Getting to Know About QSFP-40G-UNIV Transceiver

As the switching applications requiring higher bandwidth increased, the need to upgrade from 10G to dense 40 Gigabit Ethernet switching connection also goes on rise. But the optical transceivers widely used at present require to redesign the data center layout if migrating to 40G, for the existing fiber infrastructure cannot satisfy this migration requirement. However, the QSFP-40G-UNIV transceiver can solve this problem perfectly. Why QSFP-40G-UNIV transceiver can resolve the problem successfully? Let’s first to know the basics about it.

Basics of QSFP-40G-UNIV Transceiver

The “UNIV” in item “QSFP-40G-UNIV” means “Universal”. As we all know, common optical transceiver only can operate either on single-mode fiber (SMF) or multimode fiber (MMF), but it can work on both types of fibers. Therefore, QSFP-40G-UNIV transceiver is also called SMF&MMF 40G transceiver or QSFP 40G universal transceiver. This transceiver is a pluggable optical transceiver in an industry standard QSFP+ form factor. It has four channels of 10G multiplexed inside the module to transmit and receive an aggregate 40G signal over a single pair of single-mode or multimode fiber. And it uses a duplex LC connector that makes it work with a wide range of fiber optic cables, including multi-mode OM3 and OM4 and single mode (OS1). Besides, QSFP-40G-UNIV transceiver supports distances up to 150 m over OM3 or OM4 multimode fiber and up to 500 m over single-mode fiber (different vendor may have different specifications).

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Differences and Advantages of QSFP-40G-UNIV Transceiver

There are various types of short reach QSFP transceivers such as QSFP-40G-SR4 and QSFP-40G-XSR4. The longest reach of them on OM3 is 300m. And most of them use MPO-12 connectors and ribbon fiber infrastructure. As a result, if users have to deploy new fiber to upgrade from 10G to 40G or to install MTP/MPO fiber systems, they have to invest more money to change the existing network systems. However, QSFP-40G-UNIV transceiver is different. It has LC connectors and supports several types of cables, allowing for seamless migrations from existing 10 to 40GbE networking without requiring a redesign or expansion of the fiber network.

Here are the advantages of QSFP-40G-UNIV transceiver.

  • Uses existing duplex fiber infrastructure for 40G
  • Identical transceiver for both multi-mode and single-mode fiber for simplified operations and investment protection
  • Support for Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM) and passive network Taps for link quality monitoring and passive data analysis
  • Optically interoperable with IEEE 40GBASE-LR4 and 40G-LRL4 for easy connection to routers and switches in existing networks
  • Supported QSFP+ ports on switches without restrictions
Applications of QSFP-40G-UNIV Transceiver

As have mentioned above, QSFP-40G-UNIV transceiver is a kind of optical transceiver that can be used for both single-mode and multimode fibers. With this unique design, it offers a cost-effective connectivity for data centers’ migration. Here is a simple illustration of the applications using QSFP-40G-UNIV transceivers.

Multimode Direct Connections for Cisco Switches

The following figure shows the simplest and cost-effective way to connect two Cisco Nexus 9396PX switches with Cisco compatible QSFP-40G-UNIV transceivers for multi-mode fiber infrastructure. In this connection, except for the required transceivers, an LC to LC duplex multimode fiber patch cable is also needed to link the two QSFP-40G-UNIV transceivers directly.

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Single-mode 40GbE Interconnection Solution Using QSFP-40G-UNIV Transceivers

With the special characteristic, the use of Cisco compatible QSFP-40G-UNIV transceiver can help network administrators take greatly advantage of reducing deployment and support. The following figure shows a low cost single-mode 40GbE Interconnection solution. These qsfp+ transceivers are connected with LC duplex SMF fiber patch cables. And two fiber enclosures loaded with MTP LGX cassettes and MTP/MPO trunk cables are also needed to realize this connection.

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Conclusion

Without having to redesign or change the existing cable infrastructure, qsfp bidi transceivers enable data centers to run at 10G today and to seamlessly upgrade to 40G. It offers a transition path between single-mode and multimode optics with lower cost and more conveniences. FS.COM supplies 40G QSFP transceivers compatible with other major brands including Cisco QSFP-40G-UNIV, Arista QSFP-40G-UNIV, HPE, etc. And those transceivers are 100% tested to provide a satisfying working performance. You can visit FS.COM or contact sales@fs.com for more detailed information.

