1G BIDI SFP Transceiver GE-SFP-LX20-SM1310-BIDI — 1310/1550 nm, 20 km, DDM

Introduction: What the GE-SFP-LX20-SM1310-BIDI offers

Ruijie GE-SFP-LX20-SM1310-BIDIis a 1.25 Gbps (1000BASE-LX) BIDI SFP transceiver designed for single‑fibre point‑to‑point links over single‑mode fibre (SMF). Using a bidirectional (BIDI) approach, this module transmits at 1310 nm and receives at 1550 nm, allowing two-way Gigabit Ethernet communication over a single strand of 9/125 µm fibre for distances up to 20 km. It supports Digital Optical Monitoring (DDM/DOM), is hot‑pluggable in standard SFP ports, and consumes very low power (≤ 1.5 W typical).

Key features at a glance

• Data rate: 1.25 Gbps (1000BASE‑LX)
• BIDI single‑fibre operation: TX 1310 nm / RX 1550 nm
• Reach: up to 20 km over 9/125 µm SMF
• Connector: simplex LC (BIDI)
• Form factor: SFP (MSA compliant), hot‑pluggable
• Diagnostics: DDM/DOM supported for real‑time monitoring
• Power consumption: ≤ 1.5 W typical
• Safety/compliance: Class 1 laser, RoHS (confirm CE/UKCA with supplier)

Detailed specifications and practical benefits

The GE-SFP-LX20-SM1310-BIDI is tailored for environments where conserving fibre is important or where running an additional fibre pair would be costly or impractical. Its optical design uses an FP transmitter and a PIN receiver in a BIDI configuration. The SFP form factor keeps the module compact and hot‑swappable so maintenance or upgrades can be performed with minimal downtime.

• Data rate and protocol:1.25 Gbps compatible with 1000BASE‑LX Ethernet, making it suitable for most Gigabit Ethernet deployments.
• Wavelength pairing:TX 1310 nm / RX 1550 nm—this complementary wavelength arrangement means the module must be paired with the matching opposite unit (TX 1550 / RX 1310) to form a two‑way link over a single fibre.
• Reach:Up to 20 km over standard 9/125 µm single‑mode fibre—sufficient for many campus, metropolitan, and inter‑building links.
• Diagnostics:DDM/DOM support provides live telemetry (temperature, laser bias, transmit/receive power, etc.), which helps monitoring, troubleshooting, and validating link health without additional test equipment.

• Hot‑pluggable SFP form factor:Makes installation and replacement simple and reduces maintenance windows.
• Low power:≤ 1.5 W typical power draw keeps operational costs down and eases thermal design in dense chassis systems.
• Class 1 laser:Normal safety precautions apply, and the module meets common device safety expectations. Confirm regional certifications with your supplier if required.

Note on optical budget: Tx power and Rx sensitivity figures are not provided here (marked as insufficient data in the summary specifications). For precise link planning—especially in scenarios with patch panels, connectors, or span loss—consult the manufacturer datasheet to obtain Tx power, Rx sensitivity, and maximum allowable loss values.

Use cases and scenarios where this product excels

The GE-SFP-LX20-SM1310-BIDI is particularly useful in scenarios where fibre conservation, long reach, and cost control are priorities. Typical examples include:

• When existing fibre ducts are full or where pulling a new fibre pair is disruptive or expensive, single‑fibre BIDI modules let you double the effective links per strand, reducing cabling costs and installation time.

• Service providers who need to extend Gigabit Ethernet to remote cabinets or multi‑dwelling units can benefit from BIDI modules to maximize limited fiber plant while retaining managed link diagnostics via DDM.

• Industrial campuses, warehouses, and remote monitoring locations frequently run into fibre scarcity or difficult installation conditions. A single‑fibre solution reduces complexity and physical infrastructure footprint.

• For events, temporary site connections, or quick failover arrangements, the hot‑swappable and low‑power nature of this SFP simplifies fast rollouts.

Comparisons with similar products on the market

BIDI SFPs are available from many networking vendors and third‑party optics manufacturers. When comparing the Ruijie GE-SFP-LX20-SM1310-BIDI against alternatives, consider these points:

• Distance and wavelengths:Some BIDI modules target shorter or longer reaches (e.g., 10 km vs 20 km vs 40 km) or use different wavelength pairs. Choose the product whose reach and wavelength pair match your link budget and partner module.
• DDM/DOM support:Not all low‑cost optics include diagnostic monitoring. The inclusion of DDM here is an advantage for managed networks that rely on telemetry for proactive maintenance.
• Vendor compatibility and support:Major switch vendors sometimes lock optics or require vendor‑branded modules for full feature support. Ruijie branded modules are a natural choice in Ruijie ecosystems; in multi‑vendor environments, third‑party optics can be cost‑effective but verify compatibility and return policies.
• Price vs. assurance:At a suggested price of $69.99 (cost price listed $52.80), this module sits in the affordable mid‑range. Cheaper no‑name BIDI modules exist, but they may lack robust quality control, full DDM compliance, or reliable long‑term support. For critical links, investing in a reputable brand often reduces unexpected failure risk.

Customer feedback and reviews

Direct, named customer testimonials for this exact SKU may be limited in public forums. However, typical feedback themes for BIDI SFPs of this class include:

• Positive:Users praise the ability to halve fibre usage, ease of installation (hot‑pluggable SFP), and the benefit of DOM for rapid diagnostics. In many deployments customers report stable links for years when optical budgets are respected.
• Caveats:A recurring note from installers is to always test compatibility with the target switch/router platform before large deployments—some hardware will log warnings or block third‑party optics unless the device accepts them. Also, customers emphasize checking the exact Tx/Rx pairing to ensure you order the complementary module.

If you need, you can request sample modules for lab validation before purchasing in volume, or ask your supplier for return policies and compatibility guarantees.

Installation tips and safety notes

• Always power down or follow your equipment vendor's recommended hot‑swap procedure when inserting or removing SFPs. While hot‑pluggable, proper handling reduces electrical or mechanical stress.
• Observe laser safety—never look directly into fibre connectors or transmitters. Use dust caps when ports are unused to protect connectors and maintain optical performance.
• Validate link parameters using DDM readings after bringing the module online: confirm Tx power, Rx power, temperature, and laser bias to ensure the link meets the expected optical budget.

Conclusion: Why choose the GE-SFP-LX20-SM1310-BIDI?

For networks that need reliable Gigabit links while conserving fibre, the Ruijie GE-SFP-LX20-SM1310-BIDI is a practical and cost‑effective option. It combines single‑fibre BIDI capability (1310/1550 nm), a 20 km reach suitable for many campus and metro links, DDM monitoring for easier operations, and a low power footprint in a standard hot‑swappable SFP package. While precise optical budget figures should be confirmed from the official datasheet before deployment, this module is a strong candidate for ISPs, campus networks, industrial sites, and any environment where fibre is at a premium. Consider vendor compatibility and confirm certification details with your supplier, and test in your environment to ensure smooth deployment and long‑term reliability.