100G BIDI QSFP28 Optical Transceivers for Long-Reach Networks

The 100G BIDI QSFP28 optical transceiver (also called a 100G QSFP28 BIDI module or 100G QSFP28 single fiber transceiver) is a high-performance optical module that sends and receives 100Gigabit Ethernet (100GbE) traffic over a single strand of single-mode fiber (SMF). Using bidirectional Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM), each module transmits and receives on different wavelengths (for example, 1271 nm and 1331 nm for a 10 km link). This innovative design doubles fiber capacity and cuts cabling costs by about 50% compared to traditional dual-fiber QSFP28 transceivers. Despite using only one fiber strand with a simple LC connector, a 100G BIDI QSFP28 runs at full 100 Gbps (line rate 103.125 Gbps) with low power consumption. It adheres to QSFP28 MSA and IEEE 802.3bm standards (interoperable with Cisco, Juniper, Arista, etc.) and supports digital diagnostics (DDM) and Forward Error Correction (FEC) for reliable links. In short, 100G QSFP28 BIDI modules offer fiber-efficient, long-reach 100G connectivity for data centers, metro/5G networks, and carrier backbones.

Below we introduce BIDI QSFP28 models tailored to 10 km, 20 km, 30 km, 40 km, and 80 km reaches, highlighting their key features, specs, and use cases. A technical comparison table follows, and a FAQ addresses common questions. For turnkey solutions, trust Aerech Networks for quality 100G BIDI products and support.

AE-QSFP28-BX10: 100G QSFP28 BIDI Module (10 KM)

• Distans: 10 km (SMF)
• Wavelengths: 1271 nm/1331 nm (Tx/Rx)
• Modulation: NRZ/PAM4
• Anslutning: Simplex LC
• Power: <4 W
• Applications: Short-reach interconnects, campus backbones, datacenter

AE-QSFP28-BX10 is designed for 10 km links over single-mode fiber. It uses a bidirectional wavelength pair (commonly 1271 nm and 1331 nm) so that one strand carries both transmit and receive signals. The optical budget is moderate (around 6–8 dB), so FEC is optional on 10 km links. In practice, it is ideal for data center interconnects, enterprise LANs, and short-distance metro spans where fiber is scarce but 100 Gbps is needed. Its low power draw (<4 W) and standard simplex LC interface, simplify deployment in racks or ODN cabinets. Because it uses conventional NRZ modulation, it is broadly compatible with existing switches. Key features include digital diagnostics (DDM) for real-time monitoring, robust EML transmitters, and standard compliance for plug-and-play use

AE-QSFP28-BX20: 100G QSFP28 BIDI Module (20 KM)

Distans: 20 km

• Wavelengths: 1291 nm/1311 nm (Tx/Rx)  

• Modulation: NRZ/PAM4

• Connector: Simplex LC

• Power: < 5 W

• Applications: Metro and 5G fronthaul, regional DCI

AE-QSFP28-BX20 extends reach to 20 km on SMF. Typical wavelength pairs are around 1291 nm/1311 nm (some designs also use 1280 nm/1310 nm). Compared to 10 km modules, it has a higher optical budget (10–12 dB), so FEC is generally recommended or mandatory, especially when using PAM4 modulation. Many 20 km designs use PAM4 (four-level) signaling to double capacity per fiber, though NRZ variants exist for compatibility. Like 10km, it uses a simplex LC connector and runs under 5 W. It is well-suited for metro-access links, 5G mid-haul, and medium-range data-center links, bridging cities or suburban campuses without laying extra fiber. It still offers the fiber savings of BiDi technology, halving fiber count in high-density duct environments

AE-QSFP28-BX30: 100G QSFP28 BIDI Module (30 KM)

Distans: 30 km

• Wavelengths: 1304 nm/1309 nm (Tx/Rx)

• Modulation: PAM4

• Connector: Simplex LC

• Power: <4.5 W

• Applications: Long-haul DCI, carrier interconnect

AE-QSFP28-BX30 targets 30 km spans. It typically uses a tightly spaced pair (about 1304 nm Tx / 1309 nm Rx). The optical budget (13–14.7 dB OMA) is higher, and RS-FEC is mandatory to reach 30 km. In practice, 30 km 100G BIDI modules operate in PAM4 mode to achieve the high line rate for the link. These modules draw around 4.5 W and feature the same LC connector. It is used for long-haul data-center interconnects, wide-area enterprise links, and telecom networks where spans up to 30 km must carry 100Gbps without fiber duplication. As with all BIDI QSFP28 transceivers, digital diagnostics and vendor-standard compliance ensure interoperability and easy monitoring.

AE-QSFP28-BX40: 100G QSFP28 BIDI Module (40 KM)

Distans: 40 km

• Wavelengths: 1304.58 nm / 1309.14 nm (Tx/Rx)

• Modulation: PAM4

• Connector: Simplex LC

• Power: <4.5 W

• Applications: Extended metro, regional DCI

AE-QSFP28-BX40 reaches 40 km on SMF. It often uses the same base wavelengths as 30 km (around 1304.58 nm Tx and 1309.14 nm Rx) but adds a more powerful optical budget (~17.6–18.5 dB). Without RS-FEC, the reach falls to 30 km, so FEC is required for full 40 km operation. These 40 km modules typically use PAM4 encoding for extra gain. Despite the extended reach, they still draw only about 4.5 W and use LC connectors. It is ideal for long-reach metro networks, regional data centers, and high-capacity backbone links, providing 100Gbps in fiber-constrained conduits. By using single-fiber BiDi technology, operators avoid installing extra fiber strands even over tens of kilometers

