm | Yellow | 1590nm | Red |
1410nm | Orange | 1610nm | Brown |
1430nm | Red | ||
1450nm | Brown |
This color coding enables fast troubleshooting and port mapping in complex CWDM networks.
3️⃣ 10G Dual Fiber SFP+ Modules
10G dual-fiber optical modules typically use three key wavelengths, each with different transmission ranges and corresponding pull tab colors.
Wavelength | Distance | Pull Ring Color |
|---|---|---|
850nm | Short Reach | Black |
1310nm | 10–40 KM | Blue |
1550nm (40 KM) | Medium Distance | Red |
1550nm (80 KM) | Long Distance | White |
4️⃣ 10G BiDi Modules (Single Fiber)
BiDi (Bidirectional) optical modules transmit and receive on a single fiber using different wavelengths for each direction.
Tx Wavelength | Pull Tab Color |
|---|---|
1270nm | Black |
1330nm | Blue |
1490nm | Purple |
1550nm | Yellow |
5️⃣ LINK-PP Transceiver Pull Tab Color Reference
LINK-PP offers a full range of compatible SFP/SFP+ transceivers with strict adherence to industry-standard color coding. Below are commonly used modules and their pull tab colors:
SFP/SFP+ Dual-Fiber Modules
Module Type | Wavelength | Pull Tab Color |
|---|---|---|
SFP ZX | 1550nm 80KM | Green |
SFP+ ZR | 1550nm 80KM | White |
SFP EX | 1550nm 40KM | Yellow |
SFP+ ER | 1550nm 40KM | Red |
SFP LX, LHX | 1310nm 20/40KM | Blue |
SFP SX | 850nm 550M | Black |
100Mbps SMF | 1310nm 10/20/40KM | Blue |
100Mbps MMF | 1310nm 2KM | Black |
SFP/SFP+ BiDi Modules
Tx Wavelength | Pull Tab Color |
|---|---|
1490nm | Purple |
1550nm | Yellow |
1310nm | Blue |
1330nm | Blue |
1270nm | Black |
✅ Why Choose LINK-PP?
With over 20 years of experience in optical communication, LINK-PP delivers high-quality transceivers with consistent labeling and color standards. Whether you need BiDi modules for metro access or CWDM for dense wavelength deployments, LINK-PP ensures compatibility, performance, and ease of identification.
🔗 Explore our full product catalog at www.l-p.com
