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N2281A
Keysight/Agilent N2281A, Dual 1x4 Switching Path, Optical Prism Relays, Optical Module
Actual item may vary if no part number is provided on quote request.
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" Amazing to work with and had my order within 1 week after purchasing with all NI certs and data that were needed. "
March 2025
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" Competent contact for highly specialized components. The support team is very knowledgeable. Many thanks for the help and the fast shipping! "
January 2025
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May 2025
Gregg Flecki**** Verified Buyer
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January 2025
Carol Zimme**** Verified Buyer
" Very responsive and helpful, competitive pricing. Good source! "
July 2025
Andrew Gar**** Verified Buyer
" Amazing to work with and had my order within 1 week after purchasing with all NI certs and data that were needed. "
March 2025
Said Sai**** Verified Buyer
" Competent contact for highly specialized components. The support team is very knowledgeable. Many thanks for the help and the fast shipping! "
January 2025
Bob C**** Verified Buyer
" Jason was able to get our emergency situation taken care of quickly and professionally. "
May 2025
Gregg Flecki**** Verified Buyer
" Great service and great products. This is my 2nd time using Apex Waves, truly impressed. "
January 2025
Keysight/Agilent N2281A Dual 1x4 Optical Module
The N2281A Dual 1x4 Optical Module from Keysight (formerly from Agilent) is a modular off-the-shelf optical communications test switch. The unit provides two independent 1x4 optical switching paths for precise routing. The module is designed for optical test environments that require repeatable channel selection. Its architecture supports controlled distribution between optical instruments and device ports. The optical module uses optical prism relay technology for stable passive signal routing. This relay approach preserves optical transparency across supported data rates and signaling formats. It allows 9/125 single mode optical fiber connections. The unit operates across 1310 nm and 1550 nm wavelength ranges for communications testing. Insertion loss is specified below 0.8 dB for single mode operation and helps maintain power budgets during measurement sequences. The return loss is specified above 55 dB for single mode paths excluding connectors. The repeatability is specified below ±0.0065 dB for consistent switching performance. It uses collimating lenses inside the optical relays to reduce switching loss. The module is optically passive and does not interpret the transmitted signal. It operates independently of data rate format protocol and optical signal direction. This passive operation makes the N2281A unit suitable for routing in fiber systems.
The SC/APC connector interface provides secure fiber attachment and reliable mating performance. The unit can handle test signals without altering timing content modulation structure or directionality. The N2281A optical unit helps to configure ATE systems with scalable optical switching. Users can install only the required switching capacity for the current application. The additional switching channels can be added later as the test system expands. This modular structure supports gradual system growth without redesigning the switching platform. The Keysight/Agilent dual 1x4 optical module is well suited for SONET and SDH test applications. It routes optical paths between transmitters receivers analyzers and monitored network ports. The unit also supports fiber optic component test workflows.
The fiber optic network monitoring is another suitable application for this module. It enables repeatable path selection for observation fault analysis and performance verification tasks. Two channels in different modules can be synchronously switched using the CARD PAIR command. This feature supports coordinated routing where paired optical paths must change together.
| Model | N2281A |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Keysight |
| Legacy Manufacturer | Agilent |
| Part Type | Dual 1x4 Optical Module |
| Switch Configuration | Dual 1x4 optical switching |
| Relay Type | Optical prisms |
| Optical Fiber Type | 9/125 single mode fiber |
| Wavelength Range | 1310 nm / 1550 nm |
| Insertion Loss | Less than 0.8 dB single mode |
| Repeatability | Less than ±0.0065 dB |
| Connector Type | SC/APC connectors |
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