10GBASE LR SMF (Long Reach) and SFP 10G LRM Single Mode (Long Reach Multimode) are two types of SFP Ethernet 10GB transceiver modules, with the main differences are the transmission distance, supported fiber types, and application scenarios.
- 10G LR is dedicated to single-mode optical fiber, with a maximum transmission distance of 10km-25km, mainly used for campus network backbone or cross network interconnection;
- 10G LRM is a single mode transceiver over multimode fiber, with a transmission distance of about 220m. It is an economical choice for upgrading old data centers to 10G with multimode fiber. 10G SFPP LRM usually has a slightly lower cost and is suitable for park or building environments.
Comparison of Technical Parameters
| Model | 10GBASE LR SMF | SFP 10G LRM Single Mode |
| standard | 10GBASE-LR | 10GBASE-LRM |
| Fiber optic type | Single mode (SMF OS2) | Multimode (MMF OM1 OM2) |
| center wavelength | 1310nm | 1310nm |
| distance | 10km | 220m |
| Applicable Environment | Campus and enterprise networks cross building and metropolitan area networks | Upgrading old and multi-mode data centers and parks |
| compatibility | Standard single-mode connection, compatible with duplex single mode fiber patch cable LC to LC for use. | Mode conditioning patch cord is required for long-distance transmission on old and old (FDDI/OM1) multimode |
| Cost/Technology | High requirements for lasers | Low cost, single-mode modules run on multi-mode fibers |
10GBASE LR SMF (Long Reach)
10GBASE-LR SFP+ optical module is a single-mode, long-distance transmission module used for 10Gbps Ethernet. It adopts 1310nm wavelength and is connected through LC duplex interface. The nominal single-mode fiber transmission distance can reach up to 10 km. It is a commonly used choice for interconnecting campus networks, metropolitan area networks, and data centers.
- Purpose: Mainly used in scenarios that require high bandwidth and long-distance transmission.
- Features: Uses 1310nm laser, usually DFB laser.
- Advantages: The stable transmission distance can reach 10km, with low signal attenuation and long distance, making it the main solution for cascading in the park.
- Applicable scenarios: Interconnection between data centers and fiber optic connections between building clusters.
SFP 10G LRM Single Mode (Long Reach Multimode)
The 10GBASE-LRM SFP+ optical module adopts a 10G SFP+package, with a wavelength of 1310nm, FP (Fabry Perot) laser emission+PIN detector reception, specially designed to support 220m 10 Gigabit transmission on existing OM1 (62.5/125 μ m) multimode fiber.
- Purpose: Intended to achieve 10G transmission through outdated OM1/OM2 multimode optical fibers.
- Features: Still using 1310nm wavelength (different from SR using 850nm), adopting more advanced electronic dispersion compensation (EDC) technology to cope with mode dispersion in multimode fibers.
- Advantages: It can achieve a transmission distance of 220m on traditional OM1/OM2 multimode optical fibers, without the need to replace old multimode backbone cables with single-mode cables, greatly reducing upgrade costs.
- Applicable scenarios: Multi mode fiber upgrade in an old office building within a data center computer room.
How to choose between 10G LRM and 10G LR?
- If using single-mode fiber (OS2) and the distance is greater than 300 m, please choose 10G LR.
- If using multimode fiber (OM1/OM2/OM3) and the transmission distance is less than 220 m, 10G LRM has a lower cost.
- If you do not wish to purchase new single-mode fiber, simply upgrade with existing old multi-mode fiber, 10G LRM is the only option.
In addition to the two types of SFP Ethernet 10GB transceiver modules mentioned above, Yingda can also provide duplex single mode fiber patch cable LC to LC and LC to LC mode conditioning patch cord for docking with optical modules. Contact us for FREE SAMPLES.




