Single Lambda 100G QSFP28 Modules Overview

The common 100G optical standards, such as 100G SR4, 100G LR4, 100G CWDM4, 100G PSM4, and 100G ER4 optical modules, utilize four 25G optical channels for either parallel transmission or WDM transmission. To achieve these standards, expensive optical components and different packaging types are required.To cut costs and enhance transmission speed, the industry has introduced the 100G single-lambda specification, which utilizes single-wavelength 100G PAM4 modulation in optical modules.

What is 100G Single Lambda Optics?

Single Lambda optical module is an innovative high-speed transmission module using single-wavelength technology, achieving speeds of up to 100Gbps on a single wavelength. This simplifies optical design, reducing component count and complexity, lowering costs and power consumption (where optical components make up about 60% of total module costs). Additionally, Single Lambda modules offer higher density, enabling greater port and bandwidth density.

100G Single Lambda Module Features and Benefits

• Future-proofing investments as 100G optical modules transition to new 100G form factors.

• Connecting to 400G switches and routers without sacrificing port bandwidth.

• Upgrading to 400G switches and routers one site at a time.

100G Single Lambda Module Types

Next, we will provide a detailed overview of the types and features of FS 100G Single Lambda Modules.

100G QSFP28 DR

The 100GBASE-DR Single Lambda transceiver complies with the IEEE standard 100GBASE-DR and supports up to 500m over SMF, making it ideal for data center leaf-spine connectivity where the fiber length seldom exceeds 100m. Digital diagnostics functions are also available via the I2C interface, as specified by the QSFP28 MSA, to allow access to real-time operating parameters.

Related article：100GBASE-DR: A New Choice for High-Speed Data Center Interconnection

FS Product Highlights

• Built-in Broadcom 7nm DSP Chip

• Max. Power Consumption 4W

• Adopt BOX Hermetic Packaging

• Support 4x100G Breakout Applications with 400G DR4

• 100G Single Lambda MSA Compliant

• Class 1 FDA Laser Safety and RoHS Compliant

100G QSFP28 FR

The 100GBASE-FR Single Lambda transceiver is a single lambda short reach single-mode 100GBASE-FR1 optical module transceiver compatible with the 100GBASE-FR1 specification. The module uses a single 1310nm EML laser at 1310nm with a PIN receiver. There are 4x 25G NRZ electrical channels in the interface for a total speed of 100G available on the QSFP28.

FS Product Highlights

• Built-in Broadcom 7nm DSP Chip

• Max. Power Consumption 4W

• Adopt BOX Hermetic Packaging

• Support 4x100G Breakout Applications with 400G XDR4

• 100G Single Lambda MSA Compliant

• Class 1 FDA Laser Safety and RoHS Compliant

100G QSFP28 LR

The 100GBASE-LR Single Lambda transceiver is designed to support 100G Ethernet, enabling connections between buildings, data centers, and transport networks up to 10km over single mode fiber. It provides a forward-compatible alternative to 100G LR4 10km links, and is ideal for connections in core and aggregation networks. This transceiver is compliant with the QSFP28 MSA, IEEE 802.3cd 100GBASE-LR1 and 100G Lambda MSA standards.

FS Product Highlights

• Built-in Broadcom 7nm DSP Chip

• Max. Power Consumption 4.5W

• Adopt BOX Hermetic Packaging

• Support 4x100G Breakout Applications with 400G LR4

• 100G Single Lambda MSA Compliant

• Class 1 FDA Laser Safety and RoHS Compliant

100G QSFP28 ER&ERL

The 100GBASE-ER Single Lambda transceiver is designed for long-distance connections, providing high-speed 100GBASE Ethernet connectivity of up to 30km over single-mode fiber using a 1310nm wavelength. It also features digital diagnostics capabilities accessible through the I2C interface, meeting standard requirements.

On the other hand, the 100GBASE-ERL Single Lambda transceiver is intended for applications with a 25km transmission distance requirement, utilizing the same 1310nm wavelength and duplex LC connectors. Significantly, because the ER-Lite module has similar performance and specifications to the ER4-Lite 40km module, in certain scenarios, the ER-Lite module can serve as a cost-effective alternative when shorter transmission distances are needed. This forward compatibility allows users to easily adapt to various networking requirements.

FS Product Highlights (ER)

• Built-in Broadcom 7nm DSP Chip

• Max. Power Consumption 5.5W

• Adopt BOX Hermetic Packaging

• 100G Single Lambda MSA Compliant

• Class 1 FDA Laser Safety and RoHS Compliant

FS Product Highlights (ERL)

• Built-in Inphi Chip

• Max. Power Consumption 4W

• 100G Single Lambda MSA Compliant

• Class 1 FDA Laser Safety and RoHS Compliant

FS offers various single lambda module types to meet diverse networking needs, from short-distance data center connections to long-range metro network deployments.

100G Single Lambda Module Applications

100G single lambda modules have emerged as a cutting-edge solution for high-speed data transmission, offering exceptional performance and versatility across various networking scenarios. Next we will look at three key application areas for the 100G single lambda module: data centers, service provider networks, and enterprise campus networks.

Data Centers: Elevating the Heart of Digital Operations

100G single-wavelength modules are ideal for connecting the spine and leaf layers within data centers.They provide efficient communication with single-wavelength data speeds of up to 100Gbps, ensuring high-speed, low-latency connections for servers within the data center. Moreover, these modules can also support high-speed 400G and 800G ports, meeting the growing bandwidth needs between data centers and external networks. This flexibility allows data centers to adapt to future network technology advancements, ensuring the feasibility of their long-term investments.

Service Provider Networks: Meeting the Growing Demand for Bandwidth

Single lambda 100G technology allows service providers and network operators to upgrade individual sites separately, achieving 400G to 100G connections through optical branching.

This means that if you're running a network with devices featuring 100G QSFP28 ports, you can simply upgrade one site to 400G equipment and still connect it to existing 100G sites without sacrificing port bandwidth. This can minimize your downtime significantly. You can later upgrade to other sites when ready.

Enterprise Campus Networks: Streamlining Connectivity

Within enterprise campus networks, the 100G single-wavelength module offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional four-wavelength optics. This not only reduces network deployment and maintenance costs, but also provides high-performance and reliable connections, ensuring fast data transmission and network stability.

Additionally, given the diverse connectivity requirements typically encountered in enterprise campuses, ranging from short to long distances, the 100G single-wavelength module offers flexible connectivity options suitable for various distance demands. By deploying the 100G single-wavelength module, enterprises can ensure the reliability of their network infrastructure and prepare for future growth, ensuring that their network can adapt to evolving business needs.

FS 100G Single Lambda Module Solution

100G Single Lambda optical module uses single-channel 100G PAM4 technology, providing a foundation for 400G (4*100G) or 800G (8*100G) Ethernet development. It simplifies 400G and 800G network upgrades, reducing optical component complexity, minimizing fiber use, and saving on cabling costs(as shown below).

100G to 400G Migration (DR\FR\LR)

100G to 800G Migration (DR\FR\LR)

Conclusion

100G Single Lambda modules represent an important innovation in optical networking and will continue to play a key role in network communications in the digital age. As technology continues to advance, these modules will continue to adapt to future needs, contributing to higher speeds, lower energy consumption and more efficient data transmission.