What is meant by optical module coding compatibility

      Optical module code can be regarded as a key to match the lock of the switch. There are many brands of switches, such as Cisco, Huawei, H3C, Juniper, Alcatel, etc. Users need to specify the target switch when purchasing optical modules. But in practice, if you want to change the optical module to another target switch to use, this may have to be based on the actual situation, modify the corresponding code to normal use.
      Let's take a brief look at the coding of optical modules:
      1. Refer to the protocol standard
      Different optical module coding protocols can refer to the corresponding MSA :
      SFP package corresponds to SFF-8472
      XFP package corresponds to INF-8077
      QSFP package corresponds to SFF-8636
      2. Coding area
      Take the SFP package as an example, the encoding is in the A0h area and the page 00h/01h area of A2h.

Figure 1 SFP data storage structure

      Take XFP package as an example, encoded in Table 01h and Table 02h area of A0h.

Figure 2 XFP Data Storage Structure

      Different brands of switches have some different definitions in these coding areas. Manufacturers can do various personalized restrictions in this coding area to identify the type of module or prevent the use of third-party modules, which is called coding compatibility. If the coding of the optical module does not meet the switch requirements, the module may not work or generate device alarms. Cisco switches, for example, do complex algorithmic validation in this coding area. If the optical module used does not comply with the Cisco coding rules, the switch shuts down the port by default to prevent the module from working properly. Huawei's switches in default mode will pop up a warning message in the system when a third-party module is inserted, but usually will not prohibit the use of the module. These switches also usually provide system configuration commands to turn off the third-party module auto-check function to make it easier for customers to use third-party optical module products.
      Moduletek Limited has self-developed CodingBox encoder, which supports SFP/XFP/QSFP modules at the same time. Users can modify the encoding by themselves according to their needs to adapt to different switch applications, CodingBox encoder is flexible and lightweight, no need to supply power individually, no need to install the driver, WIN10 Plug and Play, easy to use.
      In order to realize plug and play, we designed a CodingBox installed on the USB port of your computer, you can use it conveniently by connecting a USB cable between CodingBox and your computer. You are welcome to buy it!

Figure 3 Exterior view of CodingBox

      If you have any questions about the above content, you can contact us by Email : web@moduletek.com