Why SFP Transceivers Stop Working and Their Possible Troubleshooting Guide

A Small Form Factor (SFP) transceiver is a compact hot swappable module that is used in computing fiber optic transceiver module for both telecommunication and data communications applications. The increase in the high-speed data transmission due to the demands of the people have led to the fast rise in demand for the SFP modules.

SFP transceivers can be used in a variety of applications. However, sometimes they do not always work according to the way they are intended to. When this happens, it may be a good idea to determine why the SFP module is not working. If you are a newbie to the transceiver world, and it happens that your module stops working, this guide will assist in providing a number of solutions.

Common Reasons Why SFP Transceivers Stop Working

1. Compatibility Issues
2. Defective Components
3. Excessive Dust

1. Compatibility Issues

Most of the manufactures guarantee a 100 percentage compatibility, and this may not always be the case. Sometimes the device may not be compatible, and you may find yourself troubleshooting it without any tangible results.

If this happens, its solution may be more challenging and may require more technical knowledge that what a typical novice may have. If any part your infrastructure is old, chances may be that the new transceiver has been manufactured with the new technologies. It is thus advisable that you consider replacing the device.

Errors Associated with Compatibility Issues

Transceivers that have compatibility issues may display the following error message.

“% GBIC_SECURITY_CRYPT-4-VN_DATA_CRC_ERROR: SFP in port 123456 has bad CRC

%PM-4-ERR_DISABLE: gbic-invalid error detected on Gi2/1/20, putting Gi2/1/20 in err-disable state.”

Detecting Compatibility

In order to detect compatibility issues, most of the transceivers have a burned-in chip that contain information such as the serial number, the security information, and the vendor ID. If the information does not match what is contained in the database, the device will be disabled making the device stop working.

2. Defective Components

At times, the components of the transceiver may burn out prematurely. This may happen to a variety of issues. Most of the vendors often build an automatic shut down to the entire machine in case the machine malfunctions.

The transceivers may equally stop working due to the tear and wear. If any component of the transceiver malfunctions, it is recommended to make a good assessment in order to determine the problem. At times, it is better to buy a new SFP transceiver other than trying the repair on a faulty one.

3. Excessive Dust

Optical devices should not be exposed to dust. Always insert into a dust plug when the SFP modules not in use. When the LC connectors are affected by dust, it may cause the module to stop abruptly working. Dust affect the signal transmission making the optical transceiver stop working.