https://network-switch.com/pages/about-us
In today’s hyperscale data centers, campus backbones, and high-performance enterprise networks, a reliable Optical Transceiver Module is the linchpin of connectivity.
NS’s family of 40 Gbps QSFP Modules, including the QSFP-40G-SR, QSFP-40G-LR, QSFP-40G-ER, and QSFP-40G-ZR4, offers true multi-vendor interoperability, digital diagnostics, and hot-plug convenience.
As fully compatible transceiver modules, they eliminate vendor lock-in by plugging seamlessly into Cisco, Huawei, Juniper, Arista, and NS platforms, simplifying inventory and slashing costs.
Product Overview
All four NS QSFP+ transceivers conform to the QSFP+ MSA (SFF-8436) and IEEE 802.3ba/bs standards, ensuring plug-and-play operation in any compliant equipment. They share these common traits:
- Multi-Vendor Compatibility: Validated on Cisco Nexus/Catalyst, Huawei CloudEngine/NetEngine, Juniper EX/QFX/MX, Arista 7000/7200, and NS brand switches/routers.
- Low Power: ≤ 3.5 W typical, reducing heat and power budgets compared to early QSFP modules.
- Digital Diagnostics (DDM/DOM): Real-time I²C monitoring of temperature, voltage, TX/RX power, and bias current.
- Hot-Swap Ready: 38-pin QSFP+ interface allows live module swaps without traffic interruption.
By unifying all QSFP+ variants under one generic module SKU, NS streamlines spare-parts management across diverse network layers.
Hardware Specifications
| Module | Media Type | Wavelength | Max Reach | Connector | Data Rate | Power Consumption |
| QSFP-40G-SR | Laser-Optimized MMF | 850 nm | 100 m @ OM3; 150 m @ OM4 | MPO-12 | 41.25 Gbps (4×10G) | ≤ 1.5 W |
| QSFP-40G-LR | Single-Mode Fiber | 1310 nm | 10 km @ G.652 SMF | LC Duplex | 40 Gbps (4×10G) | ≤ 3.5 W |
| QSFP-40G-ER | Single-Mode Fiber | 1310 nm | 40 km @ G.652 SMF | LC Duplex | 40 Gbps (4×10G) | ≤ 3.5 W |
| QSFP-40G-ZR4 | Single-Mode Fiber | 1310 nm | 80 km @ OS2 SMF | LC Duplex | 40 Gbps (4×10G) | ≤ 4 W |
- QSFP-40G-SR delivers short-reach aggregation in racks and adjacent pods, leveraging MPO-12 multimode trunks.
- QSFP-40G-LR serves campus backbones and building spans up to 10 km over duplex SMF.
- QSFP-40G-ER extends reach to 40 km for regional rings and DCI links.
- QSFP-40G-ZR4 uses CWDM on four lanes to reach up to 80 km over SMF.
Compatibility & Interoperability
NS QSFP+ modules ace interoperability by strictly adhering to QSFP+ MSA standards and factory-burned EEPROM profiles that emulate OEM vendor IDs. Rigorous lab testing confirms seamless operation—no CLI workarounds or risky register hacks - on:
- Cisco Nexus/Catalyst series
- Huawei CloudEngine & NetEngine platforms
- Juniper EX, QFX & MX series
- Arista 7000 & 7200 platforms
- NS Brand switches & routers
This true compatible transceiver module approach lets you standardize on one fiber optic transceiver module across your entire infrastructure.
NS Modules vs. OEM Modules vs. Other 3rd-Party Modules
| Feature | NS Brand QSFP+ | OEM QSFP+ (e.g., Cisco) | Other 3rd-Party QSFP+ |
| Multi-Vendor Compatible | Yes: Cisco, Huawei, Juniper, Arista, NS etc. | No: Typically vendor-locked | Partial: Often Cisco-only |
| Data-Rate Support | 41.25 Gbps (4×10G) | 41.25 Gbps | 41.25 Gbps |
| Reach Variants (SR/LR/ER/ZR4) | All four | All four | Limited (often SR/LR only) |
| Warranty | 3 years | 1 year | 1 year (varies) |
| DDM/DOM Support | Full per MSA | Full per MSA | Limited |
| Power Consumption | ≤ 1.5–4 W | ≤ 1.5–4 W | ~ 2–5 W |
| Price vs. OEM | – 30 % | Premium | – 10 % |
NS modules match or exceed OEM quality in diagnostics, interoperability, and warranty—while delivering up to 30 % cost savings.
