Export Tunable Optical Module QSFP28

QSFP28 Active Optical Modules (AOCs) are high-speed 100G optical interconnects designed for data center and high-performance computing applications, supporting flexible lengths, low power consumption, and hot-swappable deployment.

Overview of QSFP28 AOCs

QSFP28 stands for Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable 28, where “Quad” indicates four lanes, each capable of 28 Gbps, yielding a raw throughput of 112 Gbps, with standard 100G Ethernet signaling using 4×25G NRZ encoding . Active Optical Cables (AOCs) convert these electrical lanes into optical signals over multimode or single-mode fiber, providing reliable high-speed connectivity beyond the reach of Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cables .

Key Features

• Data Rate: Supports up to 100 Gb/s per module .
• Cable Lengths: Typically ranges from 0.5 m to 100 m, depending on the variant .
• Standards Compliance: IEEE 802.3bm, SFF-8636, ITU-T G.959.1, and MSA compliant .
• Connector Types: LC or MPO/MTP optical ports for multimode or single-mode fiber .
• Power and Density: Low power consumption and compact form factor suitable for high-density racks .
• Hot-Swappable: Enables easy installation and replacement without shutting down equipment .
• Digital Diagnostic Monitoring (DDM): Provides real-time monitoring of temperature, voltage, and optical power, with warnings if parameters exceed specifications .

Applications

QSFP28 AOCs are widely used for:

• Data Center Interconnects: Rack-to-rack or row-to-row connections within high-density environments .
• High-Performance Computing (HPC): Low-latency, high-bandwidth links for compute clusters .
• Enterprise Core and Distribution Layers: Supporting 100G Ethernet spine-leaf architectures .
• Storage Networks: InfiniBand and Ethernet-based storage connectivity .

Export Considerations

When exporting QSFP28 AOCs:

• Vendor Compatibility: Ensure modules are compatible with the target switch or router, as some modules (e.g., Huawei) require specific firmware versions for proper operation .
• Regulatory Compliance: Verify adherence to international standards and certifications for optical modules.
• Packaging and Handling: AOCs are sensitive to bending and static; proper packaging is essential to prevent damage during shipping.
• Customs and Tariffs: Check local import/export regulations for optical transceivers and high-speed networking equipment.

Variants

Common QSFP28 AOC variants include:

• SR4: Short-range multimode fiber, up to 100 m over OM4 fiber .
• PSM4: Parallel single-mode fiber, up to 500 m .
• CWDM4/LR4/ER4: Single-lambda or coarse wavelength division multiplexing for longer distances . QSFP28 AOCs provide a cost-effective, high-performance alternative to transceiver-based optical links, simplifying deployment while maintaining high reliability and interoperability across data center networks .