100G QSFP28 Optical Module Selection Guide: Medium to Long Transmission Distance

With the increasing demand for network bandwidth and the development of technology, the 100G QSFP28 module is becoming a core component of high-speed networks. It is based on the Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable 28 package, which can realize a high-speed photoelectric conversion function to meet the growing demand for network bandwidth. It stands out among many packages with its low power consumption, high density, and versatility. This article will take you to learn more about the 100G QSFP28 module and how to choose it in daily applications.

100G QSFP28 Optical Transceiver Features

First, the QSFP28 module is compact, which can achieve high port density in a limited space and realize a highly integrated design. It supports a four-channel signal transmission design, which can effectively save equipment port space and is particularly suitable for data centers and high-density switch environments.

Second, the 100G QSFP28 module can effectively reduce the bit error rate through optimized signal design and low-loss optical materials, ensuring signal integrity during transmission, which makes it the first choice in long-distance applications.

The power consumption of the 100G module is usually below 3.5W, which makes it consume less energy and emit less heat in daily operation. In the long run, network operation, energy expenditure, and cooling system account for a large part of the total operating cost. By using products with lower power consumption, these two expenditures can be effectively reduced, which is conducive to maintaining cost-effectiveness.

The QSFP28 module also supports multiple optical fiber interfaces such as LC, MTP, and protocols such as Ethernet and OTN. It can be flexibly applied to various network architectures to improve the compatibility and deployment efficiency of equipment.

Why Choose 100G QSFP28 Optical Module

First of all, the 100G QSFP28 module supports 100G to 4x 25G applications, and can directly upgrade 25G networks to 100G networks without replacing most of the equipment. The ability to upgrade the network at the lowest cost ensures cost-effectiveness. 100G also supports 400G to 4x 100G applications, with flexible scalability, which can effectively meet future needs and provide guarantees for the long-term development of enterprises or organizations.

The second point is the long-distance transmission capability of QSFP28, which can effectively support signal transmission of tens of kilometers. Whether it is short-distance interconnection between data center racks or long-distance metropolitan area network and backbone network communication, QSFP28 modules can support it.

With the popularity of some high-bandwidth applications, such as cloud computing and the Internet of Things, the demand for high-bandwidth networks is also increasing. The QSFP28 module can increase the data transmission rate of 100Gbps, which can effectively meet high bandwidth requirements. And because they are transmitted through optical fiber, these modules can maintain extremely low latency, making them extremely important in real-time applications such as video conferencing and financial transactions.

Finally, the 100G module not only has flexible compatibility, and supports multiple transmission protocols and different types of interfaces, ensuring that various network devices can be seamlessly integrated, but its low power consumption also allows the network to effectively reduce overall energy consumption in later operations, helping to save energy and reduce emissions.

How to Choose 100G QSFP28 Optical Module

When you consider choosing a 100G QSFP28 module, you first need to consider your transmission distance.

When your transmission distance is short, such as interconnection within a rack in a data center or between racks, consider using DAC or AOC for connection. DAC generally supports a transmission distance of 7M, while AOC supports a transmission distance of up to 30m. If you need to go farther, such as supporting transmission within 100M, then 100G SR4 is a good choice. It uses multimode optical fiber for transmission, supports simultaneous transmission of multiple optical fibers, and has a low cost, making it an ideal choice for short-distance transmission.

For medium and short-distance transmission, such as network connections between different areas within an enterprise, with a transmission distance of less than 2KM, you can choose 100G CWDM4 for connection. It uses coarse wavelength division multiplexing technology and uses single-mode optical fiber for data transmission to ensure the reliability of data transmission.

When the transmission distance is long, such as 10 km or more, it is used in metropolitan area networks or connections between different data centers. Choose 100G LR4 or 100G ER4. 100G LR4 supports 10KM transmission distance, while 100G ER4 supports up to 40KM transmission distance. Both modules use single-mode optical fiber for transmission, which can ensure signal transmission stability and low signal attenuation in long-distance transmission.

You can check the table below to compare the specific differences between them.

In addition to considering its transmission distance, if you need to use it in a higher density environment, then the WDM module is a good choice. It can receive and transmit multiple signals simultaneously through one optical fiber and can transmit longer distances, suitable for telecommunications service providers or large data centers.

In terms of hardware, if you use multiple devices from different manufacturers, you need to consider the compatibility of the optical module, whether it can correctly identify the target device and whether it is supported. QSFPTEK has a professional laboratory that tests the module's compatibility with multiple equipment brands to ensure its availability.

Finally, the application environment also needs to be taken into consideration. Suppose you need to use it in an industrial environment, such as a telecommunications base station at the seaside, a mine, or an application scenario with large temperature changes. In that case, you need to choose an industrial-grade module that can work stably in harsh environments.

Conclusion

100G QSFP28 modules play a vital role in medium and long distances. Its high bandwidth and low latency ensure the development and availability of emerging technologies. It also provides good scalability and flexibility for the future development of enterprise networks and plays an important role in high-speed networks.