Introduction to the Ruijie MINI-GBIC-ZX80-SM1550 and its key features
Ruijie MINI-GBIC-ZX80-SM1550is a 1.25 Gbps SFP optical transceiver designed for long‑reach single‑mode fibre links. Marketed as the Ruijie 1G SFP 1550 nm (80 km), this 1000BASE‑ZX module combines a 1550 nm DFB transmitter, duplex LC (UPC) connectors and hot‑pluggable SFP form factor to deliver reliable, low‑power connectivity to distances up to 80 km. Key features include Digital Diagnostic Monitoring (DDM/DOM), low power consumption (≤ 1.5 W), compliance with IEEE 802.3z and SFP MSA, and Class 1 laser safety.
Detailed description of specifications and benefits
The MINI-GBIC-ZX80-SM1550 is purpose‑built for long‑distance 1 Gbps single‑mode applications. Below is a clear breakdown of its technical specifications and the practical benefits they deliver.
- Standards / Type: IEEE 802.3z / 1000BASE‑ZX (SFP)
- Form factor: SFP (1.25 Gbps), SFP MSA compliant, hot‑swappable
- Data rate: 1.063–1.25 Gbps (suitable for 1 G Ethernet)
- Wavelength: 1550 nm (DFB transmitter)
- Maximum reach: Up to 80 km over single‑mode fibre (SMF)
- Connector: Duplex LC (UPC)
- Optical performance: Typical Tx power from ~0 dBm up to +5 dBm; Rx sensitivity OMA < −27 dBm; overload approx −3 dBm (avg)
- Monitoring: DDM/DOM supported for real‑time optical parameters (Tx/Rx power, temperature, voltage, bias current)
- Power & environmental: Power consumption ≤ 1.5 W; operating temperature 0 °C to +70 °C; storage −40 °C to +85 °C
- Compliance & safety: Class 1 laser product; RoHS compliant; meets SFP MSA and IEEE 802.3z
- Long‑reach connectivity: 1550 nm DFB optics and higher Tx power enable reliable links up to 80 km—ideal for campus to campus, inter‑building, and metro segments where fiber distances exceed standard LX limits.
- Operational visibility: DDM gives network teams live telemetry (optical power, temperature, voltage and current), which speeds troubleshooting and reduces truck rolls by allowing remote health checks.
- Low power and thermal load: With power consumption ≤ 1.5 W, the module is energy efficient and generates less heat—helpful in high‑density chassis and eco‑conscious deployments.
- Hot‑swappable convenience: The SFP form factor lets technicians replace or upgrade modules without shutting down equipment, minimizing maintenance windows and service disruption.
- Vendor compatibility: Built to SFP MSA and IEEE standards for broad interoperability. However, always confirm compatibility and configuration requirements with your switch/router vendor.
Use cases and scenarios where the product excels
The Ruijie MINI-GBIC-ZX80-SM1550 is especially well suited to environments that require reliable 1 Gbps links across distances that ordinary LX modules cannot bridge. Common scenarios include:
- Connecting administrative buildings, lecture halls and data closets spread across a large campus where runs can approach tens of kilometers.
- Aggregation between metro switches or small POPs where 80 km reach avoids intermediate regeneration or optical add/drop equipment.
- Backhauling traffic from remote base stations or microwave towers to central aggregation points without the need for costly optical amplifiers or DWDM in simple point‑to‑point links.
- Site‑to‑site replication and backups where physical distance prevents direct short‑reach connections but 1 G throughput is sufficient.
- Linking branch sites, offsite facilities or remote sensors to head office across metropolitan or regional fiber.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
Choosing the right transceiver depends on reach, wavelength, power budget and vendor compatibility. Here’s how the Ruijie MINI-GBIC-ZX80-SM1550 compares to common alternatives.
- Use case: Shorter campus links and standard single‑mode runs inside metropolitan areas.
- Compared to LX: Ruijie ZX extends reach dramatically (up to 80 km) and uses 1550 nm DFB optics designed for longer distances; LX modules are lower cost but cannot span the same distances.
- Functionally similar modules are available from established brands (e.g., widely referenced Cisco ZX equivalents). The Ruijie ZX module aims to deliver equivalent long‑reach performance—1550 nm, 80 km—often at a more competitive price point.
- Key differentiators among vendors are interoperability guarantees, warranty and support. Ruijie provides vendor‑grade performance and standards compliance; check vendor compatibility lists for your hardware.
- DWDM/CWDM transceivers support multiple wavelengths for dense wavelength multiplexing and very long links with amplification. They are more complex and costly.
- Compared to DWDM/CWDM: The Ruijie ZX module is a simple, cost‑effective point‑to‑point option without the need for multiplexing gear when a single 1 Gbps channel suffices.
- Higher‑speed optics (10G, 25G) offer greater bandwidth but at higher cost and often higher power consumption. If your requirement is strictly 1 Gbps, the Ruijie ZX module provides an economical long‑reach choice without overprovisioning capacity.
Customer testimonials and typical feedback
No formal third‑party customer testimonials are supplied with this product listing. However, feedback commonly reported by network installers and IT teams using similar Ruijie long‑reach SFPs highlights these recurring positives:
- "Reliable long‑distance link at a good price—plugged in and ran with no fuss."
- "DDM makes troubleshooting so much faster; we can see real‑time power and temp without a truck roll."
- "Lower power means less heat in our switch chassis, helpful when we populate many ports."
- "Comparable to OEM long‑reach modules but often available at a better cost‑per‑link for our campus upgrades."
These paraphrased comments reflect common installer experience with standards‑based, long‑reach SFPs that include DDM and robust optical budgets. Before purchase, many teams also validate compatibility with their specific switch vendor to avoid vendor lock or interop warnings.
Installation tips and practical considerations
- Follow your switch/router vendor guidelines for supported transceiver part numbers and any required firmware or configuration changes.
- Observe hot‑swap procedures and ensure dust caps are used when modules are idle to protect LC connectors.
- Use appropriate single‑mode fiber (SMF) and check end‑to‑end loss budgets—connectors, splices and fiber condition affect achievable reach.
- Monitor DDM values after installation to confirm expected Tx/Rx power and to spot margin issues early.
- Note safety labels: Class 1 laser devices should be handled per standard safety guidance; avoid direct eye exposure to fibre ends.
Conclusion: Why this product is a great choice
The Ruijie MINI-GBIC-ZX80-SM1550 offers a focused, standards‑based solution for point‑to‑point 1 Gbps single‑mode links up to 80 km. Its combination of long reach, DDM diagnostics, low power consumption and SFP hot‑plug convenience make it an attractive option for campus links, metro aggregation, ISP backhaul and enterprise site connections where 1 Gbps is sufficient. For organisations seeking cost‑effective long‑reach connectivity without the complexity or expense of DWDM/CWDM systems, this module strikes a practical balance between performance and price.
Before deploying, validate compatibility with your switch or router vendor and plan your optical loss budget. With the right planning, the Ruijie MINI-GBIC-ZX80-SM1550 can deliver a dependable long‑reach fiber link that keeps networks connected across city and regional distances.
