gbics QSFP28 modules for 100 Gigabit Ethernet deployments

Product overview

The gbics 100GBASE Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable (QSFP) portfolio offers customers a wide variety of high-density and low-power 100 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity options for data centre, high-performance computing networks, enterprise core and distribution layers, and service provider applications. The 100GBASE modules are our new generation of 100G transceiver modules solution based on a QSFP form factor.

Features and benefits

gbics SFP+ modules offer the following features and benefits.

• Hot-swappable input/output device that plugs into a 100G Gigabit Ethernet QSFP port

• Interoperable with other IEEE-compliant 100GBASE interfaces where applicable

• Conformity to the Multisource Agreement (MSA)

• UKAS lab tested to certify EU laser safety directive conformity

• Can be ordered as gbics OEM or as a compatible option for over 100 vendors

• Supported with an Advanced Replacement Lifetime Warranty

Form factor overview

100GBASE-SR4

The gbics 100GBASE-SR4 QSFP Module supports link lengths of up to 70m (100m) over OM3 (OM4) Multimode Fibre with MPO connectors. It primarily enables high-bandwidth 100G optical links over 12-Fibre parallel Fibre terminated with MPO multifibre connectors. 100GBASE-SR4 supports 100GBase Ethernet rate.

100GBASE-LR4

The gbics 100GBASE-LR4 QSFP Module supports link lengths of up to 10km over a standard pair of G.652 single-mode fibre with duplex LC connectors. It complies with the IEEE 100GBASE-LR4 specification, which does not employ the use of FEC. 100GBASE-LR4 supports 100GBase Ethernet rate.

100GBASE-CWDM4

The gbics 100GBASE-CWDM4 QSFP Module supports link lengths of up to 2 km over a standard pair of G.652 Single-Mode Fibre (SMF) with duplex LC connectors. The 100 Gigabit Ethernet signal is carried over four wavelengths. Multiplexing and demultiplexing of the four wavelengths are managed within the device.

100GBASE-PSM4

The gbics 100GBASE-PSM4 Module supports link lengths of up to 500 meters over SMF with MPO connectors. The 100 Gigabit Ethernet signal is carried over 12-fibre parallel fibre terminated with MPO multifibre connectors.

100GBASE-SM

The gbics 100GBASE-SM QSFP module supports link lengths of up to 2 kilometres over a standard pair of G.652 Single-Mode Fibre (SMF) with duplex LC connectors. The 100 Gigabit Ethernet signal is carried over four wavelengths. Multiplexing and demultiplexing of the four wavelengths are managed within the device. The operating temperature range is from +10 to +60°C with an optical link budget of 4.2 decibels. This 4.2-decibel link budget offers the ability to support the loss from patch panels in the link in a data centre environment. 100GBASE-SM is interoperable with 100GBASE-CWDM4.

100GBASE-ER4L 

The gbics 100GBASE-ER4-Lite supports link lengths of up to 40km over a standard pair of G.652 single-mode fibre with duplex LC connectors. The 100 Gigabit Ethernet signal is carried over four wavelengths. Multiplexing and demultiplexing of the four wavelengths are managed within the device. Full 40km reach requires the use of FEC on the host platform. Without FEC, the reach is 30km.

Technical specifications

Following are technical specifications for platform support, and connectors and cabling.

Platform Support

gbics QSFP modules are supported on multiple vendor’s switches and routers. The list is constantly evolving. Please contact us for model specific information.

Connectors and cabling

Refer to Table 1 for connector type information and cabling specifications for each QSFP product.

Note: Except for 100GBASE-PSM4, only connections with patch cords with PC or Ultra-Physical Contact (UPC) connectors are supported. 100GBASE-PSM4 requires patch cords with Angled Physical Contact (APC) MPO connectors. All cables and cable assemblies used must be compliant with the standards specified in the standards section of this data sheet.

Table 1. QSFP Port cabling specifications

Table 2 shows the key optical characteristics for the gbics QSFP modules.

Table 2. Optical characteristics

* Transmitter and receiver power is average optical power, unless specified

** Optical power at RX is informative only. A received power within this range is required but does not ensure operation

*** Minimum channel insertion loss is 6.4dB for QSFP-100G-ER4L-S

**** V01 of 100GBASE-ER4L allows Tx Power range with +4.5 (Max) to -2.9 (Min) and Rx Power range with -4.9 (Max) to -19.9 (Min)

Dimensions

Maximum outer dimensions for the QSFP connector module are (H x W x D) 13.5 x 18.4 x 72.4 mm.

gbics QSFP connector modules typically weigh 100 grams or less.

Environmental conditions

Operating temperature range:

• Commercial temperature range: 0 to 70°C (32 to 158°F). Exception is 100GBASE-SM-SR: +10 to 60°C (50 to 140°F)

• Storage temperature range: -40 to 85°C (-40 to 185°F)

Warranty

gbics operates an Advanced Replacement, Limited Lifetime Warranty. For further details please contact the sales team on +44 (0) 1285 886444 or email sales@gbics.com

Ordering information

Table 3 provides the ordering information for gbics QSFP modules.

Table 3. Ordering information

Regulatory and Standards compliance

Standards:

• SFF-8665: QSFP+ 28 Gb/s 4X Pluggable Transceiver Solution (QSFP28) - Rev 1.8 May 10, 2013

• SFF-8636: Common Management Interface - DRAFT Rev 1.9 May 12, 2014

• 802.3™-2012 IEEE Standard for Ethernet

• IEEE 802.3ba Amendment of IEEE Std 802.3-2012

• IEEE 802.3bm Amendment of IEEE Std 802.3-2012 (D3.1, 1st August 2014)

• GR-20-CORE: Generic Requirements for Optical Fibre and Optical Fibre Cable

• GR-326-CORE: Generic Requirements for Single-Mode Optical Connectors and Jumper Assemblies

• GR-468-CORE: Generic Requirements for Optoelectronic Devices Used in Telecommunications Equipment

• GR-1435-CORE: Generic Requirements for Multifibre Optical Connectors

• RoHS 6

Safety:

• Cable jacket of QSFP copper modules is UL E116441 Compliant

Next steps

Contact the sales team at gbics to learn more about the gbics product range and how the people at gbics Connect can help with your project.