Recently I cam accross the question, why there 2 different media converters exists - one is tha SFP slot, or socket based media converter, and another is regular media converter with optical module integrated on the PCB board.
Before I start to try define for myself the possible applications for them, let's check an examples of both.
AD-net Technology from Taiwan offers both:
SFP slot based media converter: http://www.ad-net.com.tw/index.php?id=270
and regular media converter we all know: http://www.ad-net.com.tw/index.php?id=42
As far as I have studied out, the SFP converter, with an SFP module together appears to be higher priced, as the one with intgrated module. So where the heck is the benefits of first?
Well, I suppose in network development, where the infrastracture is changing a lot.
For example you install the media converter with SFP slot, and then rent a dual fiber from a fiber access network operator. All goes smooth, until one day the operator makes a higher cost of the renting the fiber. You just come and change the SFP module to the gigabit WDM one
Also interoperability issues takes place. What about if you use the SFP slot media converter at user side, and another side is Cisco switches who just do not want to handshake with a converter you have? This is a risk, there is always an issues, with interoperability.
Then operator just can buy for stock Cisco generic SFP's and use this converter at user side with no trouble - interoperability will be granted - more - you change a Cisco to Foundry Networks, and again - just change an SFP, and all works fine.
Flexibility and interoperability is a key in my opinion, so they definetly have a market
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)