SFP-10G-ZR-BCC | Cisco Compatible 10GB Single-Mode ZR - 80km (10GBASE-ZR)

Q: Will this work in place of the Cisco SFP-10G-ZR?
A: Yes. The SFP-10G-ZR-BCC is built to the same Cisco specifications as the SFP-10G-ZR, supporting 10GBASE-ZR, 10GBASE-ZW, and OTU2/OTU2e at 1550nm over single-mode fibre to 80km. It is plug-and-play compatible with Cisco SFP+ ports and meets SFP+ MSA, IEEE 802.3ae, and SFF-8472 standards, delivering the same form factor, data rate, wavelength, and reach.

Q: Which Cisco platforms support this transceiver?
A: This transceiver works in any Cisco platform with a 10G SFP+ port that supports the SFP-10G-ZR. Cisco publishes a compatibility matrix for 10 Gigabit Ethernet transceiver modules listing supported switches, routers, and line cards. If your equipment accepts the SFP-10G-ZR, this module is a functional replacement.

Q: Why does this module require an attenuator for short distances?
A: The SFP-10G-ZR uses a high-power 1550nm EML laser and sensitive APD receiver optimized for 80km transmission. On links shorter than 40km, the received optical power can exceed the APD damage threshold. An inline attenuator (15dB for under 5km, 10dB for 5-25km, 5dB for 25-45km) reduces the signal to safe levels, protecting the receiver and ensuring reliable operation.

Q: Can I monitor link quality and optical power in real time?
A: Yes. This transceiver supports Digital Optical Monitoring per SFF-8472, accessible via the 2-wire serial interface on the host platform. You can read TX and RX optical power, temperature, laser bias current, and supply voltage in real time. Most Cisco NOS software exposes these parameters through show commands, allowing you to track link margin, detect fibre degradation, and troubleshoot without external test equipment.

Q: What fibre type and chromatic dispersion limits apply to the 80km reach?
A: This module is designed for standard G.652 single-mode fibre and tolerates up to 1600 ps/nm chromatic dispersion. At 1550nm on typical G.652 fibre with 17 ps/nm/km dispersion, an 80km link accumulates approximately 1360 ps/nm, well within spec. Older or non-standard fibre with higher dispersion may reduce effective reach. The 80km distance also assumes typical fibre loss of 0.25 dB/km and adequate connector and splice budgets.