Cisco Compatible QSFP-4X10G-LR-S MTP/MPO 40G 10km Transceiver (SMF, 1310nm)

Overview

This module is a high-performance, parallel optical transceiver designed as a fully compatible alternative to the Cisco QSFP-4X10G-LR-S. It provides a 40 Gigabit Ethernet solution over single-mode fiber, uniquely structured as four independent 10 Gigabit transmit and receive channels. This architecture makes it an ideal and cost-effective solution for 40G to 4x10G breakout applications, allowing a single QSFP+ port on a switch to connect to four separate SFP+ ports on servers, storage devices, or other switches.

Operating over eight strands of single-mode fiber (4 transmit, 4 receive) through a standard MPO-12 connector, this module extends connectivity up to 10 kilometers. Each lane utilizes a high-reliability 1310nm DFB laser and is fully compliant with the 10GBASE-LR optical specification. The “-S” designation indicates it is an S-Class module, optimized for standard data center and enterprise applications.

Key Features

• 100% compatible with Cisco platforms that support the QSFP-4X10G-LR-S module.
• Primary Application: 40G to 4x10G breakout connectivity.
• Aggregate Data Rate: 41.25 Gbps (4 x 10.3125 Gbps).
• Standard: Compliant with QSFP+ MSA and IEEE 802.3ae 10GBASE-LR per lane.
• Connector: MPO-12/APC.
• Reach: Supports link lengths up to 10km on Single-Mode Fiber (SMF).
• Wavelength: 4 parallel lanes, each at 1310nm.
• Built-in Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM/DDM) for real-time diagnostics on all four lanes.
• Hot-pluggable QSFP+ form factor.

Applications

The QSFP-4X10G-LR-S compatible module is ideal for:

• High-density 10G Ethernet aggregation in data centers and enterprise networks.
• Connecting 40G switch uplink ports to four 10G downlink ports on distribution or access switches.
• Interconnecting servers and storage arrays with 10G SFP+ interfaces to a 40G core.
• Cost-effective migration from 10G to 40G 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 4x10G LR parallel optics.

FAQ (Technical & Product Questions)

1. What is the primary use case for a QSFP-4X10G-LR-S module?

Its primary use is for “breakout” or “fan-out” applications. It allows a single 40G QSFP+ port to be split into four independent 10GBASE-LR links, which can then connect to four separate 10G SFP+ ports on other devices using an MPO to 4x Duplex LC breakout cable.

2. What kind of fiber optic cable is required for this module?

For a direct 40G to 40G connection, you would use a Type B, MPO-12/APC (female) to MPO-12/APC (female) single-mode patch cable. For its intended breakout application, you must use an MPO-12/APC to 4x Duplex LC/UPC single-mode breakout cable.

3. Can a QSFP-4X10G-LR-S connect to a 40GBASE-LR4 module?

No, they are not interoperable. The QSFP-4X10G-LR-S (a PSM4-type module) uses four parallel fiber pairs (8 fibers total) with the same 1310nm wavelength on each. A 40GBASE-LR4 module uses Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) to send four different wavelengths over a single fiber pair (2 fibers total) with a Duplex LC connector. They are fundamentally different technologies.

4. What does the “-S” class designation mean?

The “-S” typically denotes S-Class optics in the Cisco portfolio, which are designed and priced for enterprise and data center applications. They meet all the 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.

5. Does this module function as a single 40G link?

Yes, when connected to another QSFP-4X10G-LR-S or compatible PSM4 LR module with an MPO-12 patch cable, the host device will see it as a single 40Gbps link. However, it is most commonly used in breakout mode, where the host switch is configured to treat the QSFP+ port as four independent 10G interfaces.