Are You Familiar with 200G QSFP56?
QSFP56 200Gbps module has gradually become an indispensable part of modern network architecture. Compared with the previous 40G QSFP+ and 100G QSFP28 optical transceivers, QSFP56 has significantly improved bandwidth and transmission rate and can meet the needs of larger data flows. This article will deeply explore the definition, advantages, common QSFP56 optical module types, and compare them with other common QSFP series optical modules to help readers better understand this technology.
What is QSFP56 200Gbps?
QSFP56 Form Factor Definition
QSFP56 refers to Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable 56, the QSFP56 transceiver is an upgraded version of the 40G QSFP+ and 100G QSFP28 optical transceivers. It is an optical module specially designed for 200G interconnection. QSFP56 means that a transmission rate of 4x 50Gb/s to 56Gb/s can be transmitted in a QSFP form factor. Sometimes, for convenience, the QSFP56 optical modules can also be called 200G QSFP optical modules.
QSFP56 Transceiver Modules Benefits
The 200G QSFP56 optical transceiver shows obvious advantages in high-speed data transmission and large-scale network applications. Here are their main advantages:
Higher bandwidth: QSFP56 200G modules can provide higher transmission bandwidth than 40G and 100G optical modules, providing more powerful support for data centers, cloud computing and high-performance computing. This enables it to handle large-scale data flows and applications with high bandwidth requirements, ensuring the scalability of the system for years to come.
Strong compatibility: 200G QSFP56 optical modules are usually compatible with existing network architecture and equipment, and support different types of optical connectors and transmission media (for example, single-mode optical fiber and multi-mode optical fiber), making it more efficient when upgrading the network. High flexibility.
Supports multiple transmission protocols: 200G QSFP56 transceiver module supports various network protocols, including Ethernet, InfiniBand and OTN. This versatility makes it widely used in different types of network architectures, especially in scenarios where high bandwidth and low latency are required.
Common 200G QSFP56 Optical Modules
200G SR4 Transceiver
200G QSFP56 SR4 is a 200G Ethernet switch direct connection solution. It uses an MTP/MPO-12 connector with a central wavelength of 850nm. The transmission distance with OM3 multi-mode fiber can reach up to 70m, and the transmission distance with OM4 multi-mode fiber can reach up to 100m.
200G DR4 Transceiver
200G QSFP56 DR4 is a 4-channel full-duplex transceiver that complies with QSFP56 MSA and IEEE 802.3bs 200GBASE-DR4 Ethernet standards. It adopts an MTP/MPO-12 connector, operating at 1310nm, 50G PAM4, and single-mode parallel technology. Under the premise that FEC is turned on in the system, the transmission distance through single-mode fiber (SMF) can be up to 500m.
200G FR4 Transceiver
200G QSFP56 FR4 complies with the IEEE 802.3bs 200GBASE-FR4 specification, uses dual LC connectors. The transmission distance through single-mode fiber (SMF) can reach up to 2km, which can effectively reduce customers' fiber cabling costs.
200G LR4 Transceiver
QSFP56 LR4 200G transceiver supports up to 10km link lengths over single-mode fiber (SMF) via a duplex LC connector. This transceiver is compliant with SFF-8661, and IEEE 802.3bs standards. It is suitable for 200G Ethernet, Data Center, and 5G backhaul.
200G ER4 Transceiver
In ultra-long distance transmission, the 200GE QSFP56 ER4 optical module is usually used, which uses a duplex LC connector and can achieve a maximum transmission distance of 40km through single-mode fiber (SMF).
QSFP56 vs QSFP28 vs QSFP+, What's the Difference?
The QSFP+ optical modules have four 10G channels with transmission rates up to 40Gbps and are compact hot-swappable modules. Typically LC or MPO/MTP interfaces are used. Compliant with 40G Ethernet and other standards.
The QSFP28 optical module supports transmission across four channels, with each channel operating at a data rate of 25Gbit/s. Due to its advantages of low cost and power consumption, it has become the main form factor for 100G networks.
QSFP56, QSFP28, and QSFP+ are particularly similar in name. As their suffixes indicate, they have the same size. However, they have many differences. The following table lists the details of QSFP56, QSFP28 and QSFP+.
QSFP56 to QSFP56-DD (400G QSFP-DD): Meeting the Demands of 400G Data Centers
With the rapid growth of data centers, the growing demand for data volume is driving optical modules to support higher bandwidth and higher density. The optical module form factor has been iterated from QSFP56 to QSFP56-DD, also known as 400G QSFP-DD. DD refers to double density, denoting that 400G is achieved by doubling the data channels of the QSFP56 from 4 channels to 8 channels (using 50G PAM4).
The QSFP56-DD is similar in size to the QSFP56, although it has double density. 400G QSFP-DD ports are backward compatible with QSFP transceivers. When using a QSFP56 transceiver in a QSFP56-DD port, the port will be configured for 200G data rates instead of 400G.
The QSFP56-DD form factor is now recognized by the 400G market as the most popular 400G form factor. Although 400G Ethernet is now seen as a future-proof solution for next-generation data centers, some organizations deploying 200G Ethernet still require 200G QSFP56.
FAQs About 200G QSFP Optical Modules
Q: Are QSFP56 optical modules compatible with 400G networks?
A: The QSFP56 optical module is compatible with 400G networks. It can be used to connect devices that support 200G and 400G data rates.
Q: Why should I use QSFP56 over other transceivers?
A: Some of the advantages of using QSFP56 over other types of transceivers include higher data rates (up to 200G), efficient PAM4 modulation, compatibility with previous generation QSFP ports, and lower power consumption. These features make them ideally suited for modern data centers as well as other high-bandwidth applications.
Q: What is the difference between PAM4 and NRZ modulation?
A: You can watch this video to learn more about the difference: 3 Minutes to Grasp NRZ & PAM4 Modulation Technology
Q: Can I plug QSFP28 into QSFP56?
A: Yes, you can plug a QSFP28 module into a QSFP56 port.
Conclusion
QSFP56 200G optical transceiver has become an important part of modern data centers and large-scale network applications with its high bandwidth, strong compatibility and multi-protocol support. Compared with 40G QSFP+ and 100G QSFP28 modules, QSFP56 provides significantly higher data transmission rates and stronger scalability. As the demand for higher bandwidth and greater density continues to grow, QSFP56 and its successor 400G QSFP-DD optical modules will play an increasingly important role in future data centers.
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