An optoelectronic module for converting and coupling an information-containing electrical signal with an optical fiber including a housing having an electrical input for detachably coupling with an external cable or information system device and for transmitting and receiving information-containing electrical signals over such input, and a fiber optic connector adapted for coupling with an external optical fiber for transmitting and receiving an optical signal; an electro-optic subassembly coupled to the information containing electrical signal and converting it to and/or from a modulated optical signal corresponding to the electrical signal; a memory disposed in said housing for storing an encrypted identifier; and a communication interface disposed in said housing for electrically transferring the data to an external device when the module is authenticated using the encrypted identifier, to enable operation of the module.