Optical modules can either plug into a front panel socket or an on-board socket. As the core optoelectronic devices operating at the Physical Layer of the OSI model, their primary function is to perform electro-optical and photo-electric conversion during signal. An optical module usually consists of an optical transmitting device (TOSA, including a laser), an optical receiving device (ROSA, including a photodetector), functional circuits,main control circuit board (PCBA), housing and optical (electrical) interface and other components. Optical modules typically have an electrical interface on the side that connects to the inside of the system and an optical interface on the side that connects to the outside. An electrical port module, also known as an optical-to-electrical port converter module, is a hot-swappable device with an SFP form factor. These modules, including SFP, SFP+, and SFP28, are widely used in enterprise networks, data centers, and carrier-grade deployments.
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