Overview
This module is a high-performance, versatile optical transceiver designed as a fully compatible equivalent to the Cisco QSFP-PLR4L-100G. It operates according to the 100GBASE-PLR4L (“Lite”) specification, which uses four parallel single-mode fiber (SMF) lanes to transmit and receive an aggregate 100 Gbps signal. This parallel optics design allows the module to function in two distinct modes: as a native 100G point-to-point link or as four independent 25G links for breakout applications.
Engineered for modern data center architectures, this transceiver uses a standard MPO-12/APC connector and supports link lengths up to 2 kilometers. Its key advantage is the ability to connect a 100G switch port to four separate 25G server or switch ports using an MPO to 4xLC breakout cable, providing excellent port density and flexibility for spine-leaf network designs.
Key Features
- 100% compatible with Cisco switches and routers that support the QSFP-PLR4L-100G module.
- Standard: Compliant with 100GBASE-PLR4L and QSFP28 MSA.
- Dual Functionality: Supports one 100G link or four independent 25G-LR links.
- Technology: Four parallel 25Gb/s channels using a 1310nm DML laser array.
- Data Rate: 103.1 Gbps (4 x 25.78 Gbps).
- Connector: Standard MPO-12/APC (Angled Physical Contact).
- Reach: Supports link lengths up to 2km on SMF (OS2).
- Built-in Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM/DDM) for comprehensive diagnostics.
* Hot-pluggable QSFP28 form factor.
Applications
The QSFP-PLR4L-100G compatible module is ideal for:
- High-density 25G server connectivity in data centers (breakout mode).
- 100G spine-to-leaf or inter-rack connections.
- Enterprise core aggregation and distribution layers.
- Connecting 100G ports to four discrete 25G ports on different devices.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Compatible Part Number | QSFP-PLR4L-100G |
| Form Factor | QSFP28 |
| Standard | 100GBASE-PLR4L (4x25G-LR) |
| Data Rate | 103.1 Gbps |
| Wavelength | 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
While programmed for seamless operation in Cisco equipment, this module’s adherence to 100GBASE-PLR4L MSA standards ensures it can also function flawlessly in networking hardware from other major manufacturers that support this optical specification.
| MANUFACTURER | EQUIVALENT PART NUMBER |
|---|---|
| Arista | QSFP-100G-PLR4L |
| Juniper | JNP-QSFP-100G-PLR4-L |
| MSA Generic | QSFP-100G-PLR4L |
FAQ (Technical & Product Questions)
1. What is the difference between PLR4 and PSM4?
Both PLR4 and PSM4 are 100G parallel single-mode fiber standards using MPO connectors. The main difference is the reach and the cost. PSM4 (Parallel Single Mode 4) is specified for up to 500 meters and uses lower-cost lasers, making it ideal for intra-data center links. PLR4 (Parallel LR4) is designed for longer reaches, typically 10km (and 2km for this ‘Lite’ version), using higher-performance lasers.
2. What does the “L” in PLR4L stand for?
The “L” typically stands for “Lite”. In this context, it signifies that the module adheres to the PLR4 specification but is optimized for a shorter reach of 2 kilometers instead of the standard 10km. This allows for a more cost-effective design for applications that do not require the full 10km distance.
3. What kind of fiber optic cable do I need for a breakout connection?
To use the 4x25G breakout functionality, you need a single-mode MPO-12/APC to 4x Duplex LC/UPC breakout cable. The MPO end connects to this transceiver, and the four Duplex LC ends connect to four separate SFP28 25G-LR/LR-S transceivers in other devices.
4. Why does this module use an MPO/APC connector instead of MPO/UPC?
The APC (Angled Physical Contact) connector has an 8-degree angled ferrule end-face. This angle causes back reflections to bounce out of the fiber core instead of returning directly to the laser source. For single-mode parallel optics like PLR4, minimizing back reflections is critical to maintaining signal integrity and achieving reliable performance, making APC the preferred connector type.
5. Is QSFP-PLR4L-100G interoperable with 100GBASE-LR4?
No, they are not interoperable. PLR4L is a parallel optics technology that uses 4 parallel fiber strands. 100GBASE-LR4 is a WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing) technology that uses 4 different wavelengths over a single pair of fibers. They use different connectors (MPO vs. Duplex LC) and have fundamentally incompatible optical architectures.
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