Cisco QSFP-100G-SL4 Compatible QSFP28 100GBASE-SL4 850nm 30m DOM MPO-12/UPC MMF Optical Transceiver Module, Support 4 x 25G-SR

Overview

The QSFP-100G-SL4 is a parallel 100Gb/s Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP28) optical module designed for short-reach data center applications. This versatile transceiver offers exceptional flexibility by supporting both a native 100GBASE-SL4 connection and a 4x25G breakout mode. It utilizes a multimode fiber MPO-12 connector to transmit and receive data over four parallel lanes, each operating at 25.78 Gbps. This makes it an ideal solution for high-density 100G switch-to-switch links or for connecting a 100G switch port to four separate 25G server ports.

Built to be fully MSA compliant, this module ensures broad interoperability with a wide range of networking equipment. It is engineered for links up to 30 meters on OM4 multimode fiber (MMF) using 850nm VCSEL laser technology. With integrated Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM), it provides diagnostic insights into the performance of each of the four optical lanes, facilitating network management and troubleshooting.

Key Features

• Dual-Mode Functionality: Supports one 100GBASE-SL4 link or four independent 25GBASE-SR links.
• High Data Rate: Aggregated bandwidth of up to 103.1 Gbps.
• Short-Reach Optimized: Designed for distances up to 20m on OM3 MMF and 30m on OM4 MMF.
• Parallel Optics: Employs an MPO-12 connector for 4x25G transmit and receive lanes.
• 850nm VCSEL Technology: Utilizes reliable and cost-effective Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers.
• Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM): Enables per-lane monitoring of optical power, temperature, and voltage.
• Hot-Pluggable QSFP28: Conforms to the QSFP28 MSA for seamless integration and serviceability.
• Low Power Consumption: Optimized for modern high-density data center environments.

Applications

The breakout capability of this module makes it exceptionally useful for modern data center architectures:

• 100G to 4x25G breakout for high-density server-to-switch (Top-of-Rack) connections.
• Short-reach 100G switch-to-switch or switch-to-router interconnects.
• High-performance computing (HPC) and enterprise data center fabrics.
• Spine-and-leaf network architectures requiring flexible port configurations.

Specifications

Advantages

The QSFP-100G-SL4 provides a powerful combination of density, flexibility, and cost savings. By allowing a single 100G switch port to connect to four 25G devices, it maximizes port utilization and significantly reduces the need for additional switch hardware. This simplifies cabling infrastructure and lowers overall power consumption and capital expenditure. As an MSA-compliant module, it offers a reliable and high-performance alternative to more expensive OEM optics without sacrificing quality or interoperability.

FAQ (Technical & Product Questions)

1. What exactly is 100GBASE-SL4?

100GBASE-SL4 is a 100 Gbps Ethernet specification for short link applications. The SL4 designation refers to Short Link with 4 lanes. It uses four parallel lanes of multimode fiber, each carrying a 25 Gbps data stream, to achieve an aggregate 100 Gbps.

2. How does the 4x25G breakout mode work?

In breakout mode, the module exposes four individual 25GBASE-SR interfaces from a single 100G QSFP28 port. This is achieved using an MPO-to-4xLC duplex fanout or breakout cable, which physically splits the 8 fibers from the MPO connector into four pairs of LC connectors for connecting to four separate 25G SFP28 ports.

3. What is the difference between QSFP-100G-SL4 and QSFP-100G-SR4?

QSFP-100G-SR4 is the official IEEE standard for 100G over 100m of MMF. QSFP-100G-SL4 is a specification for shorter links, typically up to 30m. For breakout applications within this distance, they are often interoperable and serve the same function of connecting a 100G port to four 25G ports.

4. What type of fiber optic cable is required for this module?

You need a multi-mode fiber patch cable with an MPO-12/UPC connector. For breakout connections, a Type B (key-up to key-up) MPO-to-4xLC duplex fanout cable is required. To achieve the 30m maximum distance, OM4 grade fiber must be used.

5. Can this module be used for links longer than 30 meters?

No, this module is specifically designed and optimized for short-reach applications. Attempting to use it on longer links will result in high bit error rates and an unstable connection.

6. What does the MPO-12 connector do?

MPO stands for Multi-fiber Push-On. The MPO-12 connector houses 12 fiber strands in a single ferrule. For this SL4/SR4 application, 8 of the 12 fibers are used: four for transmitting data and four for receiving data.

7. Is this module MSA compliant?

Yes, it is designed to meet the Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) specifications for the QSFP28 form factor, including its mechanical dimensions, electrical interface, and diagnostic monitoring interface, ensuring it works in MSA-compliant host systems.

8. How does DOM work on a 4-lane module?

The Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM) feature provides diagnostic data for each of the four independent optical lanes. This allows network administrators to monitor the transmit and receive power of each 25G channel individually, which is essential for troubleshooting breakout connections.