10GBASE-SR is a port type for MMF (multimode fiber) and uses 850 nm lasers. For longer reach, another standard defined in IEEE 802.3ae is 10GBASE-LR. 10GBASE-LR is a port type for SMF (single mode fiber) and uses 1310 nm lasers. Traditionally SMF 10GBASE-LR SFP+ modules are way more expensive than MMF 10GBASE-LR SFP+ modules. MMF and SMF historical short range / long range paradigm may change in short term: since 2014, for new installations, especially indoor, SMF wiring is about half of MMF wiring. As a consequence, lots of new buildings and datacenters now standardize on SMF. But 10GBASE-LR SFP+ transceivers are too expensive for short-range connections. A new market for short distances over SMF has been created: the industry is standardizing on a new class of SMF 10G transmitters with typical 10GBASE-LR LITE SFP+ transceivers. While not a standard yet, 10GBASE-LR LITE has a specified reach of 2 km over standard 9µm single mode fiber. 10GBASE-LR LITE isn’t a replacement for 10GBASE-LR optics: it is just relevant alternative for "shorter" reach SMF applications.

Highlights of the NetGear ProSafe AXM764 SFP+ Transceiver Module 10 Gigabit Ethernet 10GBase-LRL LC Single Mode

• 10 Gigabit Ethernet “Long Range LR Lite” fiber connectivity
• LC duplex connector
• Fits into SFP+ interfaces of M5300, M6100, M7100 and M7300 series Managed Switches
• Fits into SFP+ interfaces of select Smart and Plus Switches
• Drives 10 Gigabit Ethernet up to 2 km (1.24 mile) distances with 9/125µm single mode fiber cables
• 10GBASE-LR Lite isn’t a standard yet
• AXM764 can interoperate with AXM762 10GBASE-LR as long as the distance doesn’t exceed 2 km