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How to Choose the Right 400G Optical Transceiver?

HowardUpdated at Dec 20th 20241 min read

In today's high-performance computing environments, choosing the right optical transceiver is crucial for ensuring reliable, high-speed network operations. With the growing demand for faster data transfer rates, 400G optical transceivers have become a key component in meeting the needs of data centers, cloud infrastructure, AI, and telecommunications. This article will guide you through the critical factors to consider when selecting a 400G optical transceiver and explain how to make the right choice based on your network’s specific requirements.
What is a 400G Transceiver?
400G optical transceivers are designed to support extremely high-speed data transmission, capable of handling up to 400 gigabits per second (Gbps). These modules are primarily deployed in data centers, cloud environments, and high-performance computing (HPC) where high-bandwidth, low-latency communication is critical. They are also utilized in industries such as telecommunications, finance, and research that require faster internet speeds and need to support emerging technologies like 5G. There are different form factors for 400G optical transceivers, including OSFP, QSFP-DD, and QSFP112, each offering distinct features suited to various networking environments.
Key Factors in Choosing a 400G Transceiver
Several factors play a role in choosing the right 400G module to ensure seamless integration and optimal performance.
Compatibility with Network Infrastructure
Choosing the right 400G optical transceiver requires a comprehensive evaluation of compatibility factors.
Form Factor
Ensure the optical transceiver's form factor, such as OSFP, QSFP-DD, or QSFP112, matches the port type of your existing switches, routers, or servers.
Protocol and Standards Support
Verify that the transceiver supports required protocols, such as Ethernet or InfiniBand, and adheres to industry standards like IEEE 802.3 or MSA specifications.
Brand Compatibility
Confirm that the transceiver is compatible with the existing brand of network equipment or target switch, such as Cisco, Juniper, or NVIDIA.
Wavelength and Modulation
Check the supported wavelength and modulation format (e.g., PAM4) to ensure they meet the performance and transmission distance requirements of your application.
Form Factors
When selecting a 400G module, QSFP-DD, QSFP112, and OSFP each offer unique advantages suited for specific needs:
QSFP-DD (Double Density)
QSFP-DD supports up to 8 lanes of data transmission, each capable of 50Gbps using PAM4 modulation, delivering an aggregated bandwidth of 400Gbps. Despite having a similar form factor to QSFP+/QSFP28/QSFP56 modules, QSFP-DD achieves "Double Density" by doubling the lane count. The switch QSFP-DD port is backward compatible with the QSFP transceiver(if the switch supports it), allowing seamless upgrades to 400G networks while maintaining interoperability.
QSFP112
This module is designed for high-performance networking, supporting 112Gbps per channel. It excels in applications that demand higher per-channel speeds and integrates seamlessly with QSFP-based systems in the 400G ecosystem.
OSFP
Slightly larger than QSFP-DD, OSFP modules are designed to handle higher power consumption while ensuring efficient heat dissipation.
Finned-Top OSFP:
This module comes with a heat sink, used only in NVIDIA Quantum-2 NDR InfiniBand and Spectrum-4 SN5600 400GbE Ethernet air-cooled switches, which need effective heat dissipation in high-load scenarios.
Flat-Top OSFP:
With a flat surface, this design is ideal for liquid-cooled systems. It is commonly used with ConnectX-7 adapter cards, DGX H100 Cedar7 GPU servers, and other devices with additional cooling support.
Transmission Distance
Multi-mode transceivers, such as the 400G QSFP-DD SR8 transceiver, are optimized for short-distance connections within data centers or buildings. In contrast, single-mode transceivers, like the 400G QSFP-DD DR4 transceiver and 400G QSFP-DD FR4 transceiver, support much longer distances, up to 40 km or more, making them suitable for inter-data center links or remote network nodes.
Operating Temperature and Heat Management
Maintaining the operating temperature within the specified range is critical to avoid link failures. Options range from commercial to industrial temperature ratings, making them suitable for diverse environmental conditions.
CT/C-Temp (Commercial Temperature): 0~70°C
Ideal for most indoor data center applications where temperature conditions are stable.
ET/E-Temp (Extended Temperature): -20~85°C
Designed for outdoor installations or environments with fluctuating temperatures.
IT/I-Temp (Industrial Temperature): -40~85°C
Built for harsh industrial settings or extreme outdoor conditions, offering robust performance in challenging environments.
Note: These temperature ranges refer to the transceiver case temperature, not the ambient environmental temperature.
Power Consumption and Energy Efficiency
Energy efficiency is a key consideration, especially in large-scale network environments where operational costs can accumulate. The power consumption of the 400G optical transceiver should be balanced with its performance to ensure that you are not exceeding your energy budget while maintaining high network speeds. Low power consumption helps ensure efficient long-term operation and reduces overhead costs.
Why Choose FS 400G Modules?
Diversity
FS provides a versatile and reliable selection of 400G modules, designed to meet diverse connectivity requirements in various networking environments.
