Overview
This is a high-performance, parallel optical transceiver designed as a fully compatible and cost-effective equivalent to the Cisco QSFP-40G-PLRL4. It operates according to the 40GBASE-PLR4L specification, utilizing four independent 10 Gbps transmit and receive channels over single-mode fiber. This parallel optics technology allows for a native 40G point-to-point connection or a “breakout” configuration into four individual 10G links.
Engineered for data center and high-performance computing networks, this module transmits over eight single-mode fibers using a standard MPO-12/APC connector. It supports link lengths up to 2 kilometers, making it an excellent solution for intermediate-reach 40G aggregation or for connecting racks and clusters within a large data center campus.
Key Features
- 100% compatible with Cisco switches and routers that support the QSFP-40G-PLRL4 module.
- Parallel Optics: Features 4x10G parallel transmit and receive lanes.
- Standard: Compliant with 40GBASE-PLR4L and QSFP+ MSA.
- Data Rate: 41.2 Gbps aggregate (4 x 10.3125 Gbps).
- Connector: MPO-12/APC for high-performance single-mode connections.
- Reach: Supports link lengths up to 2km on SMF (OS2).
- Breakout Capable: Can interface with four 10GBASE-LR SFP+ modules using a breakout cable.
- Built-in Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM/DDM) for real-time diagnostics.
- Hot-pluggable QSFP+ form factor.
Applications
The QSFP-40G-PLRL4 compatible module is ideal for:
- High-density 40 Gigabit Ethernet links in data centers and enterprise networks.
- Switch-to-switch or switch-to-router aggregation links.
- 4x10G Breakout: Connecting a 40G QSFP+ port to four separate 10G SFP+ ports on servers, storage arrays, or other switches.
- High-performance computing (HPC) and data center interconnects.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Compatible Part Number | QSFP-40G-PLRL4 |
| Form Factor | QSFP+ |
| Standard | 40GBASE-PLR4L |
| Data Rate | 41.2 Gbps |
| Wavelength | 4 x 1310nm |
| Max Distance | 2km |
| Fiber Type | Single-Mode Fiber (SMF) |
| Connector Type | MPO-12/APC |
| DOM/DDM Support | Yes |
| Operating Temperature | 0°C to 70°C (32°F to 158°F) |
Cross-Platform Compatibility
This module is programmed for seamless integration with Cisco equipment. Due to its MSA (Multi-Source Agreement) compliance, it can also function effectively in networking hardware from other major manufacturers that support the 40GBASE-PLR4L standard.
| MANUFACTURER | EQUIVALENT PART NUMBER |
|---|---|
| Arista | QSFP-40G-PLRL4 |
| Juniper | JNP-QSFP-40G-PLR4L |
| Dell | 407-BCBN |
| MSA Generic | QSFP-40G-PLR4L |
FAQ (Technical & Product Questions)
1. What does 40GBASE-PLR4L mean?
40GBASE-PLR4L refers to a 40 Gbps Ethernet standard that uses Parallel (P) optics over Single-Mode Fiber (R for 6B/66B encoding) with four lanes (4). It uses four parallel 10G channels, each transmitted over its own fiber. The “L” signifies a specific variant, typically for a “Lite” or intermediate reach (in this case, 2km), often with lower power consumption than longer-reach PLR4 versions.
2. What is the difference between QSFP-40G-PLRL4 and QSFP-40G-LR4?
The main difference is the technology used to transmit the 40G signal. The PLRL4 uses parallel optics with an MPO connector (4 fibers for transmit, 4 for receive). The LR4 uses WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing) to combine four 10G signals onto a single fiber pair, using a standard Duplex LC connector. A key advantage of PLRL4 is its ability to “break out” into four separate 10G links, which LR4 cannot do.
3. Can I connect this module to four 10G SFP+ modules?
Yes. This is a primary application for PLR4L modules. By using an MPO-to-4xLC Duplex breakout cable, you can connect the QSFP-40G-PLRL4 module on one end to four individual 10GBASE-LR SFP+ modules on the other end, up to a distance of 2km.
4. Why does this module use an MPO/APC connector?
The MPO (Multi-fiber Push-On) connector is necessary to accommodate the 8 single-mode fibers (4 transmit, 4 receive) required for parallel optics. The APC (Angled Physical Contact) polish minimizes back reflection, which is crucial for high-performance, single-mode laser transmissions over longer distances to ensure signal integrity and reduce errors.
5. Is this module compatible with 40GBASE-SR4?
No. While both are 40G parallel optic modules, they are fundamentally incompatible. The QSFP-40G-PLRL4 is designed for single-mode fiber up to 2km. 40GBASE-SR4 is designed for short-reach applications over multi-mode fiber (typically up to 150m) and uses an MPO/UPC connector.
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