What types of fiber modules exist, and how do they differ in wear sensitivity?

IN THIS ARTICLE

Overview of Module Types
What Makes a Module More Sensitive?
What Does This Mean for AV over IP?
Conclusion
More information

In this blog, I’ll provide an overview of the most commonly used fiber modules – from SFP to QSFP28 – and explain how they perform under heavy AV workloads.

Overview of Module Types

Module Type	Max Speed	Typical Applications	Expected Lifespan	Sensitivity to Heavy Load
SFP	1 Gbps	LAN uplinks, IP cameras, media converters	>10 years under normal use	Low – stays cool, slow wear
SFP+	10 Gbps	Datacenter servers, AV matrix switching	5–10 years with proper management	Medium – heats up under constant 10G
SFP28	25 Gbps	4K video transport, switch trunking	~5 years under intensive use	Medium/High – generates heat, needs good cooling
QSFP (40G)	40 Gbps (4×10G)	Aggregation of 10G streams, 8K experiments	~5 years under full load	High – 4 lasers generate significant heat
QSFP28 (100G)	100 Gbps (4×25G)	Backbone/core links, high-density AV	3–5 years under continuous use	Very High – extremely sensitive to thermal stress

What Makes a Module More Sensitive?

Heat Generation: The higher the speed, the more energy the module consumes—and the hotter it gets. Heat accelerates wear on laser diodes and electronics.
Component Stress: At higher data rates, tolerances are tighter. A slight degradation that’s harmless at 1 Gbps can cause errors at 25 or 100 Gbps.
Environmental Factors: Modules in AV racks often operate under less ideal conditions than in data centres. Think dusty air, fluctuating temperatures, and limited ventilation.

What Does This Mean for AV over IP?

In AV over IP networks, SFP+ (10G) and SFP28 (25G) modules are especially popular. They offer sufficient bandwidth for HD and 4K video, but require attention:

Ensure proper cooling in your racks.
When in doubt, choose industrial-grade modules, especially in warm or dusty environments.
Monitor temperature and transmit power using DDM (Digital Diagnostic Monitoring) / DOM (Digital Optical Monitoring).
Consider preventive replacement after 5 years of intensive use.

QSFP28 (100G) modules are increasingly used in AV over IP, particularly in large production environments and the broadcast industry. These modules operate at the edge of thermal and reliability limits – extra monitoring and redundancy are crucial here.

Conclusion

Not all fiber modules are created equal. Choosing the right type – and the right quality level – helps determine how long your AV network will remain reliable. In the next blogs, we’ll dive deeper into how fiber modules wear out and what you can do to slow down that process.