How to choose between managed and unmanaged fiber optic transceivers?

The functions, features and application environments of managed and unmanaged optical transceivers are different. The following will detail the differences between them and how to choose the appropriate optical transceiver for your network.

Configuration function:

Normally, managed optical transceivers have remote Web or Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) interfaces, and network administrators can easily monitor and configure the transmission rate and duplex mode of optical transceivers. More specifically, the remote configuration function allows network administrators to configure fiber optic transceivers without leaving home; the performance monitoring function can monitor or provide warnings about potential problems; The fault management function can actively monitor network problems and respond quickly to network faults; the intuitive software interface simplifies the configuration of the network and services. 

For unmanaged optical transceivers, the most important function is the above-mentioned DIP switch function, which can be used to change the operating mode of the device. In addition to the basic configuration mentioned above, the unmanaged fiber optic transceiver with DIP switch can also be configured with other functions, such as remote fault indication, fault propagation and loopback mode.

Safety performance:

The managed optical transceiver supports all three-A level security verification (identity verification, authorization authentication and billing security services) used in the network. In order to further prevent the identity and password from being “snooped” by others, the managed optical transceiver Can support telnet to provide security verification. However, the unmanaged optical transceiver lacks a simple network management protocol for monitoring and management functions, and its security performance is not as high as that of the managed optical transceiver.This is why in many large data centers or enterprise networks tend to use managed fiber optic transceivers.

How to choose managed and unmanaged fiber optic transceivers?

Managed fiber optic transceivers are most suitable for complex environments that require large-scale deployment of fiber optic transceivers. They are very important for users who need to quickly respond to network failures, remotely and safely manage the network, and troubleshoot the network. Can obtain the best network performance and reliability for the network. Managed fiber optic transceivers can fully control data and traffic in any part of the network.

Unmanaged fiber optic transceivers are usually used to connect network branches or edge devices of small networks containing only a few components. They are an excellent choice for home networks and small business networks.  In short, the managed optical transceiver has more advanced functions and better performance, and its application range is wider than that of the unmanaged optical transceiver. You can choose the right fiber optic transceiver for your network according to your specific needs.

In conclusion:

Although managed optical transceivers are more expensive than unmanaged optical transceivers, managed optical transceivers are a good choice when you need to better control and monitor network traffic.However, if it is only based on simple use or management needs, then the unmanaged optical transceiver can meet your needs. You can choose the appropriate fiber optic transceiver according to your specific network requirements.