At TBISS, we recently upgraded our core network infrastructure to 100Gbps, primarily utilizing MikroTik CRS510-8XS-2XQ-IN switches with 25Gbps SFP28 ports—an ideal fit for upgrading from 10Gbps SFP+ modules to 25Gbps capabilities. Seeking a reliable partner for this transition, we switched from our previous supplier, FS.COM, to FLEXOPTIX.

Products Evaluated:

1. FLEXOPTIX 25Gbps BiDi SFP28 Optical Modules (available in 10km and 20km variants).
2. FLEXOPTIX FLEXBOX – a versatile mobile programmer compatible with a wide range of optical modules.

Decision Case: Switching to FLEXOPTIX

Our journey to FLEXOPTIX was made possible by our good friend, Livio Morina from Airbeam SRL, whom we met at RONOG 9 in Bucharest. Livio played an instrumental role in introducing us to FLEXOPTICS and guiding us through the comparison against FS.COM modules, focusing on:

1. Price: Comparable between FS.COM and FLEXOPTIX.
2. Delivery: Both vendors offer free shipping, maintaining logistical convenience.
3. Module Type: FS.COM offers standard-grade modules, while FLEXOPTIX provides industrial-grade modules, which suit our high-performance environment.
4. Programming Flexibility: While we had a programmer compatible with FS.COM modules, we lacked one for FLEXOPTIX.

Thanks to Livio’s support and mediation, we placed our FLEXOPTIX order and received the FLEXBOX programmer as well. Without his guidance, we would have been stuck with FS.COM and missed out on the advantages FLEXOPTIX offers.

Performance Insights and FLEXBOX Benefits

The FLEXBOX proved invaluable from the start, allowing us to reprogram the 20km modules, which initially faced a stability issue—restarting every 15 seconds when no link was detected. A quick reprogramming via the FLEXBOX resolved this issue, and since then, all modules have been in continuous production without a hitch. Additionally, FLEXOPTIX added firmware support specifically for MikroTik devices, ensuring compatibility with our network setup.

Conclusion

We are extremely satisfied with the support and adaptability FLEXOPTIX has provided. The FLEXBOX programmer, in particular, has been a game-changer, enabling us to configure modules compatible with vendors like HPE/Aruba and Intel—unlike FS.COM modules, which require hardware coding per vendor. We are grateful to Livio for helping us make this transition, which has empowered our network upgrade with ease and flexibility.