Getting to Know About QSFP-40G-UNIV Transceiver

With the increasing demand for higher bandwidth in networking applications, the need for upgrading from 10G to dense 40 Gigabit Ethernet connections is also growing. However, the widely used optical modules would require a complete redesign of data center layouts, as the existing fiber infrastructure cannot meet the migration requirements. Fortunately, the QSFP-40G-UNIV optical module offers a perfect solution to this problem. But what makes the QSFP-40G-UNIV module capable of successfully addressing this issue? Let's first delve into its fundamental knowledge.

Basics of QSFP-40G-UNIV Transceiver

The "UNIV" in QSFP-40G-UNIV stands for "Universal," indicating its compatibility with various types of fiber cables. It can work with both multimode fibers (OM3, OM4) and single-mode fibers, providing flexibility in network deployments.

With 40 Gbps UNIV, migrating from 10GbE to 40GbE is straightforward: users simply replace existing 10GbE optical modules with 40GbE UNIV optical modules. There is no need for expensive 40GbE migration cassettes and no need to deploy an additional fiber infrastructure. The QSFP+ UNIV transceiver addresses the challenges of fiber infrastructure by providing the ability to transmit full-duplex 40 Gbps traffic over one duplex MMF cable with LC connectors. In other words, the QSFP+ UNIV transceiver, a short-reach optical transceiver that delivers 40 Gbps over duplex OM3 or OM4 MMF, allows 40 Gbps connectivity to connect directly to the 10 Gbps fiber and fiber trunk.

The QSFP+ UNIV transceiver has four 10 Gbps channels, each transmitting and receiving simultaneously on four wavelengths over an MMF strand. The result is an aggregated duplex 40 Gbps link over a duplex of two MMF strands. Using duplex LC connectors, QSFP+ UNIV connections can reach 150 meters on OM3 MMF.

Advantages of QSFP-40G-UNIV Transceiver

Here are the advantages of the QSFP-40G-UNIV transceiver：

• Uses existing duplex fiber infrastructure for 40G

• Identical transceiver for both multi-mode and single-mode fiber for simplified operations and investment protection

• Support for Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM) and passive network Taps for link quality monitoring and passive data analysis

• Optically interoperable with IEEE 40GBASE-LR4 and 40G-LRL4 for easy connection to routers and switches in existing networks

• Supported QSFP+ ports on switches without restrictions

Savings with QSFP+ UNIV When Migrating from 10 Gbps to 40 Gbps

When preparing to migrate from a 10G to a 40G network, the cost is one of the most important things to be considered. As we know, existing 10Gbps connections commonly use MMF cables with LC connectors. Most 40Gbps connections often need eight fiber strands, each four parallel strands for transmitting and receiving respectively. Take 40G-QSFP-SR4 as an example, it uses a 12-fiber MPO cable. Under that condition, 10Gbps cabling infrastructure should be upgraded to migrate to 40Gbps. It will cause additional costs for new patch cables, new patch panels, and expansion of the current fiber trunk.

However, the QSFP UNIV transceiver can solve the cost issue. With QSFP-40G-UNIV, it’s much easier to migrate from a 10G to a 40G network without considering the problem of deploying new cabling infrastructure or buying migration cassettes. Instead, it only needs to replace the 10GbE optical module with 40G-UNIV. Because QSFP+ UNIV uses LC connectors. It allows the same cables to be used for direct 10 Gbps connections to direct 40 Gbps connections, resulting in zero-cost cabling migration. No additional spending on cabling will be required if QSFP+ UNIV transceivers are used for all 40 Gbps links. As a result, users realize 100 percent investment protection of their existing infrastructure and incur no additional cabling costs. This is a significant advantage when compared to the cost of reconstructing the cabling system using QSFP SR4 transceivers. If the cabling for this network is an expansion to the existing cabling system, the 40 Gbps connections can be built using MMF cables and QSFP SR4 transceivers or QSFP+ UNIV transceivers. QSFP+ UNIV can save a lot for 40 Gbps migration.

Conclusion

There is no need for redesign or modification of existing cable infrastructure, the QSFP UNIV transceiver enables data centers to operate at 10G and seamlessly upgrade to 40G. It provides a cost-effective and convenient transition path between single-mode and multimode optics. FS.COM offers a large selection of 40G QSFP transceivers including 40G UNIV, 40G SR4, and 40G LR4. These transceivers undergo 100% testing and deliver satisfactory performance.