What Is QSFP112 and 400G QSFP112 Transceiver?

In the ever-evolving world of data center networking, the demand for higher speed and performance continues to rise. One technology that has emerged to meet these demands is the 400G QSFP112 transceiver. This article gives a detailed overview of 400G QSFP112 transceiver types, including their specs, benefits, and answers to common questions.

What Is QSFP112?

QSFP112 is the module and cage/connector system based on current QSFP, targeting to support the 112Gb/s per lane speed in a 4x lane QSFP system and to enable the QSFP 400G interconnect ecosystem. This will greatly help the legacy QSFP users upgrade the link bandwidth to 400G per port with lower cost and shorter transition time.

The recommended location and numbering of the optical ports for 2 Media Dependent Interfaces (MDI) are shown as follows. The transmit and receive optical lanes shall occupy the positions depicted in the following when looking into the MDI receptacle with the connector keyway feature on top. QSFP112 optical MDI examples are shown for a male MPO receptacle and a dual LC.

400G QSFP112 Transceiver Types

The 400G QSFP112 transceiver comes in various types, each designed to suit specific network requirements. Common types include:

Single-Mode QSFP112: Designed for long-distance transmission, single-mode QSFP112 transceivers utilize single-mode fiber optic cables to achieve higher reach, supporting applications spanning up to 10 kilometers.

Multi-Mode QSFP112: Multi-mode QSFP112 transceivers are suitable for shorter reach applications within data centers. They use multi-mode fiber optic cables and are typically deployed over shorter distances, with a maximum reach of 50 meters.

FS 400G QSFP112 Transceivers at Glance

FS 400G QSFP112 module for faster and more reliable network performance. This advanced transceiver not only significantly increases bandwidth to meet the high-speed data transmission requirements of modern applications and services, but also provides enhanced network performance, reduced latency, and improved overall network efficiency. In addition, the FS QSFP112 module has been rigorously tested to ensure performance. Abundant stock also enables products to be delivered to customers as quickly as possible.

Product Lists

Product

Connector

Max Cable Distance

Modulation(Electrical)

Modulation (Optical)

Technology

Application

QSFP112-SR4-400G	MPO-12/APC	50m	4x100G-PAM4	4x100G-PAM4	InfiniBand & Ethernet	800G-to-two 400G Links 800G-to-four 200G Links 400G to 400G Links
QSFP112-DR4-400G	MPO-12/APC	500m	4x100G-PAM4	4x100G-PAM4	InfiniBand & Ethernet	800G-to-two 400G Links 800G-to-four 200G Links 400G to 400G Links
QSFP112-FR4-400G	Duplex LC UPC	2km	4x100G-PAM4	4x100G-PAM4	InfiniBand & Ethernet	800G-to-two 400G Links 400G to 400G Links
QSFP112-XDR4-400G	MPO-12/APC	2km	4x100G-PAM4	4x100G-PAM4	InfiniBand & Ethernet	800G-to-two 400G Links 400G to 400G Links
QSFP112-LR4-400G	Duplex LC	10km	4x100G-PAM4	4x100G-PAM4	Ethernet	800G-to-two 400G Links 400G to 400G Links

Advantages

Compatibility

: FS 400G QSFP112 modules undergo rigorous real-device testing to ensure 100% compatibility with targeted equipment. The InfiniBand modules seamlessly integrate with NVIDIA ConnectX-7 network adapters, while the Ethernet modules are fully compatible with leading brands such as Cisco, Arista, Juniper, and NVIDIA (ETH), etc.

Reliability

: FS 400G QSFP112 modules are subjected to transceiver tests, including spectrum analysis, eye diagram test, and thermal performance test. These rigorous evaluations guarantee consistent performance and durability under diverse operating conditions, ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Increased Bandwidth:

The 400G QSFP112 transceiver provides a substantial increase in bandwidth, enabling data centers to handle the ever-growing volumes of data generated by modern applications and services.

