100G QSFP28 CWDM4 1310nm 2km Optical Transceiver – High-Performance Module

QSFP28 100G CWDM4 transceiver delivers ultra-high-speed data links for datacenter and telecom networks. It’s a pluggable, hot-swappable QSFP28 optical module that combines four independent 25Gbps channels into a 100G aggregate link. Using coarse WDM (CWDM) technology, it operates on four CWDM wavelengths (typically 1271, 1291, 1311, 1331nm) to transmit data over single-mode fiber up to 2km. The module features built-in digital diagnostics (DDM/DOM) for real-time monitoring of optical performance and supports standard QSFP28 and CWDM4 MSA protocols.

Designed for reliable 100GbE links, this transceiver is IEEE 802.3bm-compliant and meets industry standards. It consumes low power (<3.5W) and operates over a commercial temperature range (0–70°C). The high-quality DFB lasers and PIN photodiodes ensure stable transmission and reception. This module is compatible with major switch/router OEMs (Cisco, Juniper, Arista, Dell, etc.), and is available in Cisco QSFP-100G-CWDM4-S and other branded variants for seamless integration.

Key Features

• 100G Aggregate Bandwidth: Combines four 25Gbps channels (total ~104Gbps) over single-mode fiber.

• CWDM4 (1270–1330nm): Uses four coarse DWDM wavelengths (1271, 1291, 1311, 1331nm) for efficient fiber utilization.

• Extended Reach: Supports links up to 2 km over SMF (9/125μm). Ideal for data centers, campus, and metro networks.

• QSFP28 Form Factor: Hot-pluggable 4-channel QSFP28 module with duplex LC connector. Compatible with QSFP28 cages on major platforms.

• Low Power: Highly efficient design (<3.5W maximum) minimizes thermal load in switches/routers.

• Digital Diagnostics: Full DDM/DOM support for real-time monitoring of TX/RX power, temperature, voltage, etc..

• Standards Compliance: Meets IEEE 802.3bm (100G Ethernet), CWDM4 MSA, and QSFP28 MSA specifications. RoHS and Class 1 FDA certified for safety.

Technical Specifications

Table: Key specifications for the 100G QSFP28 CWDM4 (1310nm, 2km) transceiver. Data based on MSA/Ethernet standards

Applications

• 100 Gigabit Ethernet: High-speed links between switches, routers, and servers in data centers and core networks.

• Data Center Interconnect: Aggregating traffic up to 100G between racks or facilities (up to 2km).

• High-Performance Computing (HPC): Interconnects for supercomputing clusters and storage networks.

• Telecom & Metro Networks: Carrier-class 100G backbone and ring architectures within cities.

• Enterprise Networks: Supporting bandwidth-hungry applications like virtualization, cloud, and big data.

Installation and Usage

1. Insert Transceiver: Plug the QSFP28 module into a 100G-capable QSFP28 slot on your switch, router, or NIC. No tools required – QSFP28 modules are hot-pluggable.

2. Connect Fiber Cable: Attach a single-mode LC duplex cable. Ensure fiber ends are clean to avoid signal loss. The module uses CWDM wavelengths, so only single-mode fiber (SMF) is supported.

3. Power On: The host device should automatically detect the transceiver. Verify link status; the 100G link should come up with auto-negotiation (note that 100GBASE-CWDM4 often requires FEC to achieve <10^-12 BER).

4. Monitor Diagnostics (Optional): Use SNMP or CLI commands on the switch/NIC to read real-time diagnostics (temperature, TX/RX power, voltage) via the module’s I²C interface.

Note: Ensure the switch/router firmware and operating temperature range (0–70°C) accommodate CWDM4 modules. No special configuration is usually required; the transceiver is recognized as a standard 100G optical interface.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Is this transceiver compatible with my equipment (Cisco, Juniper, Arista, etc.)?
  A: Yes. It is compliant with QSFP28 MSA and tested to meet OEM specifications. It works with Cisco (e.g. QSFP-100G-CWDM4-S), Juniper, Arista, Dell, Brocade, and other 100G CWDM4 QSFP28 ports. If in doubt, check your device’s support list for 100G CWDM4 QSFP28 modules.

• Q: What is CWDM4 vs. LR4?
  A: CWDM4 uses four coarse wavelengths around 1310nm (1271–1331nm) and is typically used for up to 2km on SMF. LR4 uses four LAN wavelengths around 1295–1310nm with more precise lasers for longer reach (up to 10km). Choose CWDM4 for short/medium links where cost and power efficiency are priorities.

• Q: Does this module support digital diagnostics (DDM/DOM)?
  A: Yes, it includes full digital diagnostic monitoring. You can read out the module’s optical power, temperature, and voltage via the host device.

• Q: Any special requirements for installation?
  A: Just ensure you use single-mode duplex LC fiber. The module is hot-swappable, so you can insert or remove it with the system powered on. Make sure both the module and the switch meet ambient specs (commercial temperature).

• Q: Why choose this module?
  A: It offers a cost-effective 100G link with lower power and heat than LR4 optics, and its CWDM design increases port density by using 4 wavelengths on a single pair of fibers. It’s ideal for aggregating multiple 100G signals or extending 100G Ethernet in campus and data center networks.