How to Choose 100g Transceivers for Network Upgrades

With the exponential growth in data, data center operators are continually seeking ways to optimize their infrastructure while reducing costs. One essential component in the data center ecosystem is the 100G transceiver, which facilitates high-speed data transmission. Choosing the right 100G transceiver can significantly impact a data center's cost efficiency.

1. What is a QSFP28 transceiver?

Qsfp28 100G  transceiver are among the latest in fast networking. These Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable transceivers combine four transmit and four receiver channels (each rated for data rates up to 28Gbps), giving you 100Gbps of bandwidth in total.
They are high-density optical transceivers, which are ideal for data communications systems (100 Gigabit Ethernet). The "28" in 100G transceiver stands for its 25Gbps-28Gbps per lane electrical interfaces. Such modules translate electrical signal into optical signal and vice versa for ultrafast data transmission over fiber optic cables.

2.100G QSFP28 Transceiver Singlemode Varieties  

2.1 100G QSFP28 Four Lambda Transceivers

In transceivers with four lambdas, data transmission is distributed across 4 separate wavelengths. Each lane has its own transmitter and receiver operating at 25Gbps, aggregating to the total data rate of 100Gbps. The SMF wavelengths can be further classified to LAN WDM (1295nm, 1300nm, 1305nm and 1310nm) and CWDM (1270nm, 1290nm, 1310nm and 1330nm), with the latter offering better cost efficiency due to the wider separation of wavelengths.

2.2 100G QSFP28 Single Lambda Transceivers  

In single lambda transceivers, data transmission occurs over a single optical wavelength, using 1 channel/ lane, allowing higher data rate over a pair of optical fiber. Unlike 4 lambda transceivers, single lambda technology simplifies the design of transceivers with reduced optics, thus reduces power consumption and costs. The single lambda transceiver supports only SMF transmission, ranging from 500m , 2km and 10km.

CWDM Single Lambda QSFP28 transceiver module is designed for use in 100Gbps Ethernet links over 10km single mode fiber, incorporating one channel optical signal, on either 1270, 1290, 1310, or 1330nm. Typically, they are used in Data Center Environment for connecting 400Gbps Ethernet CWDM wavelengths, and break-out to specified 100Gbps CWDM wavelengths for leaf-spine networks.

DWDM Single Lambda QSFP28 transceiver module is designed for use in C-band DWDM networks with 100GHz ITU Grid spacing for Data Center Interconnectivity. The modules have fixed DWDM wavelengths that are plugged directly into transponders, routers, or switches. In most cases it can achieve 2km without DCM and EDFA . However, for long and extended distances up to 120km, DCM and EDFA are required to compensate fiber link loss and fiber dispersion.

3.FAQs

Q: What is a QSFP28 transceiver, and how does it relate to 100G Ethernet?

A: The QSFP28 transceiver is specifically designed for 100G Ethernet. Therefore, this device can support data transmission speeds up to 100 gigabits per second, making it ideal for high-performance network environments and data centers.

Q: What are the different types of QSFP28 optical transceivers?

A: Therefore, there are several types of QSFP28 optical transceivers, including SR4 , LR4 , BIDI and CWDM4. These common variants include the 100GBASE-SR4 for MMF and the 100GBASE-LR4 for SMF applications.

Q: What is DDM or DOM in a QSFP28 transceiver?

A: Distributed Denial-of-Service mitigation is one of the best ways to ensure uninterrupted internet service. For example, ISPs providing DDoS mitigation services typically use devices consisting of software running on general-purpose servers equipped with specialized hardware for load balancing and high-speed packet processing.

Q: Can QSFP28 transceivers be used for 100G Ethernet applications outside of data centers?

A: Yes, while QSFP28 transceivers are commonly used in data centers, they can also be used in a variety of 100G Ethernet applications, such as enterprise networks, telecommunications, and high-performance computing environments requiring high-bandwidth and low-latency links.

Q: What connector types are used with QSFP28 transceivers?

A: The connector type depends on the specific transceiver form factor and fiber infrastructure. For example, MPO/MTP connectors are typically used for multi-fiber applications such as SR4, while duplex LC connectors are suitable for single-mode fiber applications such as LR4.