AE-QSFP28-BX80: 100G QSFP28 BIDI Module (80 KM)

Distans: 80 km

• Wavelengths: Multi-wavelength LWDM 1295.56, 1300.05, 1304.58, 1309.14 nm/ 1273.55, 1277.89, 1282.26, 1286.66 nm(Tx/Rx)

• Modulation: NRZ

• Connector: Simplex LC

• Power: 6.5 W

• Applications: Long-haul telecom, hyperscale interconnect

AE-QSFP28-BX80 is engineered for ultra-long 80 km links. It uses a four-lane coarse (LWDM) wavelength scheme: e.g. Tx wavelengths 1295.56, 1300.05, 1304.58, 1309.14 nm and Rx 1273.55, 1277.89, 1282.26, 1286.66 nm. This 4×25G NRZ architecture (often called ZR4 BiDi) leverages SOA+PIN receivers and gain to hit 80 km. The optical budget is very high (up to ~24 dB), so Host FEC is required. Model 5 modules typically consume around 5.5–6.5 W due to the extra lasers and amplifiers. These are used in long-haul telecom backbones and hyperscale data-center links, where a single fiber must carry 100Gbps over dozens of kilometers. Even at this range, the simplex LC interface remains standard. Sammanfattningsvis, Model 5 provides the ultimate fiber-efficient 100G solution for very long links.

Technical Comparison Table

Wavelength Pair: Each BIDI QSFP28 uses two distinct wavelengths on one fiber (e.g. 1271/1331 nm for 10 km). The 80 km modules use 4 transmit and 4 receive wavelengths in the LWDM O-band.

Anslutning: All models use a standard simplex LC optical interface for single-fiber operation. This simplifies cabling versus duplex systems.

Power Consumption: Short-reach modules (10–40 km) typically consume under 5 W. The 80 km version requires more amplification and draws up to 6.5 W.

FEC & Modulation: FEC is optional on 10 km but becomes mandatory at 20 km+ (especially for PAM4 links). Short distances often use NRZ signaling for simple 100GbE (no change in bits), whereas 30–80 km modules use PAM4 or multi-lane NRZ to pack 100Gbps into one fiber.

Compliance: All models meet QSFP28 MSA and IEEE 802.3bm/802.3cu standards, and are compatible with major vendor equipment.

Typical Use Cases

Data Center Interconnect (DCI): In hyper-scale or campus data centers, 100G BIDI QSFP28 links (especially 10–30 km modules) provide high-bandwidth connections between racks or.

Metro & Regional Networks: 20 km and 40 km BIDI modules serve intra-city and regional backbones, supporting enterprise metro rings and 5G fronthaul with 100Gbps while minimizing fiber use.

Carrier Long Haul: 70–80 km BIDI modules support carrier and long-haul links (backbones, inter-data-center) where laying additional fiber is costly. By using LWDM and SOAs, these modules carry 100Gbps single-fiber links up to 80 km.

Enterprise & Campus: Any fiber-constrained network (university campus, corporate campus, suburban area) can use 10–20 km 100G BIDI modules to upgrade capacity without new fiber infrastructure.

5G Fronthaul/Midhaul: The high-speed, low-latency demands of 5G transport (often in the 10–20 km range) are well met by 100G BiDi QSFP28 links, which ease fiber exhaustion in tower/backhaul sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a 100G BIDI QSFP28 transceiver?

It’s a 100GbE QSFP28 module that transmits and receives over one single-mode fiber using two different wavelengths (one for Tx, one for Rx). This allows full-duplex 100Gbps communication on a single strand, saving fibers and space.

How does a BiDi QSFP28 differ from a regular QSFP28?

A standard QSFP28 needs two fibers (one Tx, one Rx), while a BIDI uses one fiber with WDM filters inside. In effect, BiDi modules halve the fiber count. They often support the same data rates and diagnostics as duplex modules

What are the benefits of 100G single-fiber modules?

Key advantages include fiber efficiency (50% fewer fibers), cost savings on cabling and transceivers, simpler cabling (one LC connector per link), and compatibility with existing gear. Networks can scale bandwidth without major infrastructure upgrades

Which network scenarios use 100G BIDI optical modules?

They’re ideal for environments with limited fiber or space: data center interconnects, campus or enterprise backbones, metro networks, 5G fronthaul/midhaul, and even long-haul carrier links. Anywhere you need 100Gbps and want to conserve fiber strands.

Do BIDI QSFP28 modules require FEC or DDM support?

Ja. All modern 100G BIDI modules support Digital Diagnostic Monitoring (DDM) for monitoring voltage, temperature, optical power, etc. Forward Error Correction (FEC) is typically enabled for distances above 20 km (mandatory by 30–40 km) to ensure error-free links

Are these modules vendor-compatible?

Ja. They comply with QSFP28 MSA and IEEE standards, so a 100G BIDI module from Aerech (or other authorized brand) will interoperate in Cisco, Juniper, Arista, Dell, Huawei, etc. equipment rated for 100GbE.

Why choose Aerech Networks for 100G BIDI solutions?

Aerech Networks specializes in high-quality optical transceivers. Our 100G BIDI QSFP28 modules are rigorously tested for compatibility and performance. We offer expert support in selecting the right model, and volume availability. Choosing Aerech means trusted products with fast service and warranty.

For reliable, high-performance 100G QSFP28 BIDI optical modules, trust Aerech Networks. Our line of 100G single-fiber transceivers for 10–80 km offers certified compatibility, låg effektförbrukning, and expert support. Contact Aerech Networks now to discuss your network requirements and get a tailored 100G BIDI solution.