400G QSFP-DD Transceiver Types and Fiber Connections
Updated at Apr 19th 20221 min read
400G QSFP has become one of the most popular form factors in the next-generation network. And different types of modules have appeared in the 400G optical transceiver market. What are 400G QSFP-DD transceiver types? What fiber optic cables could be used with these 400G optical modules? What about the answers to frequently asked questions about 400G QSFP? This post will illustrate them thoroughly.
400G QSFP-DD Transceiver Types
400G QSFP transceivers are introduced respectively in the following table according to the two transmission types (over multimode fiber and single-mode fiber) they support.
Transmission Type | QSFP-DD Product Description | Reach | Optical Connector | Wavelength | Optical Modulation | Protocol |
Multimode fiber | up to 100m over OM4up to 70m over OM3 | MPO-16 | 850nm | 50G PAM4 | IEEE 802.3cd | |
up to 150m over OM5up to 70m over OM3 | MPO-12 | 850nm | 50G PAM4 | IEEE 802.3 | ||
Single-mode fiber | up to 500m over parallel SMF | MPO-12 | 1310nm | 50G PAM4 | IEEE 802.3bs | |
up to 500m over parallel SMF | MPO-12 | 1310nm | 50G PAM4 | IEEE 802.3bs | ||
up to 2km over parallel SMF | MPO-12 | 1310nm | 50G PAM4 | IEEE 802.3bs | ||
up to 2km over parallel SMF | LC | CWDM4 wavelength | 50G PAM4 | 100G Lambda MSA | ||
up to 2km over parallel SMF | MPO-12 | 1310nm | 50G PAM4 | IEEE Std 802.3 | ||
up to 6km over parallel SMF | LC | 1310nm | 50G PAM4 | IEEE 802.3bs | ||
up to 10km over parallel SMF | MPO-12 | 1310nm | 50G PAM4 | IEEE 802.3cu | ||
up to 10km over parallel SMF | LC | CWDM4 wavelength | 50G PAM4 | 100G Lambda MSA | ||
up to 10km over parallel SMF | LWDM wavelength | CWDM4 wavelength | 50G PAM4 | IEEE 802.3bs | ||
up to 40km over parallel SMF | LWDM wavelength | 1310nm | 50G PAM4 | IEEE 802.3cn |
Fiber Connections for 400G QSFP Transceivers
400G QSFP-DD SR8
A QSFP-DD SR8 can interop with another QSFP-DD SR8 over an MPO-16 cable. This is the most popular connection using an MPO-16 cable to connect two QSFP-DD SR8 transceivers directly.
QSFP-DD SR8 interops with 8× 50G SR over MPO-16 to 8× duplex LC fiber cables.
400G QSFP-DD SR4.2
A QSFP-DD SR4.2 interops with another QSFP-DD SR4.2 over an MPO-12 trunk cable.
400G QSFP-DD DR4
QSFP-DD DR4 interops with QSFP-DD DR4 over an MPO-12 trunk cable.
400G QSFP-DD 4x 100G-DR
QSFP-DD DR4-Si interops with QSFP-DD DR4-Si over an MPO-12 trunk cable.
400G QSFP-DD DR4-Si interops with 4× 100G DR over MPO-12 to 4× duplex LC breakout cable.
400G QSFP-DD XDR4/DR4+
QSFP-DD XDR4/DR4+ interops with QSFP-DD XDR4/DR4+ over an MPO-12 trunk cable.
400G QSFP-DD FR4
QSFP-DD FR4 interops with QSFP-DD FR4 over a duplex LC cable.
400G QSFP-DD 4x 100G-FR
QSFP-DD FR-Si interops with QSFP-DD FR-Si over an MPO-12 trunk cable.
400G QSFP-DD FR-Si interops with 100G FR over an MPO-12 to 4× duplex LC cable.
400G QSFP-DD LR4L
QSFP-DD LR4L interops with QSFP-DD LR4L over an duplex LC cable.
400G QSFP-DD 4x 100G-LR
QSFP-DD PR4L interops with QSFP-DD PR4L over an duplex LC cable.
400G QSFP-DD PR4L interops with 4x 100G LR modules over an MPO-12 to 4x duplex LC cable.
400G QSFP-DD LR4
QSFP-DD LR4 interops with QSFP-DD LR4 over an duplex LC cable.
400G QSFP-DD LR8
QSFP-DD LR8 interops with QSFP-DD LR8 over an duplex LC cable.
400G QSFP-DD ER8
QSFP-DD ER8 interops with QSFP-DD ER8 over an duplex LC cable.
Key Benefits of 400G Data Center
The storage and computing requirements supported by data centers present new challenges to connectivity within the data center, in terms of bandwidth, transmission distance, power consumption and cost. However, 400G data center can provide high Density, low power consumption and flexible deployment. Click 400G Data Center Optical Transceiver Solution to view more details.
400G QSFP Transceivers: Q&A
Q: What does "SR8", "DR4", "XDR4", "FR4", "LR4", and "LR8" mean in QSFP 400G modules?
A: In QSFP 400G modules, "SR8" (Short Reach 8) supports short-distance multi-mode fiber up to 100 meters. "DR4" (Direct Reach 4) supports up to 500 meters on single-mode fiber with four channels. "XDR4" (Extended Reach 4) extends DR4 to 2 kilometers. "FR4" (Forward Reach 4) supports 2 kilometers on single-mode fiber with four wavelength-multiplexed channels. "LR4" (Long Reach 4) supports 10 kilometers with four wavelength-multiplexed channels, and "LR8" (Long Reach 8) supports 10 kilometers with eight wavelength-multiplexed channels. These specifications help in choosing the right module for specific network needs.
Q: Can I plug a QSFP-DD transceiver module into an OSFP port?
A: No. QSFP-DD and OSFP are totally different form factors. For more information about OSFP transceivers, you can refer to the 400G OSFP Transceiver Types Overview. You can use only one kind of form factor in the corresponding system. Eg, if you have a QSFP 400G system, QSFP-DD transceivers and cables must be used.
Q: Can I plug a 100G QSFP28 module into a 400G QSFP port?
A: Yes. A QSFP28 module can be inserted into a QSFP-DD port (without a mechanical adapter). When using a QSFP28 module in a QSFP-DD port, the QSFP-DD port must be configured for a data rate of 100G instead of 400G.
Q: What other breakout options are possible apart from using the 400G QSFP-DD modules mentioned above?
A: 400G QSFP-DD DACs & AOCs are possible for breakout 400G connections. See 400G Direct Attach Cables (DAC & AOC) Overview for more information about 400G DACs & AOCs.
Conclusion
According to the related report, the global 400G optical transceiver market is expected to be at $22.6 billion in 2023. Next generation optical transceiver devices use less power, are less expensive, and are smarter and smaller. let's grab the chance to learn more about the 400G QSFP-DD, 400G QSFP112 and 400G OSFP optical transceiver to get the professional 400G products guidelines.