LR and LX SFP are both types of small form-factor pluggable (SFP) transceivers used in network switches, routers, and other networking devices. The main difference between LR and LX SFP is their maximum transmission distance.

LR SFP (Long Range) has a maximum transmission distance of up to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) over single-mode fiber, making it suitable for long-distance connections.

LX SFP (Long wavelength) has a maximum transmission distance of up to 550 meters (1,800 feet) over multimode fiber and up to 10 kilometers over single-mode fiber, making it suitable for both short and long-distance connections.

In summary, the main difference is that LR SFP is designed for longer transmission distances over single-mode fiber, while LX SFP can be used for both short and long-distance connections over both multimode and single-mode fiber.

Within the Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) transceivers family, there are different subtypes built around specific use cases and requirements. Two such subtypes are LX SFP and LR SFP. Both these transceivers are designed for long-distance data transmission, but they differ slightly in their specifications, primarily in the distance of coverage and the technology used.

LX SFP: LX stands for Long Wavelength. LX SFP modules are intended for use with single-mode fiber optic cables, allowing for longer distances to be covered than with multimode fiber optic cables typically used with short wavelength (SX) modules. The wavelength at which the LX SFP operates is usually around 1310 nm, and it can support distances up to 10 km or about 6 miles. LX SFP can be used with both single-mode and multimode fiber cables but may require a mode conditioning patch cable when connecting to multimode fibers over extended distances.

LR SFP: LR stands for Long Reach. LR SFP modules are built for even longer distances than LX SFP modules and are also used with single-mode fiber optic cables. They usually operate at a wavelength of 1310 nm but are designed to handle distances up to 20 km or even 40 km in some cases, significantly more than LX modules.

10GBASE-LR vs 1000BASE-LX: What’s the Difference?

As mentioned above, 10GBASE-LR and 1000BASE-LX both are types of Gigabit Ethernet standards for fiber transceivers. But what are the distinctions? The following table lists the differences of 10GBASE-LR vs 1000BASE-LX.

Although 10GBASE-LR and 1000BASE-LX both support long distance transmission, they are distinct from data rate. The former is applied to 10GbE while the latter is used in 1GbE. Both of them play their own essential roles in different fields and can not be confused with each other.

Within the Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) transceivers family, there are different subtypes built around specific use cases and requirements. Two such subtypes are LX SFP and LR SFP. Both these transceivers are designed for long-distance data transmission, but they differ slightly in their specifications, primarily in the distance of coverage and the technology used.

LX SFP: LX stands for Long Wavelength. LX SFP modules are intended for use with single-mode fiber optic cables, allowing for longer distances to be covered than with multimode fiber optic cables typically used with short wavelength (SX) modules. The wavelength at which the LX SFP operates is usually around 1310 nm, and it can support distances up to 10 km or about 6 miles. LX SFP can be used with both single-mode and multimode fiber cables but may require a mode conditioning patch cable when connecting to multimode fibers over extended distances.

LR SFP: LR stands for Long Reach. LR SFP modules are built for even longer distances than LX SFP modules and are also used with single-mode fiber optic cables. They usually operate at a wavelength of 1310 nm but are designed to handle distances up to 20 km or even 40 km in some cases, significantly more than LX modules.

10GBASE-LR vs 1000BASE-LX: What’s the Difference?

As mentioned above, 10GBASE-LR and 1000BASE-LX both are types of Gigabit Ethernet standards for fiber transceivers. But what are the distinctions? The following table lists the differences of 10GBASE-LR vs 1000BASE-LX.

Although 10GBASE-LR and 1000BASE-LX both support long distance transmission, they are distinct from data rate. The former is applied to 10GbE while the latter is used in 1GbE. Both of them play their own essential roles in different fields and can not be confused with each other.

SFP-10G-SR transceivers and SFP-10G-LRM transceivers both support multimode fiber transmission. The former supports 300m over OM3 cable and 400m over OM4 cable while the latter supports 200m over OM3 or OM4 cable. Normally, when the transmission distance is less than 300 meters, SFP-10G-SR is recommended. However, if you have other requirements, for example, 200m transmission with modal bandwidth of 500 MHz km, then an SFP-10G-LRM transceiver is necessary. For more subtle differences, refer to the following chart:

Given that many users are still using OM1 and OM2, the pursuit for SFP-10G-LRM fiber optic transceiver is bigger than SFP-10G-SR optical transceiver because the transmission distance of SFP-10G-SR is only 33m over OM1/OM2, while SFP-10G-LRM can support 220m over OM1/OM2.

For single mode transmission within 300 meters, choosing SFP-10G-LRM is an economical solution. For 2-10km transmission, the SFP-10G-LR is the only option.