บล็อก เกี่ยวกับ Cisco Unveils 40100G Bidi Transceiver for Data Center Upgrades

In today's digital era, data centers have become critical infrastructure supporting business operations, driving innovation, and connecting the world. The exponential growth of cloud computing, big data, and artificial intelligence has created unprecedented bandwidth demands. Increasing server activity, higher application density on virtualized servers, and the urgent need for low-latency east-west connections between servers have pushed data centers to a crucial upgrade crossroads.

Traditional fiber infrastructure upgrades often require massive investments to replace fiber lines and network equipment—a costly and time-consuming process that significantly impacts normal operations. Facing these challenges, data center operators now have a solution that meets bandwidth requirements while protecting existing investments: the Cisco QSFP 40/100Gb Dual-Rate BiDi optical module.

The Cisco QSFP 40/100Gb Dual-Rate BiDi optical module represents years of technological advancement in optical communications, incorporating multiple cutting-edge features to ensure superior performance and reliability.

The module's standout feature is its dual-rate capability, operating in both 40Gb and 100Gb modes. In 40Gb mode, it achieves 100m transmission on OM3 multimode fiber and 150m on OM4. In 100Gb mode, it supports 70m on OM3 and 100m on OM4—matching the performance of SR4 counterparts at both rates. This flexibility allows operators to choose between 40Gb or 100Gb based on actual needs, avoiding massive upfront investments.

Using the same LC duplex interface and multimode fiber infrastructure as 10Gb SR and 40Gb BiDi modules, this solution enables smooth migration from 10Gb to 40Gb/100Gb or from 40Gb to 100Gb without replacing fiber jumpers or patch panels. This approach significantly reduces upgrade costs, time, and risk.

The module employs PAM4 (4-level Pulse Amplitude Modulation) technology, doubling data transmission per symbol compared to traditional NRZ modulation. This enables 100Gb speeds over existing fiber without infrastructure changes.

Integrated FEC technology reduces bit error rates by adding redundant information, ensuring data integrity during high-speed transmission.

A built-in gearbox converts 4x25G signals to 2x50Gb format to fit QSFP28 packaging constraints while maintaining performance.

As the only QSFP28 module offering native 40Gb BiDi compatibility, it works in existing 40Gb BiDi networks without configuration changes. Using 850nm/910nm wavelengths and WDM filters, it transmits 20Gb NRZ channels (40Gb total) or 50Gb PAM4 channels (100Gb total).

The module provides multiple upgrade paths for 10Gb or 40Gb links. Operators can upgrade one end of the network first—for example, replacing 10Gb switch ports with 40Gb/100Gb while keeping 10Gb servers, or upgrading 40Gb switches to 100Gb while maintaining 40Gb servers.

• 40Gb and 100Gb dual-rate operation
• Backward compatible with 40Gb QSFP+ BiDi
• QSFP28 form factor
• LC duplex interface (compatible with 10Gb SR/40Gb BiDi fiber)
• Onboard FEC
• PAM4 optical modulation
• Bidirectional optical technology
• Gradual upgrade path from 10Gb/40Gb to 100Gb

Ideal for various data center environments including:

• Enterprise data centers
• Cloud computing platforms
• High-performance computing
• Financial data centers