Introduction to the Ruijie GE-SFP-LH40-SM1310-BIDI
The Ruijie GE-SFP-LH40-SM1310-BIDI is a compact, hot-pluggable optical transceiver designed for 1.25 Gbps Gigabit Ethernet links over single-mode fibre. Built to the SFP (mini-GBIC) form factor, this BiDi module transmits at 1310 nm and receives at 1550 nm, allowing full duplex communication over a single strand of fibre for distances up to 40 km. With features such as digital diagnostics monitoring (DDM/DOM), low power draw and compliance with common SFP/laser safety standards, the module is targeted at installers, network engineers and organisations looking to reduce fibre usage, simplify cabling and extend Gigabit connectivity between sites.
- 1.25 Gbps data rate supporting IEEE 802.3z (1000BASE-LH)
- BiDi single-fibre operation: TX 1310 nm / RX 1550 nm (requires complementary module TX1550/RX1310 at the far end)
- Reach of up to 40 km over single-mode fibre (SMF)
- SFP form factor, hot-pluggable and MSA compliant
- Digital diagnostics monitoring (DDM/DOM) for live optical and thermal metrics
- Low typical power consumption (≤ 1.5 W) and RoHS/Class 1 laser safety compliance
Detailed specifications and benefits
The GE-SFP-LH40-SM1310-BIDI packs practical optical performance into a familiar and widely supported SFP package. Below is a breakdown of the product's key specifications and the benefits they deliver in real deployments.
- Product: GE-SFP-LH40-SM1310-BIDI — a standardized SFP module that fits any MSA-compliant SFP slot.
- Protocol & data rate: IEEE 802.3z (1000BASE-LH) at 1.25 Gbps (1.063–1.25 Gbps), suitable for Gigabit Ethernet links, storage and some telecom interfaces.
- Benefit: The SFP form factor and industry-standard electrical interface enable broad compatibility with switches, routers and media converters from many vendors.
- Wavelength: TX 1310 nm / RX 1550 nm (BiDi single-fibre).
- Connector: LC connector using a single fibre strand thanks to wavelength-division operation.
- Maximum reach: Up to 40 km over single-mode fibre (SMF).
- Transmit power: Typical range from about -5 dBm up to 0 dBm; receiver sensitivity typically ≤ -23 dBm; receiver overload ≈ -3 dBm.
- Benefit: Single-fibre BiDi operation halves fibre-count requirements on long runs and preserves existing fibre infrastructure where the available strand count is limited. The 40 km reach covers most campus-to-campus, metro ring and suburban aggregation links.
- Power consumption: ≤ 1.5 W (typical), minimising heat and power draw in dense chassis installations.
- DDM/DOM: Yes — the module provides live diagnostics for optical power levels (TX/RX), temperature, voltage and bias current, simplifying commissioning and troubleshooting.
- Operating temperature: 0°C to 70°C; storage: -40°C to 85°C.
- Dimensions and weight: SFP standard approximately 56.5 × 13.5 × 8.5 mm and ~35 g.
- Benefit: DDM support is particularly valuable for remote monitoring of link health, enabling network teams to detect fibre degradation, misalignment or dirty connectors early without on-site inspection.
- SFP MSA, SFF-8472, SFF-8431/8432 compliant; RoHS and Class 1 laser safety rated.
- Benefit: Meets common industry regulations and safety requirements for deployment in enterprise, carrier and datacentre environments.
Use cases and scenarios where this module excels
The Ruijie GE-SFP-LH40-SM1310-BIDI is well suited to scenarios where fibre is a constrained resource, where cost-effective long-reach Gigabit links are needed, or where quick deployment and monitoring are priorities. Typical use cases include:
- Connect separate buildings on a university, hospital or corporate campus over a single fibre strand. BiDi reduces the need to lay a second fibre, saving civil works and maintenance costs.
- Establish point-to-point Gigabit links between remote sites, small exchanges or cabinets where available fibre pairs are limited. The 40 km reach covers many metro-to-suburban connections.