For 40GBASE-LR4 QSFP+ Transceiver Link: CWDM or PSM?

Nowadays, the 40 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) system comes as the popular deployment among some enterprises for their high-performance fiber optic networks. And for 40GbE system, fiber optic transceivers are the indispensable high-capacity modules for multi-lane communications, like 40GBASE-LR4 QSFP+ transceiver. It’s known that 40GBASE-LR4 QSFP+ transceiver has two link options: coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) and parallel single-mode fiber (PSM). How much do you know about them? Can you figure out the differences between them? Following this article and you will get something.

40GBASE-LR4 CWDM QSFP+ Transceiver Brief

Compliant to 40GBASE-LR4 (eg. QSFP-40G-LR4) of the IEEE P802.3ba standard, this 40GBASE-LR4 CWDM QSFP+ transceiver uses a duplex LC connector as the the optical interface, able to support transmission distance up to 10km over single-mode fiber (SMF) used to minimize the optical dispersion in the long-haul system.

This kind of 40GBASE-LR4 QSFP+ transceiver converts 4 inputs channels of 10G electrical data to 4 CWDM optical signals by a driven 4-wavelength distributed feedback (DFB) laser array, and then multiplexes them into a single channel for 40G optical transmission, propagating out of the transmitter module from the SMF. Reversely, the receiver module accepts the 40G CWDM optical signals input, and demultiplexes it into 4 individual 10G channels with different wavelengths. The central wavelengths of the 4 CWDM channels are 1271, 1291, 1311 and 1331 nm as members of the CWDM wavelength grid defined in ITU-T G694.2. Each wavelength channel is collected by a discrete photo diode and output as electric data after being amplified by a transimpedance amplifier (TIA).

CWDM QSFP+, 2 optical SMFs with a duplex LC connector

40GBASE-LR4 PSM QSFP+ Transceiver Brief

Differently, PSM QSFP+ is a parallel single-mode optical transceiver and uses a MTP/MPO fiber ribbon connector instead of LC. Similarly, PSM QSFP+ also offers 4 independent transmit and receive channels, each capable of 10G operation for an aggregate data rate of 40G with 10km reach over SMF.

In a PSM QSFP+, the transmitter module accepts electrical input signals, while he receiver module converts parallel optical input signals via a photo detector array into parallel electrical output signals. Both the input signals and output signals are compatible with common mode logic (CML) levels.

PSM QSFP+, 8 optical SMFs with a MTP/MPO fiber ribbon connector

CWDM vs. PSM

Allowing for the transceiver module structure, PSM seems more cost effective, since it uses a single uncooled CW laser which splits its output power into four integrated silicon modulators. Additionally, its array-fiber coupling to a MTP connector is relatively simple.

However, when taking the infrastructure into consideration, PSM would be more expensive when the link distance is long, because it uses 8 optical single-mode fibers while CWDM only uses 2 optical single-mode fibers. Besides, in the data center fiber infrastructure, the patch panel has to be changed to accommodate MTP cables, which would cost more than LC connectors and regular SMF cables. Besides, it’s a little difficult to clean MTP connectors. So CWDM is more ideal for 40GBASE-LR4 QSFP+ link.

Conclusion

For 40GBASE-LR4 QSFP+ transceiver link options, both CWDM QSFP+ and PSM QSFP+ support the maximum transmission distance of 10km. The former establishes 40G links over 2 optical SMFs with a duplex LC connector, and the latter achieves 40G links via 8 optical SMFs with a MTP/MPO fiber ribbon connector. Thus no change is required for migration from 10G infrastructure to 40G infrastructure, saving cost when CWDM QSFP+ is chosen. Fiberstore supplies a broad selection of 40GBASE-LR4 QSFP+ transceivers which are fully compatible with major brands, such as Finisar (FTL4C1QE1C). For more information about 40GBASE-LR4 QSFP+ transceivers, please visit Fiberstore.

