100G LR4 Modules: Unleashing the Power of Long-Distance Transmission

In today's fast-growing data center networks, with the increasing demand for data transmission, how to achieve long-distance transmission while maintaining high bandwidth has become a key challenge. In the face of this demand, 100G LR4 module stands out with its excellent long-distance transmission capability and has become an important part of the large-scale data center architecture. Whether it is cross-regional data center interconnection(DCI) or large-scale data transmission applications, 100G LR4 module provides a powerful solution for network construction with its stable and efficient transmission performance.

In this article, we will explore the long-distance transmission advantages of the 100G LR4 module in depth and reveal the important role it plays in modern data centers.

Overview of 100G LR4 Modules

The 100G LR4 (Long Range 4) module is a type of optical transceiver designed for high-speed data transmission over long distances. It operates at a wavelength of 1310nm and utilizes four parallel channels, each capable of transmitting 25 Gbps, to achieve an aggregate data rate of 100 Gbps. The LR4 module is typically used for single-mode fiber (SMF) applications and supports transmission distances of up to 10 kilometers, making it ideal for wide-area networks (WAN), metropolitan area networks (MAN), and large-scale data center interconnections.

FS 100GBASE-LR4 qsfp28 optical transceiver module compatible Cisco QSFP-100G-LR4-S, it provides 100GBase-LR4 throughput up to 10km over a standard pair of single mode fiber (SMF) with duplex LC connectors. This transceiver is compliant with IEEE 802.3 100GBASE-LR4, SFF-8665 and SFF-8636 standards. Digital diagnostics functions are also available via the I2C interface, as specified by the QSFP28 MSA, to allow access to real-time operating parameters.

Key Advantages of Long-Distance Transmission

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the advantages of the 100G LR4 module for long-distance transmission:

• 1. Extended Reach without Compromising Performance

The 100G LR4 module is designed to support long-distance data transmission over single-mode fiber, covering distances of up to 10 kilometers. This feature is critical for applications that require connections between geographically distant locations, such as data centers in different cities or critical infrastructure distributed over a large area. The module is designed to ensure that there is no significant signal degradation over long distances, making it a reliable solution for maintaining performance over long links.

• 2. Low Latency for High-speed Networks

Latency is a critical factor in modern networks, especially with the growing demand for real-time data processing and applications such as video streaming and online gaming. By reducing the time it takes for data to travel through the network, the 100G LR4 module enhances the user experience and supports the performance needs of latency-sensitive applications.

• 3. High Bandwidth to Handle Large Amounts of Data

The 100G LR4 module provides the high bandwidth required to support large-scale data traffic, ensuring smooth and efficient data flow throughout the network. This is especially important for data centers and cloud service providers, as the ability to quickly and reliably manage and process large amounts of data is their key competitive advantage.

• 4. Enhanced Network Reliability and Scalability

The 100G LR4 module is highly scalable, allowing the network to easily expand and adapt to future needs. As data demands grow, the module's ability to support higher data rates and longer transmission distances makes it a versatile solution for evolving network architectures.

• 5. A Cost-effective Solution for Long-term Network Growth

While the initial investment of the 100G LR4 module may be higher compared to short-distance alternatives, its long-term benefits far outweigh the cost. The module is capable of providing high-speed, long-distance transmission, reducing the need for additional infrastructure such as signal repeaters and reducing maintenance expenses. It provides immediate and future value by supporting continued expansion and technological advancement.

Applications of 100G LR4 Modules

FS QSFP28 LR4 modules are usually used in three scenarios: direct connection of 100GbE switches in data centers, direct connection of telecom and 5G wireless network deployment, and long-distance transmission applications for telecom service providers.

The direct connection architecture of 100GbE switches in data centers shows a data center network topology based on the Spine-Leaf structure, which is a typical representative of modern data center network design. This architecture is designed to achieve efficient and stable network connections to meet the needs of data centers for large-scale, high-speed data transmission.

• 1. Core Layer: In the core layer, 100G LR4 modules play a vital role. Since the core layer is responsible for traffic scheduling and management of the entire network, the connection between core switches must have high bandwidth and long-distance transmission capabilities. 100G LR4 modules can provide high-speed data transmission over a distance of up to 10 kilometers, ensuring connection stability and low latency between core layers, thereby supporting the efficient operation of the entire network.

• 2. Spine Layer: 100G LR4 modules are used to connect the spine layer and the core layer to meet the needs of long-distance data transmission. Through the use of LR4 modules, the spine layer can efficiently pass data to the core layer, supporting large-scale data processing and fast data transmission.

• 3. Leaf Layer: The leaf layer is connected to the spine layer through the 100G IR4 module, and the 100G SR4 module is used to achieve short-distance horizontal connection. Although the leaf layer focuses more on shorter-distance data transmission, when long-distance connection is required, the LR4 module can still provide the required bandwidth and stability to ensure that data can be smoothly passed from the server layer to the spine layer.

In the entire architecture, the main role of the 100G LR4 module is to provide long-distance, high-bandwidth connection between the core layer and the spine layer. It ensures that the key layers of the network can seamlessly process and transmit large amounts of data while maintaining low latency and high reliability. The application of LR4 modules enables this network architecture to cope with high-demand scenarios across large physical distances, especially in large data centers and wide area networks, and performs well.

For more details on the 100G module application architecture, please refer to Application Analysis of 100G Optical Module: ISP, Data Center and Telecom.

Conclusion

In the rapidly developing data center network, 100G LR4 module has become an indispensable core component due to its excellent long-distance transmission capability. It achieves a transmission distance of up to 10 kilometers on single-mode optical fiber, ensuring efficient connection between the core layer and the backbone layer. Whether it is cross-regional data center interconnection(DCI) or high-traffic applications, 100G LR4 module can provide 100Gbps high-speed transmission, helping network optimization and performance improvement.

In data centers, 100G modules have become a key component for building efficient network architectures. Whether it is the core layer, aggregation layer, or access layer, FS's 100G modules can provide you with stable, high-speed connections to meet diverse application needs. However, the needs of each data center are different, and standardized solutions may not fully meet your specific requirements.

If you are considering deploying 100G modules and want to ensure that it achieves optimal performance in your unique environment, FS can provide you with tailored solutions. Our team of experts will provide comprehensive technical support and consulting services based on your specific needs to ensure that your network architecture can fully utilize the advantages of 100G modules.

Please contact us now to learn more about customized solutions to help you build a more efficient and stable data center network.