What Is a 400G QSFP112 Optical Transceiver?
The 400G QSFP112 fiber optic transceiver is a transceiver and connector system built upon the existing QSFP design, specifically engineered to support speeds of 112 Gb/s per channel in a 4-channel QSFP configuration. It is designed to facilitate the development of the QSFP 400G interconnect ecosystem, enabling traditional QSFP users to smoothly and cost-effectively upgrade to 400G per port with minimal transition time.
As part of the RoCE series, the QSFP112 (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable 112) fiber transceiver offers superior performance and efficiency, making it ideal for modern data center environments. Its streamlined four-channel electrical architecture results in significantly lower power consumption—nearly 30% less than previous generation QSFP-DD transceiver module—making it the preferred transceiver technology for 400G interconnects seeking exceptional data center efficiency.
What Are the Advantages of 400G QSFP112 Optical Transceivers?
The 400G QSFP112 optical transceivers will support a wide range of media and module types widely used in the networking industry. Media types include DAC, multimode fiber (MMF), and single-mode fiber. It supports Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and InfiniBand at speeds of 40 Gbps, 100 Gbps, 200 Gbps, and 400 Gbps.
400 Gbps High Data Rate: QSFP112 transceiver modules can transmit data at speeds up to 400 Gbps, meeting the demands of current data centers and telecommunications networks.
Low Power Consumption: 400G QSFP112 optical transceivers are designed with energy efficiency in mind, consuming less power than previous models and 3.5W less than other 400G transceivers, improving energy efficiency.
Enhanced Signal Integrity and EMI Performance: The improved design of 400G QSFP112 optical transceivers ensures better signal quality and reduced electromagnetic interference.
Compatibility: Due to its compatibility with multiple protocols, it can be easily integrated into any existing network infrastructure without requiring changes or the purchase of new equipment. It is compatible with QSFP56 and QSFP28, enabling seamless upgrades and integration.
Lower Cost: The 400G QSFP112 transceiver module reduces the number of electrical connections required, meaning fewer internal electronic components and a simpler manufacturing process. Compared to previous 400G QSFP-DD transceivers, the streamlined design of the 400G QSFP112 fiber transceiver significantly reduces the unit cost.
400G QSFP112 Optical Transceiver Types: SR4, DR4, FR4, and LR4
The SR4 transceiver is a multimode solution optimized for short-distance applications. It uses VCSEL lasers and transmits 4×100G PAM4 signals in parallel over OM3 or OM4 multimode fiber, supporting transmission distances up to 100 meters. The SR4 fiber transceiver uses an MPO-12 interface and has low power consumption (≤8W).
The DR4 transceiver module is based on single-mode fiber, using four parallel channels at a 1310 nm wavelength, supporting transmission distances up to 500 meters. It is equipped with EML lasers and an MPO-12 connector, with optional DSP integration. For ultra-low power deployments, the DR4 optical transceiver can utilize an LPO (Linear Pluggable Optics) architecture, reducing power consumption to below 6W.
FR4 transceivers utilize CWDM4 wavelength multiplexing (1270–1330 nm) and support transmission distances up to 2 kilometers over duplex single-mode fiber (OS2). These modules integrate EML or silicon photonics technology and offer high compatibility through standard LC connectors. FR4 is ideal for spine-leaf architectures and medium-distance data center connectivity.
LR4 transceiver modules are long-range transceivers designed for transmission distances up to 10 kilometers. They employ CWDM4 wavelength division multiplexing technology, feature high-performance EML lasers, and have a duplex LC interface. LR4 transceiver modules typically consume 12-14W of power and are well-suited for data center interconnects requiring reliable long-distance transmission.
Comparison of 400G QSFP112 Optical Transceivers and 400G QSFP28 Optical Transceivers
The main differences between 400G QSFP112 and QSFP28 optical transceivers lie in data rate, modulation technology, and application scenarios. The 400G QSFP112 fiber transceiver utilizes PAM4 and other advanced modulation techniques, supporting data rates up to 400 Gbps. In contrast, NRZ modulation limits the QSFP28 transceiver to a maximum rate of only 100 Gbps. These optical modules are typically used in 100G Ethernet networks, serving data centers that require a reliable and cost-effective way to transmit smaller aggregated bandwidths. The 400G QSFP112 optical transceiver appears more suitable for next-generation applications requiring ultra-high speeds and advanced modulation techniques. On the other hand, the QSFP28 fiber optic transceiver is preferred in situations where compatibility is crucial, such as in existing infrastructure designed around 100G Ethernet standardization or where cost-effectiveness is a primary concern.
Conclusion
The 400G QSFP112 optical transceiver represents a significant advancement in high-speed data transmission, offering remarkable efficiency, reduced power consumption, and enhanced performance for modern data centers and telecommunications networks. Its ability to deliver 400 Gbps over multiple media types, coupled with its compatibility with existing infrastructure, makes it a versatile and future-proof solution for organizations looking to scale their networks. The lower cost and energy efficiency compared to previous 400G transceiver modules further solidify the QSFP112 transceiver as a preferred choice for high-capacity interconnects. As data demands continue to grow, the 400G QSFP112 fiber transceiver is poised to play a key role in meeting the needs of next-generation applications, providing an effective and cost-efficient solution for achieving high-performance connectivity in evolving network environments.
