What is QSFP-40G-SR4 Optical Transceiver?

Since introducing the 40G Ethernet standard in 2010, QSFP+ optical modules have quickly moved to the forefront of the industry, revolutionizing high-speed data transmission. Within the QSFP+ family, two key interface standards have laid the groundwork: 40GBASE-LR4 and 40GBASE-SR4. The 40GBASE-LR4 is ideal for single-mode fiber applications with its high precision and long-haul capability. The 40GBASE-SR4, on the other hand, is designed for multimode fiber optic environments, and it takes pride in short-haul transmission due to its efficiency and flexibility.

 

What is QSFP-40G-SR4?

 

QSFP-40G-SR4, known as Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable 40 Gigabit Ethernet Short Reach 4, is a high-performance optical transceiver module designed for data communication applications. Simply put, its mission is to transmit data quickly over short distances.

 

The module uses a multimode fiber optic system and supports transmission rates up to 40Gbps (Gigabits per second). The designation shows that it is ideal for short-range usage, stressing the need to move data efficiently.

 

The QSFP-40G-SR4 uses one wavelength for each end of the system, specifically at 850nm (nanometers), utilizing parallel fiber technology for bi-directional communication. This feature allows the QSFP-40G-SR4 to process and stack multiple optical channels simultaneously for faster and more stable data transmission methods.

 

The  Form Factor of QSFP-40G-SR4

 

The 40GBASE-SR4 optical module in Quad SFP+ package is a high-density, four-channel, compact, pluggable optical module designed for high-speed data communications. It is designed to meet the needs of modern networks for high performance and flexible expansion.

 

Structurally, this module's electrical interface pin count is a 38-pin connector.

 

EMI shielding components, optical transceivers, thermal components, copper and MTP cable components, and even key components such as optical loopbacks.

 

Notably, the QSFP-40G-SR4 also has a hot-swappable capability, which means it can be plugged and unplugged directly into the upper ports without downtime, greatly facilitating equipment maintenance. Furthermore, multiple MPO connector sockets are designed on the module, allowing multimode fibers to be connected.

 

 

Features of QSFP-40G-SR4 Module

 

Why is the QSFP-40G-SR4 a favorite for high-speed networks? It is not just an optical module but a powerful product that integrates several advanced technologies.

 

High-efficiency chip with lower power consumption: The built-in Macom chip reduces energy consumption by keeping the maximum power consumption at 1.5W while providing high performance.

 

Rigorous testing and reliable performance: Each module has been thoroughly tested by the target switch to ensure its stable operation in complex network environments.

 

High-speed compatibility and seamless integration: Adopting high-speed electrical interfaces compliant with the IEEE 802.3ba standard, it can be easily adapted to existing network architectures.

 

Real-time configuration and management: Equipped with QSFPTEK BOX, it supports real-time configuration, which makes the use and management smarter and more efficient.

 

Compliant with industry standards: Compatible with SFF-8436 and QSFP MSA standards, it can be smoothly adapted to both equipment and network environments.

 

Safe, environmentally friendly, and certified: FDA Class 1 laser safety certification and RoHS compliance ensure that the product meets environmental and safety standards while meeting high-performance requirements.

 

Robust Diagnostic Capabilities Confirm Network Stability: The integrated Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM) function can monitor the working condition of the module in real-time to improve network maintenance and troubleshooting.

 

The QSFP-40G-SR4 is a great link for data centers, cloud providers, and enterprise users.

 

Mode-Conditioning Patch Cable

 

This section describes the orientation of the multimode interface of the optical connector for the QSFP-40G- SR4 module.

  

Optical Connector

 

 

QSFP-40G-SR4 Operation and Transmission Principle

 

The core principle of Cisco QSFP-40G-SR4 is parallel optical signal transmission technology to ensure efficient and stable data transmission. When an electrical signal enters the module, the internal four-channel 850nm VCSEL laser array quickly converts it into an optical signal, and then transmits the signal to the fiber optic network through the MTP/MPO connector, realizing high-speed parallel transmission. The receiving end relies on photodetector arrays to convert the optical signals to electrical signals, ensuring that the data is transmitted accurately to its destination. The advantages of the parallel architecture give the QSFP-40G-SR4 the benefit of high data throughput, enabling it to be widely used in cloud computing, data centers, and other applications that have a great need for high-speed communications.

 

The QSFP-40G-SR4 has a Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM) function, which lets maintenance folks track parameters like optical power, voltage, and temperature remotely. This makes it easy to do maintenance and management to make sure the module always performs well in the network environment. In addition, the QSFP-40G-SR4 is designed with highly compatible MTP/MPO connectors, enabling it to be seamlessly integrated into existing network architectures, while its low-power design allows it to guarantee high-speed data transmission while reducing equipment operating costs. The combination of these advanced technologies makes the QSFP-40G-SR4 an indispensable component of modern network infrastructures, providing an efficient, stable, and reliable solution for short-distance optical communications.

 

Applications of QSFP-40G-SR4 Transceiver

 

The QSFP-40G-SR4 is equipped with an MTP/MPO interface that operates at 850nm operating wavelength, which is ideal for multimode fiber. It can be transmitted over OM3 and OM4 multimode fibers, respectively, over distances of 100m and 150m. commonly found in data centers. As a core interconnect component, the module not only connects two 40G devices directly via MTP/MPO fiber patch cords but also provides efficient compatibility between 40G and 10G network devices via MTP/MPO to LC fiber patch cords, thus providing more flexible deployment options for network architectures of different sizes.

 

The QSFP-40G-SR4 links switches, routers, and servers, providing reliable performance and excellent compatibility in data center and enterprise network environments. In addition to 40G direct connectivity, the QSFP-40G-SR4 supports 4x 10G breakout connectivity for 40G to 10G networking. In short, the 40GBASE-SR4 optical module is the first choice for short-haul, high-speed communication and the perfect solution for building efficient and stable 40G networks.

 

Conclusion

The QSFP-40G-SR4 optical module is now a core building block for high-speed, short-distance data transmission due to its efficient parallel optical signaling, reliable operation, and extensive interoperability with other devices. The combination of its 850nm VCSEL arrays and MTP/MPO connectors enables data transmission of up to 40Gbps in OM3 and OM4 multimode fiber environments while providing flexible connectivity options of 4×10G to accommodate different network architectures.  With its low-power design and high compatibility, the QSFP-40G-SR4 optimizes the performance of modern network infrastructures. It reduces operating costs, making it one of the key indispensable technologies for high-speed communications. QSFPTEK can provide Cisco QSFP-40G-SR4 optical module, and other 1G to 800G transceiver, feel free to contact us!