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In today’s rapidly evolving data center and cloud networking landscape, the need for higher-speed connections and bandwidth scalability is paramount. Enter the 400G QSFP112 transceiver, a crucial component enabling data centers to handle the immense traffic demands of modern applications.
The QSFP112 family, which offers 400Gbps speeds, provides the bridge between legacy QSFP interfaces and the next wave of ultra-fast network infrastructure. This article offers a comprehensive overview of QSFP112 and 400G QSFP112 transceivers, highlighting their specs, applications, benefits, and answering frequently asked questions.
What is QSFP112?
The QSFP112 is a high-performance optical transceiver designed to operate at 112Gbps per lane in a 4-lane configuration, enabling 400G data transmission. It is built on the QSFP form factor and was created to accommodate the increasing bandwidth requirements of next-generation data centers and telecom networks.
Key Features of QSFP112
- Modulation Type: PAM4 (Pulse Amplitude Modulation 4-level)
- Speed: 112Gbps per lane, with a total throughput of 400Gbps
- Connector Types: MPO-12/APC, Duplex LC
- Backward Compatibility: Fully backward compatible with QSFP28 (100G) and QSFP56 (200G)
- Fiber Type: Available in single-mode and multi-mode options, depending on the reach requirements.
The QSFP112 module makes upgrading to 400G simpler and more affordable by allowing data centers to retain their existing QSFP infrastructure and improve performance incrementally.
400G QSFP112 Transceiver Types
The QSFP112 transceiver comes in various forms, tailored to meet different network demands. Below are the key types:
Single-Mode QSFP112
- Maximum Reach: Up to 10 km
- Fiber Type: Single-mode fiber (SMF)
- Modulation: 4x100G-PAM4
- Applications: Ideal for long-distance interconnects between data centers or core network links that span considerable distances.
Multi-Mode QSFP112
- Maximum Reach: Typically up to 50 meters
- Fiber Type: Multi-mode fiber (MMF)
- Modulation: 4x100G-PAM4
- Applications: Best suited for shorter-range interconnects within data centers or between nearby switches and servers.
400G QSFP112 Transceiver Models
| Model | Connector | Max Distance | Technology | Applications |
| QSFP112-SR4-400G | MPO-12/APC | 50m | 4x100G-PAM4 | Data Center interconnects |
| QSFP112-DR4-400G | MPO-12/APC | 500m | 4x100G-PAM4 | InfiniBand & Ethernet |
| QSFP112-FR4-400G | Duplex LC UPC | 2km | 4x100G-PAM4 | High-speed Ethernet networks |
| QSFP112-LR4-400G | Duplex LC | 10km | 4x100G-PAM4 | Core network connections |
Advantages of 400G QSFP112 Transceivers
Significant Bandwidth Increase
The 400G QSFP112 transceiver supports 400Gbps throughput, which is essential for handling the ever-growing volume of data generated by modern services. This increase in bandwidth enables seamless connectivity for high-performance computing (HPC), cloud environments, and big data applications.
Backwards Compatibility
The QSFP112 retains backward compatibility with QSFP28 (100G) and QSFP56 (200G) interfaces, making it easier for organizations to upgrade their network infrastructure without replacing all existing equipment.
Reduced Latency
With PAM4 modulation, QSFP112 modules reduce latency while providing higher speeds, ensuring a more responsive network and enabling real-time data processing for applications such as AI/ML, video streaming, and financial trading.
Improved Power Efficiency
While 10G and 40G technologies required multiple fiber links for high-speed interconnects, the 400G QSFP112 reduces the need for additional equipment, improving power efficiency and cutting costs on energy consumption.
Scalability and Future-Proofing
With the advent of PAM4 modulation technology, QSFP112 is built for scalability. As the network grows, organizations can deploy 400G QSFP112 transceivers to future-proof their infrastructure against the rising demand for speed and bandwidth.
