Cisco QSFP-100G-ZR4-S Compatible QSFP28 100GBASE-ZR4 1310nm 80km DOM Duplex LC/UPC SMF Optical Transceiver Module

Overview

This module is a high-performance optical transceiver engineered as a fully compatible alternative to the Cisco QSFP-100G-ZR4-S. It is designed for the 100GBASE-ZR4 specification, enabling extremely long-reach 100 Gigabit Ethernet links. The module utilizes four LAN-WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing) lanes, each operating at 25 Gbps, which are multiplexed internally to transmit and receive an aggregate 100 Gbps signal over a standard pair of single-mode fibers.

To achieve its impressive 80-kilometer reach, this transceiver incorporates a high-sensitivity APD receiver and a Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (SOA) to boost the signal. It is specifically designed for long-haul point-to-point applications, such as Data Center Interconnects (DCI) across metropolitan areas and connections in carrier or service provider networks. Operation requires the host platform to support Forward Error Correction (FEC).

Key Features

• 100% compatible with Cisco platforms that support the QSFP-100G-ZR4-S module.
• Standard: Compliant with 100GBASE-ZR4 and QSFP28 MSA.
• Extended Reach: Capable of transmitting up to 80km over SMF (OS2).
• Technology: Utilizes a 4-lane LAN-WDM EML transmitter and an APD receiver with a built-in Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (SOA).
• Data Rate: 103.1 Gbps aggregate.
• Connector: Standard Duplex LC/UPC.
• Host FEC Required: Depends on Forward Error Correction on the host device to ensure error-free operation over 80km.
• Built-in Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM/DDM) for real-time diagnostics.
• Hot-pluggable QSFP28 form factor.

Applications

The QSFP-100G-ZR4-S compatible module is the ideal choice for:

• Long-haul 100 Gigabit Ethernet links.
• Data Center Interconnect (DCI) between facilities in a metro area.
• Metro and regional network rings.
• Service provider and carrier network infrastructure.

Specifications

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 the demanding requirements of 100GBASE-ZR4 optics.

FAQ (Technical & Product Questions)

1. What makes 100GBASE-ZR4 different from LR4 or ER4?

The primary difference is the reach. 100GBASE-LR4 supports 10km, and 100GBASE-ER4 supports up to 40km. 100GBASE-ZR4 pushes this limit to 80km. To achieve this, ZR4 modules require more advanced internal components, including a Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (SOA) to boost the received signal, and rely on strong Forward Error Correction (FEC) implemented on the host switch or router to correct errors that occur over such a long distance.

2. What is an SOA and why is it required for this module?

SOA stands for Semiconductor Optical Amplifier. It is an integrated component that amplifies the incoming optical signal directly, without first converting it to an electrical signal. Over a distance of 80km, the optical signal becomes very weak (high attenuation). The SOA boosts this weak signal to a level that the module’s receiver can process, which is essential for establishing and maintaining a stable link.

3. Do I need a special switch or router to use this module?

Yes, the host device (switch, router, etc.) must explicitly support 100GBASE-ZR4 optics. The most critical requirement is that the host port must be able to apply strong Forward Error Correction (FEC), such as KR4 FEC (Clause 91). Without host FEC, the link will have an unacceptably high bit error rate and will not function reliably over 80km.

4. Can I connect a ZR4 module directly to an LR4 or ER4 module?

No, this is not possible. The optical power budgets are completely mismatched. A ZR4 module transmits at a much higher power level than an LR4 or ER4 module is designed to receive, which could potentially damage the receiver on the other end. Conversely, the transmit power of an LR4 or ER4 is far too weak to be detected by a ZR4 module over any significant distance. You must use a ZR4 module on both ends of the 80km link.

5. What is LAN-WDM technology?

LAN-WDM (Local Area Network Wavelength Division Multiplexing) is the technology used by standards like LR4, ER4, and ZR4 to transmit 100G over a single fiber pair. It uses four separate lasers operating at slightly different wavelengths (centered around 1310nm) within the O-band. Each laser carries a 25G data stream. These four optical signals are combined (multiplexed) onto a single fiber for transmission and separated (demultiplexed) at the receiving end.