Category
Product
Technology
Chip
Power Consumption
Max Cable Distance
Connector
Application
400G OSFP Module
InfiniBand
7nm DSP
≤8.5W
30m@OM3/50m@OM4 or OM5
MPO-12/APC
Flat-top OSFP for ConnectX-7 Adapter
InfiniBand
Broadcom7nm DSP
≤10W
500m
MPO-12/APC
Flat-top OSFP for ConnectX-7 Adapter
Ethernet
Inphi DSP
≤10W
100m@OM4
MPO-16/APC
Finned Top, Data Center, 400G to 8x50G Breakout
Ethernet
Broadcom7nm DSP
≤10W
500m
MPO-12/APC
Finned Top, Data Center, 4x100G Breakout to QSFP-DR-100G
400G QSFP-DD Module
Ethernet
Maxlinear
≤8W
60m@OM3/100m@OM4
MPO-12/APC
Data Center
400G to 2x 200G Breakout
400G to 4x 100G Breakout
Ethernet
Inphi DSP
≤10W
70m@OM3/100m@OM4
MPO-16/APC
Data Center
400G to 8x50G Breakout
Ethernet
Inphi DSP
≤12W
70m@OM3/150m@OM5
MPO-12
Data Center, 400G to 4x 100G Breakout
Ethernet
Inphi 7nm DSP
≤9W
500m
MPO-12/APC
Data Center
400G to 4x100G Breakout
Ethernet
Broadcom7nm DSP
≤10W
500m
MPO-12/APC
SiPh-Based, Data Center
400G to 4x100G Breakout
Ethernet
Inphi 7nm DSP
≤9W
2km
Duplex LC/UPC
Data Center
Ethernet
Inphi 7nm DSP
≤9W
2km
MPO-12/APC
Data Center
Ethernet
Broadcom7nm DSP
≤11W
2km
MPO-12
SiPh-Based, Data Center,
400G to 4x100G Breakout
Ethernet
Inphi 7nm DSP
≤10W
6km
Duplex LC/UPC
Data Center
Ethernet
Inphi 7nm DSP
≤9W
10km
Duplex LC/UPC
Data Center
Ethernet
Inphi 7nm DSP
≤9W
10km
MPO-12/APC
Data Center
400G to 4x100G Breakout
Ethernet
Inphi 16nm DSP
≤10W
10km
Duplex LC/UPC
Data Center
Ethernet
Inphi 16nm DSP
≤10W
40km
Duplex LC/UPC
Data Center
400G QSFP112 Module
InfiniBand & Ethernet
Broadcom7nm DSP
≤9W
30m@OM3/50m@OM4
MPO-12/APC
Data Center
InfiniBand & Ethernet
Macom
≤10W
500m
MPO-12/APC
Data Center
InfiniBand & Ethernet
Marvell 6nm DSP
≤10W
2km
MPO-12/APC
Data Center
InfiniBand & Ethernet
Marvell 6nm DSP
≤10W
2km
Duplex LC/UPC
Data Center
Ethernet
Marvell
≤10W
10km
Duplex LC/UPC
Data Center
Compatibility
FS 400G InfiniBand and Ethernet modules undergo rigorous real-device testing to ensure 100% compatibility with existing brand equipment. The InfiniBand modules seamlessly integrate with NVIDIA Quantum-2 NDR InfiniBand switches or ConnectX-7 network adapters, while the Ethernet modules are fully compatible with leading brands such as Cisco, Arista, Juniper, and Dell. To ensure compatibility, all 400G transceivers are tested in targeted devices for superior performance and quality before shipping. Additionally, FS offers customization options tailored to unique project needs, providing flexible solutions for diverse applications and ensuring smooth integration into existing networks.
Reliability
FS 400G modules undergo rigorous testing, such as spectrum analysis, eye diagram test, Bit Error Rate (BER) test and , to ensure their reliability across various operating conditions and environments, meeting industry standards for performance and durability.
Optical Spectrum Test
: ensures high-quality transmission by verifying center wavelength, side mode suppression ratio (SMSR), and spectral width.
Eye Diagram Test
: analyzes PAM4 signal quality through eye height and width to ensure signal integrity and stability.
Bit Error Rate (BER) Test
: measures data transmission reliability by ensuring low error rates, improving accuracy and system performance.
Temperature Test
: validates module stability and reliability under extreme temperature fluctuations, ensuring long-term durability.
Please refer to 400G Transceiver Test-How Does It Ensure the Quality of Optical Modules? to learn more about 400G module testing.
Inventory and Logistics
FS operates 7 strategically located warehouses worldwide, ensuring rapid response to customer needs. 90% of orders are eligible for same-day shipping, and we collaborate with leading logistics providers like DHL, FedEx, UPS, and StarTrack to deliver products efficiently and accurately. This robust network ensures minimal downtime and supports urgent project timelines, keeping your business running seamlessly.
Technical Support
FS offers customized product and solution services, along with complimentary technical support. Our expert team ensures timely responses, with inquiries typically addressed within 48 hours. Additionally, all 400G optical transceivers come with a 5-year warranty for added assurance. FS is dedicated to maximizing product performance and reliability, providing guidance at every stage to meet your operational needs.
Conclusion
Choosing the right 400G module is crucial for enhancing network performance and scalability. With FS’s extensive range of 400G transceivers, businesses can find compatible, reliable, and high-performance solutions tailored to their specific needs. For customized network upgrade plans, reach out to FS’s solution experts for personalized guidance.