Overview
This module is a high-performance, cost-effective QSFP28 optical transceiver, designed as a fully compatible alternative to the Cisco QSFP-100G-CWDM4-S. It is engineered to deliver high-speed 100 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity for links up to 2 kilometers over standard duplex single-mode fiber. This module is an excellent solution for Data Center Interconnects (DCI) and enterprise campus backbones.
The transceiver operates based on the CWDM4 (Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing) MSA. It integrates four separate transmit and receive lanes, each operating at 25Gbps. These four lanes are multiplexed onto a single pair of single-mode fibers using four distinct wavelengths on the CWDM grid (1271nm, 1291nm, 1311nm, 1331nm). This technology provides a significant advantage over parallel optics (like PSM4) by drastically reducing the number of fibers required for links beyond 500m. The “-S” designation indicates it is an S-Class module, optimized for standard enterprise and data center applications.
Key Features
- 100% compatible with Cisco platforms that support the QSFP-100G-CWDM4-S module.
- Standard: Compliant with QSFP28 MSA and CWDM4 MSA.
- Data Rate: 103.125 Gbps aggregate (4 x 25.78 Gbps).
- Reach: Supports link lengths up to 2km on Single-Mode Fiber (SMF, OS2).
- Wavelengths: 4 CWDM lanes: 1271nm, 1291nm, 1311nm, 1331nm.
- Connector: Duplex LC/UPC.
- Host-side FEC (Forward Error Correction) is required for operation.
- Built-in Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM/DDM) for real-time diagnostics.
- Hot-pluggable QSFP28 form factor.
Applications
The QSFP-100G-CWDM4-S compatible module is ideal for:
- Short-to-medium reach Data Center Interconnects (DCI).
- 100G Ethernet links in enterprise core and aggregation layers.
- High-speed connectivity for cloud and service provider networks.
- Applications requiring 100G connectivity over existing duplex fiber infrastructure.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Compatible Part Number | QSFP-100G-CWDM4-S |
| Form Factor | QSFP28 |
| Standard | 100GBASE-CWDM4 |
| Data Rate | 103.125 Gbps |
| Wavelength | 1271, 1291, 1311, 1331 nm |
| Max Distance | 2km |
| Fiber Type | Single-Mode Fiber (SMF, OS2) |
| Connector Type | Duplex LC/UPC |
| DOM/DDM Support | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 70°C (32°F to 158°F) |
Cross-Platform Compatibility
Programmed for seamless integration with Cisco equipment, this module’s adherence to MSA standards ensures it can also be deployed in networking hardware from other major manufacturers that support 100G CWDM4 optics.
| MANUFACTURER | EQUIVALENT PART NUMBER |
|---|---|
| Juniper | JNP-QSFP-100G-CWDM4 |
| Arista | QSFP-100G-CWDM4 |
| HPE / Aruba | JL309A |
| Dell / EMC | 407-BBOU |
| MSA Generic | QSFP28-100G-CWDM4 |
FAQ (Technical & Product Questions)
1. What is the main difference between QSFP-100G-CWDM4-S and QSFP-100G-LR4-S?
The primary difference is their intended reach and the associated cost. CWDM4 is specified for links up to 2km and is generally more cost-effective. LR4 (Long Reach 4-lane) is specified for links up to 10km and uses a different, more tightly spaced LAN-WDM wavelength grid, which requires more complex and expensive components.
2. How does CWDM4 compare to PSM4 (QSFP-100G-PSM4-S)?
CWDM4 and PSM4 are fundamentally different. CWDM4 uses Wavelength Division Multiplexing to send all 100G of data over a single pair of fibers (2 fibers total) with a Duplex LC connector. PSM4 (Parallel Single-Mode 4-lane) uses four parallel pairs of fibers (8 fibers total) with an MPO connector. CWDM4 is ideal for conserving fiber over its 2km reach, while PSM4 is often used for shorter distances (up to 500m) and for breaking out into 4x25G links.
3. Does the QSFP-100G-CWDM4-S module require Forward Error Correction (FEC)?
Yes. The CWDM4 MSA standard specifies that host devices (the switch, router, or NIC) must enable RS-FEC (Reed-Solomon Forward Error Correction) on the port for the link to function correctly and achieve its specified bit error rate performance.
4. Can I use this module to connect to four separate 25G-LR SFP28 modules?
No. The CWDM4 module is not a breakout-capable optic. The four internal 25G lanes are multiplexed into a single 100G data stream at the optical interface. For breakout applications, you would need a parallel optic like QSFP-100G-PSM4-S.
5. What does the “-S” class designation mean?
The “-S” typically denotes S-Class optics in the Cisco portfolio. These modules are designed and priced for enterprise and data center applications, meeting all necessary performance standards for these environments but may not have the extended temperature ranges or more stringent specifications of carrier-grade (non-S-Class) optics.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.