Explore FS 100G QSFP28 Module Family to Build Efficiency Network

The demand for 100G optical modules is on the rise, driven by the expanding needs of data centres and the push for faster network speeds. Choosing the right 100G optical modules from the available options is crucial for maximising network performance. This article explores 100G QSFP28 modules and their suitability for various network conditions.

100G QSFP28 Module Standards Defined

The standards for 100G QSFP28 modules are primarily defined by two organisations, IEEE and MSA. IEEE standards encompass 100GBASE-SR4, 100GBASE-LR4, and 100GBASE-ER4, suitable for everything from short-range data centre connections to long-distance backbone transmission, covering a transmission distance from 100 metres to 40 kilometres.

On the other hand, the MSA standards are more flexible, defining modules such as 100G CWDM4, 100G PSM4, and 100G ZR4 for special use cases, like short-range parallel transmission and extra-long-distance backbone transmission. These standards meet diverse needs across different network environments.

An Overview of the 100G QSFP28 Module Family

FS 100G QSFP28 modules are available in a wide variety, utilising low-power chips to reduce energy consumption, such as Broadcom, Macom, and Semtech (learn more). All products have passed multiple certification and compatibility tests to ensure quality and performance.

The 100G QSFP28 module family covers a variety of application scenarios, from short-distance data centre connections to ultra-long-distance backbone network transmissions, meeting the transmission needs across different network environments.

100G QSFP28 Modules for Short-Range Applications

• QSFP-SR4-100G: This module features Macom CDR technology, offering efficient performance at 2.5W. Its COB packaging is compact and ideal for automated manufacturing. It supports 100-metre transmission on OM4 fibre for data centre links.

• QSFP28-BIDI-100G: It utilises Macom chips with a max power consumption of 3.5W and traditional LC connectors for 100Gbps dual-directional transmission. Additionally, it also supports up to 70m on OM3 and 100m on OM4 fibres for short-range deployments.

• QSFP28-DR-100G: It is Powered by Broadcom 7nm DSP chips at 4W or less, with a BOX seal for durability. It's designed for 500-metre data centre internal links and pairs with QSFPDD-DR4-400G for seamless 100G to 400G upgrades.

100G QSFP28 Modules for Medium to Long-Range Transmissions

• QSFP-100G-FR: Equipped with Broadcom 7nm DSP chip, it has a maximum power consumption of 4W and uses a BOX hermetic seal. This module offers 100Gbps transmission through an LC interface, suitable for short to medium-range connections between data centres and campus networks.

• QSFP-100G-LR4: Designed for 10-kilometre long-haul transmission, it features Semtech chip and EML laser. Utilising CWDM technology, this module provides high-bandwidth, low-latency connections on single-mode fibre, widely used in data centres and metropolitan area networks.

• QSFP-100G-CWDM4: With a four-channel parallel processing chip and DFB laser, it supports a transmission distance of 2 kilometres. This module achieves 100Gbps rates over a single single-mode fibre, ideal for medium to short-range enterprise networks and data centre applications.

• 100GBASE-LX4: Leveraging Macom CDR chip and CWDM4 DFB laser, it supports 2-kilometre transmission on single-mode fibre and 100 metres on multimode fibre. This module has strong compatibility, making it suitable for flexible deployment and efficient transmission.

100G QSFP28 Modules for Long-Range Transmissions

• 100GBASE-ER4: It uses Semtech CDR chip and 25G EML laser, with a maximum power consumption of 5.5W and supports a transmission distance of 60km. It is widely used in high-bandwidth connections in data centers and backbone networks.

• QSFP28 100GBASE-ER: This module uses Broadcom 7nm DSP chip and EML laser, with power consumption below 5.5W and a transmission distance of up to 40 kilometers. It is suitable for a variety of applications such as data centers and 100G Ethernet.

Coherent 100G QSFP28 Modules for High-Performance Connectivity

• QSFP-ZR4-100G: This high-performance coherent optical module uses advanced coherent technology with a maximum power consumption of 5w, supporting a maximum transmission distance of 80 kilometres (extendable to 120 kilometres). It leverages Flextune technology to reduce deployment time and operational costs and is compatible with 400G ZR+ modules, offering great flexibility and scalability.

• QSFP28-PSM4-100G: Specifically designed for short-haul data centre transmission, it uses four single-mode fibre channels and coherent detection technology to achieve a transmission distance of up to 500 metres. It features lower power consumption and efficient fibre utilisation, optimising network architecture and performance in data centres.

Application of FS Spine-Leaf IP Fabric Solution

In building Spine-Leaf IP Fabric data centre network solution, the Spine layer's N8560-32C nodes form the central backbone of the network using 100G QSFP28 modules. The QSFP28 SR modules in the core layer ensure high-speed data transfer and low latency when processing large-scale data, meeting the stringent performance requirements of modern data centres.

The advantages of this solution include:

• High Scalability: The Spine-Leaf topology allows for easy network expansion by increasing the number of Spine nodes, accommodating the growing demand for bandwidth.

• High-Performance Transmission: Comprising multiple high-bandwidth direct connections, it ensures network transmission speed, avoids single-point bottlenecks, and supports high forwarding efficiency and low latency.

• Advanced Management Platform: Equipped with the AmpCon™ management platform, it centralises network monitoring and management, enhancing operational efficiency.

• Modular Components: Utilising high-performance switches such as the N8560-32C and N5860-48SC, along with high-speed modules like QSFP-SR4-100G and SFP-10GSR-85, it offers flexible network construction options.

• Redundancy and Reliability: Enhanced network redundancy and reliability are achieved through MLAG technology, ensuring the continuity of critical business operations.

At the server access layer, the RS5230 server connects to the network via the X710BM2-2S network card, utilising the SFP-10GSR-85 optical module to achieve a 10G connection with the Leaf node, demonstrating the solution's broad applicability across different levels of equipment.

Final Thoughts

The 100G QSFP28 modules, with their plug-and-play characteristics and real-time digital diagnostics, simplify the installation and configuration process. Whether for intra-data centre connections or metropolitan area network connections, FS modules offer customised solutions. As technology continues to advance, 100G QSFP28 modules will continue to drive improvements in network speed and reliability, delivering a superior network experience for users.