- In retrofit projects where existing ducts or conduits cannot be expanded, BiDi transceivers allow full duplex operation using an existing single strand rather than requiring additional installation.
- For networks using MSA-compliant SFP slots, the module enables fast hardware upgrades without replacing switching hardware. DDM enables remote verification during cutover.
Comparisons with similar products on the market
When evaluating optical transceivers, network teams often weigh BiDi modules like the Ruijie GE-SFP-LH40-SM1310-BIDI against two principal alternatives: traditional dual-fibre SFPs (LX/LH) and other BiDi options (different reach or wavelength pairings). Key trade-offs are covered below.
- Fibre usage: BiDi uses one strand vs. two for dual-fibre modules — major advantage where fibre is scarce or costly to add.
- Simplicity and compatibility: Dual-fibre LX modules follow a simple transmit/receive pair on separate fibres and are often the default. BiDi requires the complementary wavelength module at the far end — a small operational constraint but often manageable in planned deployments.
- Reach and performance: For similar optical budgets, both formats can achieve comparable reach. The Ruijie 40 km BiDi is competitive with many single-mode LX modules in range while offering single-fibre convenience.
- Longer-reach BiDi modules (e.g., 40 km) typically have stricter optical budgets and slightly higher costs than 10 km BiDi parts. The Ruijie GE-SFP-LH40-SM1310-BIDI strikes a balance for deployments that require extended distances without stepping up to more expensive DWDM/CWDM or 10 G optics.
- Some switch vendors lock on to manufacturer-specific part numbers; check compatibility if installing third-party modules. Ruijie-branded modules are designed for compatibility with Ruijie switches and are generally accepted in multivendor environments, but always verify vendor policies and compatibility lists where possible.
Customer testimonials and typical feedback
There are no endorsed customer reviews supplied with this listing; however, based on typical installer and network engineer feedback for similar BiDi SFPs, common observations include:
- "Saved us a major fibre re-route — single-fibre BiDi cut our installation time and cost in half." — Network installer (representative comment)
- "DDM made remote troubleshooting easy; we could pinpoint a weakened RX level before outage." — Datacentre technician (representative comment)
- "Make sure you order the complementary wavelength module for the far end — that was our only installation hiccup." — Campus IT manager (representative comment)
These representative comments reflect common real-world benefits (reduced fibre work, useful diagnostics) and common pitfalls (remembering to pair with the correct complementary BiDi module and verifying vendor compatibility).
Practical notes on deployment, pricing and warranty
Price and procurement: The product is positioned as an affordable 1G BiDi option, with a suggested retail price around $55.50 (cost pricing example: $46.61). Actual sale prices may vary by reseller, volume and region. Because the module is an optical component, resellers may handle returns and warranty differently — the product listing specifies no manufacturer warranty information here, so confirm warranty terms with your supplier before purchase.
Compatibility & installation: Always pair the GE-SFP-LH40-SM1310-BIDI with the complementary TX1550/RX1310 BiDi module at the remote end. Verify that target switches or routers accept third-party modules or order Ruijie-validated parts to avoid compatibility checks or disabled ports. Use clean LC connectors and follow standard optical safety precautions; the module is rated Class 1 for laser safety.
Conclusion — why choose the Ruijie GE-SFP-LH40-SM1310-BIDI
The Ruijie GE-SFP-LH40-SM1310-BIDI is a practical, cost-effective solution for extending Gigabit Ethernet over single-mode fibre where fibre counts are limited or civil works are impractical. Its 40 km reach, DDM capability and low power consumption make it suitable for campus links, metro access and retrofit projects. While BiDi modules require the complementary wavelength module at the other end and you should verify device compatibility, the operational advantages — reduced fibre use, easier deployments and useful remote diagnostics — often outweigh these constraints.
If you need an economical way to deliver long-reach Gigabit links without installing additional fibre, and you prioritise plug-and-play SFP compatibility plus live link monitoring, the GE-SFP-LH40-SM1310-BIDI is a strong candidate. For final procurement, confirm compatibility with your specific hardware, order the complementary TX1550/RX1310 module for the remote end, and check reseller warranty and support terms prior to purchase.
