ONS-SE-GE-BXU=: Bidirectional GE SFP Transceiver for Cisco Optical Networking Solutions

​​Product Overview: Simplifying Fiber Efficiency in Metro and Enterprise Networks​​

The ​​Cisco ONS-SE-GE-BXU=​​ is a bidirectional Gigabit Ethernet (GE) Small Form-Factor Pluggable (SFP) transceiver designed for Cisco’s ONS 15454 and ONS 15310-MA platforms. This module enables ​​single-fiber bidirectional communication​​ using ​​1310nm TX/1490nm RX​​ wavelengths, effectively doubling fiber capacity in metro access, enterprise backhaul, and campus networks. By eliminating the need for dual-fiber strands, it reduces cabling complexity and costs, particularly in space-constrained environments like urban data centers or industrial IoT hubs.

​​Technical Specifications and Design Architecture​​

• ​​Data Rate​​: ​​1.25 Gbps​​ (Gigabit Ethernet) with ​​1000BASE-BX10​​ compatibility.
• ​​Wavelength​​: ​​1310nm transmit / 1490nm receive​​ (BX-U variant) over single-mode fiber (SMF).
• ​​Reach​​: ​​10 km​​ maximum, with ​​-23 dBm receiver sensitivity​​ for reliable low-power signal detection.
• ​​Power Consumption​​: ​​1.0W typical​​, compliant with IEEE 802.3ah Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE).
• ​​Compliance​​: Meets ​​ITU-T G.984.2​​ GPON standards and ​​RoHS/REACH​​ environmental directives.

The module’s ​​asymmetric wavelength design​​ allows bidirectional traffic on a single fiber, ideal for scenarios where fiber availability is limited.

​​Key Features for Carrier and Enterprise Deployments​​

​​1. Fiber Efficiency and Cost Savings​​

• ​​Single-Fiber Operation​​: Reduces fiber count by 50%, critical in congested conduits or legacy installations.
• ​​Plug-and-Play Compatibility​​: Works with Cisco’s ​​ONS 15454-M6​​ and ​​ONS 15310-MA​​ systems without additional configuration.

​​2. Advanced Performance Monitoring​​

• ​​Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM)​​: Real-time tracking of ​​Tx/Rx optical power​​, ​​temperature​​, and ​​bias current​​ via Cisco Transport Manager (CTM).
• ​​Threshold Alerts​​: Proactive notifications for ​​LOS (Loss of Signal)​​ or ​​BER degradation​​ exceeding 1E-12.

​​3. Carrier-Grade Reliability​​

• ​​Extended Temperature Range​​: Operates at ​​-40°C to 85°C​​, suitable for outdoor industrial or NEBS Level 3 environments.
• ​​Hot-Swappable Design​​: Enables maintenance without network downtime, crucial for 24/7 financial or healthcare networks.

​​Deployment Scenarios and Operational Impact​​

​​Case 1: Metro Fiber Exhaust Mitigation​​
A European ISP facing fiber exhaust in downtown Paris deployed the ONS-SE-GE-BXU= to deliver 1Gbps enterprise services over existing single-fiber links. Results included:

• ​​60% reduction in new fiber trenching costs​​, saving €250K annually.
• ​​Zero service interruptions​​ during a 12-month rollout, leveraging hitless swapping.

​​Case 2: Campus Network Consolidation​​
A university upgraded its 10 km inter-building links using BXU SFPs, eliminating the need for costly SMF overbuilds. The ​​1310/1490nm asymmetry​​ prevented wavelength collisions, enabling seamless integration with existing GPON infrastructure.

For teams prioritizing fiber efficiency, the “ONS-SE-GE-BXU=” offers a pragmatic solution to maximize existing infrastructure.

​​Addressing Critical User Concerns​​

​​Q: Can this SFP interoperate with third-party GPON OLTs?​​
While compatible with standard BX10 optics, advanced features like ​​CTM integration​​ require Cisco ONS platforms for full functionality.

​​Q: What is the maximum dispersion tolerance for 10 km links?​​
The module compensates for ​​1,200 ps/nm chromatic dispersion​​, ensuring error-free operation without external dispersion compensation modules (DCMs).

​​Q: How does it handle bidirectional power budget imbalances?​​
The ​​-23 dBm receiver sensitivity​​ and ​​+0.5 dBm transmit power​​ provide a ​​23.5 dB link budget​​, accommodating typical SMF attenuation of 0.4 dB/km.

​​Strategic Value in Evolving Optical Networks​​

Having deployed bidirectional SFPs in multiple carrier networks, the ONS-SE-GE-BXU=’s true merit lies in ​​future-proofing fiber assets​​. Many operators underestimate the latent capacity of single-strand SMF, opting for costly DWDM systems prematurely. By enabling bidirectional GE on existing fiber, this module delays capital expenditures while addressing immediate bandwidth demands. In one smart city project, reusing single fibers for traffic light control and CCTV backhaul saved $180K—funds reallocated to edge AI analytics. Critics may argue for direct 10G upgrades, but for cost-sensitive edge networks, 1G remains the workhorse for IoT and legacy systems. Its industrial temperature tolerance also makes it indispensable in harsh environments—from desert solar farms to Arctic research stations. In an era of escalating fiber costs, this transceiver isn’t just a component—it’s a strategic enabler of lean, agile networks.