Introducing Juniper 40G QSFP+ Transceivers

It’s no doubt that 10Gbps speeds for individual streams have been routinely reached under today’s networking environment. And for better network performance, the existing bandwidth has been generated to 40Gbps. Among various network devices designed for 40 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) links, 40G QSFP+ transceiver are of vital importance in driving the bandwidth to a mounting point. Here this publication puts its focus on the Juniper 40G QSFP+ transceiver, which ensure high density and low latency, as well as small power consumption.

Firstly let’s figure out what is the 40G QSFP+ transceiver.

What Is 40G QSFP+ Transceiver?

The Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP) is a compact, hot-pluggable transceiver used for data communications applications. The 40G QSFP+ transceiver is a parallel fiber optical module, using four independent optical transmit and receive channels. It uses a 4 x 10Gb/s link configuration for a 40Gb/s port, offering users high-density 40 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity options for high-performance networks. QSFP+ transceivers can be applied in switches, routers and data center applications. Compared with SFP+ transceivers, QSFP+ transceiver increase the port-density by 3x-4x. Besides, they still enjoy the following features.

Juniper 40G QSFP+ Transceiver Features

Juniper QSFP+ is a Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) for high speed application, such as 40G-BASE, which provide four channels of data in one pluggable interface. Each channel is capable of transferring data at 10Gbps and supports a total of 40Gbps. Juniper 40G QSFP+ transceiver enjoy the following listed key features:

  • QSFP+ MSA, SFF-8436 Compatible;
  • Four Independently Addressable Transmit and Receive Channels;
  • Highly Compact and Electrically Hot-pluggable;
  • Digital Diagnostic Monitoring (DDM) Interface for Better Module Management;
  • Simplified Heat Management With Reduction in Power Consumption;
Two Type of Juniper 40G QSFP+ Transceiver

After discussion on several key features of Juniper 40G QSFP+ transceivers in general, here goes the detailed information about two types of Juniper 40G QSFP+ transceivers: Juniper 40G QSFP+ LX4 transceiver and Juniper 40G QSFP+ LR4 transceiver.

JNP QSFP 40G lx4 Transceiver

The jnp qsfp 40g lx4 transceiver has four 10 Gbps channels, each of which can transmit and receive simultaneously on four wavelengths over a multi-mode fiber (MMF) strand. The result is an aggregated duplex 40 Gbps link over a duplex of two MMF strands. Using duplex LC connectors, QSFP+ LX4 connections can reach 100 meters on OM3 MMF or 150 meters on OM4 MMF. What’s more, this Juniper QSFP+ LX4 transceiver (JNP-QSFP-40G-LX4) addresses the challenges of fiber infrastructure by providing the ability to transmit full-duplex 40Gbps traffic over one duplex MMF cable with LC connectors. In other words, the Juniper QSFP+ LX4 transceiver, a short-reach optical transceiver that delivers 40Gbps over duplex OM3 or OM4 MMF, allows 40Gbps connectivity to connect directly to the 10Gbps fiber and fiber trunk.

Juniper 40G QSFP+ LR4 Transceiver

For Juniper 40G QSFP+ LR4 transceiver, JNP-QSFP-40G-LR4 enables high speed 4 x 10G operations. It’s designed for use in 40 Gigabit Ethernet links over single mode fiber (SMF) with Duplex LC connectors. Compliant with the QSFP+ MSA and IEEE 802.3ba, JNP-QSFP-40G-LR4 is RoHS-6 compliant with built-in DDM interface. Fiberstore compatible Juniper JNP-QSFP-40G-LR4 is intended to support up to 10km over a standard pair of G.652 SMF.

Juniper 40G QSFP+ Transceivers Applications

The Juniper 40G QSFP+ transceivers are well suited for Infiniband, 40GBASE-SR4, 40GBASE-LR4 applications, suitable for short reaches among switches, routers and data center devices. Combined with right fanout cables, these modules can interface up to four SFP+ transceivers.

Conclusion

Juniper 40G QSFP+ transceiver boast of high-density features and provide users with 40Gbps connectivity for better network performances. Fiberstore supplies various Juniper 40G QSFP+ transceiver which are quality and performance assured, such as JNP-QSFP-40G-LX4 and JNP-QSFP-40G-LR4 mentioned above. Please feel free to contact us for more information about Fiberstore 40G QSFP+ transceiver compatible with Juniper.