200G DWDM Without 100G? A 25G-Based 36km Solution for PacketStream
Background
Customer Name: PacketStream LLC
Industry: Cloud Services
Country: South Korea
Company Size: 10 to 50+ employees
Customer Voice: We are a network service provider company in Seoul, committed to providing users market-leading cloud infrastructure with high-availability and reliability in mind. Our cloud services include cloud server, dedicated server, CDN proxy, Streaming, DDoS mitigation, etc. This quarter, we got a project to build a point-to-point 200G DWDM network for reaching up to 36km based on duplex LC fiber connectivity with the maximum 21dB loss. We hope QSFPTEK can customize a feasible solution based on our existing facility architecture for maximum reliability and cost-efficiency.
Challenges
• The client initially tried to use his existing 2 pairs of LC connector 100G DWDM QSFP28 optics (bought from other vendors) with QSFPTEK EDFAs and Mux Demux to achieve 2x100G optical network transmission, but didn't work. It was confirmed that the LC module purchased by the customer was faulty and the supplier did not provide after-sales service.
• The LC connector 100G DWDM QSFP28 modules are relatively rare in the market, however, the client does not want to try the CS 100G DWDM connection solution.
• The client hopes to use 25G optical modules to establish this solution.
Solutions
Given that the client prefer to use 25G DWDM modules and LC duplex solution to achieve 2x100G DWDM transmission, QSFPTEK provides plan A and plan B based on 25G optics for the customer to choose based on different switch architecture:
Solution 1 — If the ports of the switch support 25G rate services:

Figure 1: 200G DWDM 36km solution 1 by QSFPTEK
• Deploy 8x QSFPTEK 25G DWDM 10KM duplex LC/UPC optical modules at site A and site B respectively with the channel from C20 to C27.
• Dual fiber 36km 21dB Loss.
• Support 8-channel 25G traffic, with a total transmission capacity of 200G.
• Use EDFA Pre-Amplifier (PA) and Booster Amplifier (BA) to compensate for power and amplify signals.
• Deploy Dispersion Compensation Fiber Based Module (DCM) to fix signal dispersion to extend transmission distance.
• The customer already has a 40-channel MUX/DEMUX.
Solution 2 — If the ports of the switch support 100G rate services (without 25G ports):

Figure 2: 200G DWDM 36km solution 2 by QSFPTEK
• Deploy 8x 25G DWDM 10KM duplex LC/UPC optical modules (every 4x25G combined into a 100G) at site A and site B respectively with the channel from C20 to C27.
• Dual fiber 36km 21dB Loss.
• Support 2-channel 100 traffic, with a total transmission capacity of 200G.
• Use EDFA Pre-Amplifier (PA) and Booster Amplifier (BA) to compensate for power and amplify signals.
• Deploy Dispersion Compensation Fiber Based Module (DCM) to fix signal dispersion to extend transmission distance.
• The customer already has a 40-channel MUX/DEMUX.
After confirmation, the customer's switch has 25G ports, so solution 1 was selected. The customer praised the package as wonderful after receiving the products and responded that the solution works fine with no issue after the plan is successfully built.
Figure 3: Photo by PacketStream LLC
"Unlike other traditional providers, I was very impressed by the ability to quickly identify and resolve issues through direct communication."
— Customer feedback, PacketStream LLC
Solution Related Products:
What QSFPTEK Offers
• Bulk Order Discounts: Competitive pricing and discounts for bulk orders.
• Sample Test Orders: Evaluation of compatibility and performance before bulk purchases.
• VIP Customer Service: Dedicated customer and technical support throughout the process.
• OEM Coding: Each module is coded to meet OEM transceiver benchmarks, and a diverse selection is available from over 100 reputable brands.
• Customized Service: Tailored solutions for specific requirements, with branding options.
• Host Device Compatibility Testing: Thorough compatibility testing with 100+ brand testbed switches.
• Comprehensive Performance Testing: Rigorous testing using 50+ professional test devices (Keysight/Anritsu/VIAVI, including Eye Pattern Tests, BER Tests, Wavelength Tests, and Traffic Tests.
• Free Technical Support: Expert technical support to ensure smooth implementation.
• Certified Quality: Compliance with industry standards (CE, FCC, ROSH, ISO9001, REACH, UL, TÜV), etc, with test reports guaranteeing reliability and performance.
Customer Benefits
By implementing QSFPTEK's tailored 8x 25G DWDM solution, the PacketStream LLC achieved a high-performance, cost-effective 2x100G 36km transmission network that perfectly aligned with their budgetary requirements. The innovative use of 25G DWDM modules not only circumvented supply chain constraints and compatibility risks associated with scarce 100G LC modules but also ensured seamless integration with their existing infrastructure. The solution delivered:
• Enhanced Reliability: Stable 200G capacity over 36km with optimized signal integrity through amplified and dispersion-compensated DWDM links.
• Significant Cost Savings: Eliminated the need for expensive, hard-to-source 100G DWDM LC optics while leveraging the customer’s installed 40-channel MUX/DEMUX.
• Operational Flexibility: The dual-solution approach allowed the customer to select the ideal configuration based on their switch capabilities, ensuring future scalability.
• Rapid Deployment: With pre-shipment compatibility testing and robust technical support, the network was deployed smoothly and operated flawlessly from day one.
This partnership underscores how QSFPTEK’s expertise in customized optical solutions empowers businesses to overcome technical barriers, reduce costs, and maintain a competitive edge in delivering high-availability cloud services.