Deployment Scenarios & Use Cases
- Data-Center Spine/Leaf FabricSR modules interconnect leaf and spine over OM3/OM4 trunks. ZR4 modules link remote pods or DR sites with minimal fiber counts.
- SR modules interconnect leaf and spine over OM3/OM4 trunks.
- ZR4 modules link remote pods or DR sites with minimal fiber counts.
- Campus Backbone & Inter-Building LinksLR optics connect academic, healthcare, or corporate buildings up to 10 km apart. Mix of ER and ZR4 for enterprise campus rings requiring 40–80 km spans.
- LR optics connect academic, healthcare, or corporate buildings up to 10 km apart.
- Mix of ER and ZR4 for enterprise campus rings requiring 40–80 km spans.
- Data-Center Interconnect (DCI)ER modules enable 40 Gbps DCI on existing long-haul fibers. ZX (ZR4) extends DCI to regional distances without OTN gear.
- ER modules enable 40 Gbps DCI on existing long-haul fibers.
- ZX (ZR4) extends DCI to regional distances without OTN gear.
- Branch & Edge AggregationSR or LR modules upgrade 10 GbE uplinks to 40 GbE as bandwidth demands surge. Reuse existing fiber or copper (via breakout cables) to accelerate deployments.
- SR or LR modules upgrade 10 GbE uplinks to 40 GbE as bandwidth demands surge.
- Reuse existing fiber or copper (via breakout cables) to accelerate deployments.
Regardless of scenario, NS QSFP+ modules simplify roll-out, eliminate compatibility woes, and provide transparent lane diagnostics for real-time troubleshooting.
Product Management
Installation & Diagnostics
While NS modules are generic, they fully support standard QSFP+ diagnostics:
- Digital Diagnostics (DDM/DOM): Via I²C (SFF-8472), monitor temperature, voltage, TX/RX power, bias current.
- Hot-Swap: Live insertion/removal without link flaps on adjacent ports.
- CLI Verification:Cisco IOS: show interfaces transceiver details tenGigabitEthernet1/1/1 Juniper Junos: show interfaces diagnostics optics xe-0/0/0 Huawei VRP: display transceiver interface FortyGigE0/0/1
LED indicators on NS switches auto-reflect link speed and activity for any QSFP+ module.
Technical Support & After-Sales Service
| Service Aspect | Network-Switch.com | OEM Vendors | Other Resellers |
| 24/7 Technical Hotline | Yes (phone & email) | Business hours only | Limited |
| RMA Turnaround | Next-business-day advance | 5–7 days | 7–14 days |
| EEPROM Updates | Regular via USB tool | Fixed | Rare |
| Compatibility Lab Testing | Ongoing multi-vendor | OEM only | Occasional |
| Configuration Assistance | Free, 24/7 | Paid support contracts | Not provided |
| Bulk Pricing & Quoting | Dedicated account managers | Channel-based pricing | MSP pricing |
Partnering with Network-Switch.com grants you both OEM-level reliability and third-party agility.
FAQs
-
Are these QSFP+ modules truly plug-and-play across all brands?
Yes, factory-burned MSA-compliant EEPROM and OUI emulation prevent “unsupported transceiver” errors in Cisco, Huawei, Juniper, Arista, and NS hardware. -
Can I mix SR, LR, ER, and ZR4 in the same chassis?
Absolutely. QSFP+ supports hot swap and multi-rate autonegotiation—no manual VLAN or CLI tweaks required. -
How do I monitor optical parameters remotely?
Use standard CLI commands (e.g., Cisco’s show interfaces transceiver details, Juniper’s show interfaces diagnostics optics) or SNMP MIBs for DDM (SFF-8472). -
What power budget should I plan for?
≤ 1.5 W for SR, up to 4 W for LR/ER/ZR4. NS modules optimize power/performance for dense QSFP+ linecards. -
Is there an industrial temperature option?
Yes. NS offers –40 °C to +85 °C variants for harsh or outdoor edge installations. -
What’s your return policy if I encounter compatibility issues?
NS provides a 30-day money-back guarantee and next-business-day RMA replacements.
Conclusion
NS’s QSFP-40G-SR, QSFP-40G-LR, QSFP-40G-ER, and QSFP-40G-ZR4 modules deliver the ultimate in interoperability, performance, and value for modern 40 GbE networks. By standardizing on these fiber optic transceiver modules, you simplify inventory, reduce vendor dependency, and ensure consistent high-speed connectivity.
Ready to future-proof your network optics?
Contact Network-Switch.com today for volume pricing, compatibility guides, and 24/7 technical support.
Did this article help you or not? Tell us on Facebook and LinkedIn . We’d love to hear from you!