How Does QSFP112 Compare to Previous Generations?
| Feature | QSFP112 (400G) | QSFP56 (200G) | QSFP28 (100G) |
| Data Rate | 400Gbps (4x 112Gbps lanes) | 200Gbps (4x 56Gbps lanes) | 100Gbps (4x 25Gbps lanes) |
| Modulation | PAM4 (4-level) | PAM4 (4-level) | PAM4 (4-level) |
| Maximum Reach | 10km (single-mode) | 2km (single-mode) | 100m (multi-mode) |
| Connector Type | MPO-12/APC, LC Duplex | MPO-12/APC, LC Duplex | MPO-12/APC, LC Duplex |
| Lane Speed | 112Gbps per lane | 56Gbps per lane | 25Gbps per lane |
| Power Consumption | 2–5W | 3–4W | 3–5W |
| Backward Compatibility | Compatible with QSFP28/56 | Compatible with QSFP28 | N/A |
| Primary Application | Data centers, telecom, cloud, high-performance computing | Data centers, backbone networks | Enterprise networks, short-range interconnects |
| Typical Modulation Technology | PAM4 | PAM4 | PAM4 |
Key Takeaways:
- QSFP112 offers the highest speed and maximum bandwidth, making it the most future-proof option for data centers and cloud infrastructures.
- QSFP56 provides significant bandwidth for medium-range networks, especially for large-scale interconnections.
- QSFP28 remains highly relevant for 1G to 100G applications but is being gradually phased out in favor of QSFP56 and QSFP112 as higher bandwidth demands grow.
Common Use Cases for 400G QSFP112 Modules
Data Center Interconnects
QSFP112 modules are crucial for high-performance interconnects between data center racks or core-to-core switch connections, supporting high-speed traffic for cloud services, large-scale data storage, and AI/ML model training.
Core Network Links
Ideal for carrier networks or telecom operators, where long-range interconnects are required to handle massive traffic volumes between different locations.
High-Performance Computing (HPC)
Used extensively in HPC environments for connecting storage arrays, processors, and computing clusters, QSFP112 ensures fast data exchange to enable faster simulations, research, and large-scale processing tasks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Why do we need QSFP112 in modern networks?
A1: QSFP112 is essential for data centers transitioning from 200G to 400G networks. It leverages existing fiber infrastructure, enabling a cost-effective and efficient migration to higher-speed networks without requiring a complete overhaul.
Q2: What’s the difference between QSFP112 and QSFP56/28?
A2: QSFP112 offers 400Gbps bandwidth with 112Gbps per lane, making it a significant upgrade over the QSFP56 (200Gbps) and QSFP28 (100Gbps) modules, both in speed and efficiency. It also uses PAM4 modulation for better performance.
Q3: Can QSFP112 be used in existing QSFP28/56 equipment?
A3: Yes, QSFP112 is backward-compatible with existing QSFP28 and QSFP56 hardware, allowing seamless upgrades without significant infrastructure changes.
Q4: What is the maximum distance supported by QSFP112 modules?
A4: QSFP112 modules support a range of distances: SR4: Up to 50 meters over MMF. DR4: Up to 500 meters. LR4: Up to 10 kilometers using single-mode fiber.
Q5: What industries benefit most from QSFP112 technology?
A5: Telecom and data center providers, as well as enterprise networks, will benefit most from QSFP112 due to its scalability, high-speed capabilities, and efficiency in handling bandwidth-heavy applications like cloud services and AI/ML workloads.
Conclusion
As data generation and processing needs continue to grow, the 400G QSFP112 transceiver is positioned to provide the necessary bandwidth and scalability for modern data centers, cloud applications, and telecom providers. Its combination of high performance, backward compatibility, and future-proofing capabilities make it an ideal choice for next-gen network infrastructures.
With PAM4 modulation and 400Gbps throughput, QSFP112 represents the next step in ultra-high-speed data transmission, and it will be crucial in powering future-proof networks for years to come.
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