As global data traffic surges, data center networks are shifting from 100G to 400G. 400G optical modules emerge as a cost-effective solution, boosting system performance, transmission rates, bandwidth, and cutting broadband costs. This article focuses on the 400G QSFP-DD optical module, covering its packaging, applications, challenges, and future trends.
Common 400G QSFP-DD optical module types
400G QSFP-DD SR8
The 400G QSFP-DD SR8 Transceiver is optimized for transmitting and receiving serial optical data links at an impressive 8 x 53.125Gbps data rate, utilizing the PAM4 modulation format over multi-mode fiber. With its MPO-16 connector, it supports multimode fiber links extending up to 70m (OM3) or 100m (OM4), ensuring reliable connectivity over short distances.
400G QSFP-DD SR4
Introducing the 400GBASE-SR4.2 module with an MTP/MPO-12 connector, reaching up to 150m over OM5 multi-mode fiber. Compliant with IEEE 802.3 and 400GAUI-8/PAM4 standards, it features built-in digital diagnostics monitoring (DDM) for real-time parameter access. Ideal for 400G Ethernet and data center interconnect applications, it also supports 4× 100G-SR1.2 configurations.
400G QSFP-DD DR4
Introducing our 400Gb/s QSFP-DD optical module, perfect for 500m optical communication. It efficiently converts 8 channels of 50Gb/s (PAM4) electrical input into 4 channels of 100Gb/s parallel optical signals, achieving a total data rate of 400Gb/s. On the receiving end, it reverses the process, maintaining seamless data transmission. Equipped with an MTP/MPO-12 connector, it ensures easy connectivity. Host FEC support is necessary for up to 500m fiber transmission. Our AERECH transceiver, utilizing the proprietary AERECH NETWORK, boasts compactness without compromising robustness, thanks to its innovative design.
400G QSFP-DD FR4
Introducing our 400Gb/s QSFP-DD optical module tailored for 2km optical communication. It efficiently converts 8 channels of 50Gb/s (PAM4) electrical input into 4 channels of CWDM optical signals, each multiplexed into a single channel for seamless 400Gb/s optical transmission. On the receiving end, it reverses the process, ensuring smooth data reception. With central wavelengths conforming to the ITU-T G.694.2 CWDM grid, it guarantees compatibility and efficiency. Host FEC support is necessary for up to 2km fiber transmission. Built on our proprietary AERECH Network, this transceiver boasts compactness and Telcordia-grade robustness, making it an ideal solution for demanding optical communication needs.
400G QSFP-DD LR4
Introducing our 400Gb/s QSFP-DD optical module for 10km optical communication. It converts 8 channels of 50Gb/s (PAM4) electrical input into 4 channels of CWDM optical signals, multiplexing them into a single channel for seamless 400Gb/s optical transmission. On the receiving end, it demultiplexes a 400Gb/s optical input into 4 channels of CWDM optical signals, converting them to 8 channels of 50Gb/s (PAM4) electrical output data. With central wavelengths aligned with the ITU-T G.694.2 CWDM grid, it ensures compatibility and efficiency. Host FEC support is required for up to 10km fiber transmission.
400G QSFP-DD LR8
The 400G QSFP-DD LR8 optical module shares the advanced 50G PAM4 modulation technology with its counterpart, the 400G QSFP-DD SR8 optical module, featuring 8 parallel transmission channels. Vendar, distinguished by its capabilities, the 400G QSFP-DD LR8 module can achieve single-mode fiber link transmission spanning up to 10km per channel. With a maximum transmission rate of 106.25Gbps per channel and an aggregate transmission rate of 425G, it offers enhanced long-range connectivity compared to the SR8 module.
400G QSFP-DD ER8
The 400G QSFP-DD ER8 and 400G QSFP-DD LR8 optical modules share identical transmission rates, modulation technology, and connectors, adhering to the IEEE 802.3cn protocol and QSFP-DD MSA standard. The key distinction lies in their transmission distances. While the 400G QSFP-DD ER8 module boasts a maximum transmission range of 40km, making it ideal for ultra-long-distance data transmission, the LR8 module is optimized for shorter distances.
