Extend Your 100GbE Network Up to 10km with 100G QSFP28 LR4 Fiber Transceiver

Overview

The 100G QSFP28 LR4 Fiber Transceiver is the industry standard for high-speed, medium-range 100 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity. Compliant with the IEEE 802.3ba 100GBASE-LR4 specification, this module delivers reliable performance for link distances up to 10 kilometers over standard Single Mode Fiber (SMF).

Operating on the LAN-WDM wavelength grid, the module multiplexes four independent 25Gbps electrical input channels into four optical LAN-WDM signals (1295nm to 1310nm range). It then transmits them over a single pair of fibers using a Duplex LC connector. This efficient design makes it perfect for connecting core routers, data center switches, and telecom equipment.

Key Features

• Standard Reach: Supports up to 10km on standard G.652 Single Mode Fiber (SMF).
• High Bandwidth: 103.1 Gbps aggregate data rate (4 x 25.78 Gbps).
• Technology: Integrated LAN-WDM TOSA (Transmitter Optical Sub-Assembly) and ROSA.
• Connector: Standard Duplex LC.
• Hot-Pluggable: QSFP28 MSA compliant form factor.
• Low Power: Typically < 3.5W power consumption.
• Diagnostics: Built-in Digital Diagnostic Monitoring (DDM/DOM).

Applications

• Core Networking: Uplinks between core switches and edge routers.
• Data Center: Spine-to-leaf connections in large-scale data centers.
• Enterprise Campus: Inter-building connectivity requiring 100G speeds.
• Service Provider: Metro network aggregation and client-side interfaces.

Specifications

Compatibility

This 100GBASE-LR4 module is designed to meet the Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) standards, ensuring broad compatibility with major networking brands. It works seamlessly in open-standard ports on equipment from:

• Cisco (Catalyst, Nexus, ASR)
• Juniper Networks
• Arista Networks
• Dell Networking
• HPE / Aruba
• MikroTik, Ubiquiti, and others

FAQ

1. What is the difference between LR4 and CWDM4?

Both support 100G, but LR4 (this module) uses the LAN-WDM wavelength grid which has very tight spacing, requiring high-quality cooling but allowing for a full 10km reach. CWDM4 uses the Coarse WDM grid with wider spacing, typically designed for lower cost and shorter reach (2km), though some extended versions exist.

2. Does this module need Forward Error Correction (FEC)?

For standard 100GBASE-LR4 links up to 10km, FEC is optional and often not required if the optical link quality is good. However, enabling RS-FEC on the switch port can improve link stability if the fiber plant has higher loss.

3. Can I use this with Multimode Fiber (MMF)?

No. The 100G LR4 transceiver operates at 1310nm wavelengths designed strictly for Single Mode Fiber (SMF). Using MMF will result in immediate signal loss due to modal dispersion.

4. What connector type does it use?

It uses a standard Duplex LC connector. You will need a standard Single Mode LC-LC patch cord.

5. Is this module hot-swappable?

Yes, the QSFP28 form factor is hot-swappable. You can insert or remove the transceiver without powering down the switch.