Enhanced Network Performance:

With faster data transfer rates, the 400G QSFP112 transceiver reduces latency and improves overall network performance, allowing for seamless handling of bandwidth-intensive tasks.

Seamless Scalability

: QSFP interfaces, designed for backward compatibility, enable seamless integration with existing systems and cost-effective upgrades. Migrating to 400G QSFP112 transceivers allows data centers to scale their networks efficiently and accommodate future growth without compromising performance.

Future-Proofing

: The latest generation of QSFP transceivers leverages PAM4 modulation technology to achieve 400Gbps speeds, quadrupling the capacity of its predecessor, QSFP28. This advancement makes the module ideal for ultra-high-speed data center interconnects and next-generation network infrastructures.

Connectivity Scenarios

800G-to-two 400G links to ConnectX-7

With the two straight fiber cables, 400G QSFP112 modules can be used in ConnectX-7/QSFP112 adapters linked to Twin-port transceivers in 2x400G InfiniBand/Ethernet switches.

Note: The following figure only uses the 400G QSFP112 SR4 module as a connection example.

800G-to-four 200G links to ConnectX-7

FS 400G QSFP112 SR4 and 400G QSFP112 DR4 modules can be configured for 200G. When connected to a 1:2 splitter fiber cable, there are only 2 channels on the split end, and only 2 channels in the 400G QSFP112 SR4/DR4 transceiver will be activated, automatically producing 200G speeds and reducing power. The configuration can support up to four ConnectX-7 adapters and/or DPU combinations.

Note: Only 400G QSFP112 SR4 and 400G QSFP112 DR4 can configured for 200G.

400G to 400G Link for Switch-to-Switch

400G QSFP112 modules, utilizing 100G PAM4 technology, can be connected to two 400G switches via a straight fiber cable, making it ideal for 400G data center interconnect applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why do we need QSFP112?

A: For the intra data center network, the evolution from 200G (QSFP56) optics to 400G (QSFP112) is naturally enabling the reuse of the existed fiber routings, and avoiding the reconstruction for split-fiber routing when evolving directly to 800G. QSFP112 is the most convenient and best cost-effective way to upgrade the intra data center network bandwidth while keeping the network architecture physically and logically same from 200G to 400G. QSFP is easier to handle for higher speed signal integrity and thermal challenges. Adoption of 400G QSFP112 will leave a potential way for evolving to 224G/lane speed in the future.

Q2: What are the differences of QSFP112 from QSFP28/56?

A: The QSFP112 is focused on the next generation of the QSFP family of connectors, cages and modules. It will focus on expanding bandwidth by expanding individual line speeds to 112 Gb/s. The hardware changes are anticipated to the specification for signal integrity performance and EMI consideration.

Q3: Is QSFP112 backward compatible with QSFP56 and QSFP28 ports?

A: Yes. The anticipated changes to the connector and cages will not have any effect on backward compatibility to accept the legacy QSFP56 and QSFP28 ports, including optical transceivers, active, and passive copper cables.

Q4: What are the key features of QSFP112?

A: QSFP112 will support the entire set of media and transceiver types prevalent in the networking industry. For media this includes passive direct attached copper cables (DAC), multi-mode fibers (MMF), and single-mode fibers (SMF). For transceivers and active copper or active optical cable assemblies, this includes those defined by Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and InfiniBand for 40 Gbps, 100 Gbps, 200 Gbps, and 400 Gbps. Further, backward compatibility with the legacy QSFP form factor is essential for industry adoption.

Summary

The rapid growth of data-intensive applications necessitates the deployment of high-speed networking solutions. The 400G QSFP112 transceiver offers a compelling option for data center networks, providing increased bandwidth, enhanced performance, and seamless scalability. By understanding the advantages, types, and specifications of QSFP112 transceivers, network administrators can make informed decisions to optimize their data center infrastructure. Embrace the power of 400G QSFP112 transceivers and unlock the full potential of your data center network.