400G QSFP-DD ER4 Lite
Introducing our 400Gb/s QSFP-DD optical module for 30km optical communication. Offering high-density 400Gbps transmission over 30km single-mode fiber, compliant with the 100G Lambda MSA specification. It achieves this through the multiplexing of four nWDM 53GBaud PAM4 encoded optical signals, enhanced by advanced DSP technology. Housed in a compact hot-pluggable QSFP-DD Type 2A form factor, it features an electrical interface with eight 26GBaud PAM4 encoded lanes, providing 8x53Gbps data across the host connector. The optical interface terminates in a dual LC receptacle, while digital monitoring and control functions are facilitated through an I2C serial interface, adhering to the Common Management Interface Specification.
Application of QSFP-DD 400G
Data centers and Cloud Networks/400G DCI
Enterprise Networking
Metropolitan Area Network
FAQ about QSFP-DD 400G
Q: Can I use an OSFP optical module on one end of a 400G link and a QSFP-DD optical module on the other end?
A: ja. OSFP and QSFP-DD describe the physical size of the optical module. As long as the Ethernet media type is the same (that is, both ends of the link are 400G-LR4 or 400G-ER8, itd.), OSFP and QSFP-DD optical modules are compatible with each other.
Q: Can I plug the QSFP-DD optical module into the OSFP port?
A: št. The physical dimensions of QSFP-DD and OSFP optical modules are different. Only optical modules of corresponding sizes can be used in corresponding systems. If you are using OSFP packaging, you must use the corresponding 400G OSFP optical module. If you are using QSFP-DD packaging, you must use the corresponding 400G QSFP-DD optical module.
Q: What is the difference between 40/100G optical module and 400G optical module?
A: In contrast to 40G/100G optical modules, 400G optical modules represent a significant leap forward by transitioning from traditional single-carrier modulation to polarization multiplexing multi-carrier applications. It has bigger package size, but also offers lower power consumption, higher bandwidth, and increased speed, thereby potentially raising network deployment costs.
Q: What is the difference between the electrical signal channel and the optical signal channel when using NRZ or PAM-4?
A: NRZ stands for “non-return to zero” modulation, which is used to describe electrical signal channels or optical signal channels. There are only 2 amplitude levels. One amplitude level represents the number “1” and the other represents the number “0”. This is The primary modulation scheme for transmitting data up to 25Gb/s. PAM-4 stands for four-level pulse amplitude modulation, where the “4” means that the electrical or optical signal carrying digital data has 4 different signal levels. In this case each signal level represents two digits. This allows the PAM-4 waveform to transmit 2x more bit rates than the NRZ waveform at the same symbol period rate. This means that PAM4 can transmit at half the baud rate. achieve higher bitrates.
Q: OSFP vs QSFP-DD
A: QSFP-DD is based on the QSFP size and adds an additional row of electro-pins. This makes it well backward compatible with 40G and 100G QSFP/QSFP28 optical modules. Vendar, the size of OSFP is not compatible with some optical and electrical interfaces, so adapters are needed to achieve interoperability. In order to achieve greater transmission power, the QSFP-DD optical module relies on the external heat sink of the switch, but the heat sink of the OSFP optical module is integrated inside the module housing and has a larger heat dissipation surface area than the QSFP-DD optical module, making the thermal contact between the heat dissipation component and the heat sink is optimized, and the heat dissipation performance is also improved.
Q: What kindly of 400G modules can AERECH provide?
A: AE-QSFPDD-SR4, AE-QSFPDD-SR8, AE-QSFPDD-DR4, AE-QSFPDD-FR4, AE-QSFPDD-LR4, AE-QSFPDD-ER4 Lite, AE-QSFPDD-ER8, AE-OSFP400-SR4
Development Trend of 400G QSFP-DD Optical Modules
The ongoing evolution of 400G technology has revolutionized channel transmission efficiency and capacity, promising customers an enhanced network experience. Offering high-bandwidth transmission, low-latency response, and minimal power consumption, the 400G QSFP-DD optical module is poised to emerge as the preferred solution for next-generation wireless networks and large-scale data center transmission needs.
