100G QSFP28 LR4 Optical Transceiver

The 100G QSFP28 LR4 Optical Transceiver is a high-speed single-mode fiber module designed for 100Gbps Ethernet and long-distance data center and network connections. The C-LIGHT CL100GQSFPCLR4 uses four CWDM optical channels at 1270nm, 1290nm, 1310nm, and 1330nm, supports transmission up to 10km, and provides a duplex LC interface in a compact QSFP28 form factor.

1. What Is a 100G QSFP28 LR4 Optical Transceiver?

A 100G QSFP28 LR4 Optical Transceiver is a 100Gbps optical module designed for longer-reach network connections over single-mode fiber. It combines four optical channels into one QSFP28 module and uses wavelength division multiplexing to transmit and receive high-speed data through a duplex LC interface.

The C-LIGHT CL100GQSFPCLR4 supports an aggregate bit rate of 103.1Gb/s and a maximum transmission distance of 10km on single-mode fiber.

2. Key Features of the 100G QSFP28 LR4

• 100Gbps-class aggregate data rate

• QSFP28 hot-pluggable form factor

• Up to 10km transmission over SMF

• Four CWDM wavelengths: 1270nm, 1290nm, 1310nm, and 1330nm

• 4 × 25.78Gb/s optical channels

• 4 × 26Gb/s retimed electrical interface

• Duplex LC optical interface

• Power consumption below 3.5W

• Single 3.3V power supply

• I2C management interface

• Commercial temperature range of 0°C to 70°C

• RoHS-6 compliant

3. 100G QSFP28 LR4 Data Rate and Architecture

The module supports a 103.1Gb/s aggregate bit rate and uses four optical lanes. Each optical channel operates at approximately 25.78Gb/s, providing the bandwidth required for 100Gbps-class Ethernet transmission.

On the electrical side, the transceiver provides four retimed channels. The electrical signals are converted into optical signals and transmitted through four independent CWDM wavelengths.

4. Four CWDM Wavelength Channels

The CL100GQSFPCLR4 uses four optical wavelengths centered at 1270nm, 1290nm, 1310nm, and 1330nm. These wavelengths are combined into a single fiber path using coarse wavelength division multiplexing technology.

The typical wavelength values are:

5. 10km Transmission over Single-Mode Fiber

The 100G QSFP28 LR4 is designed for long-distance connections using single-mode fiber. The CL100GQSFPCLR4 supports a maximum link length of up to 10km, making it suitable for connections that extend beyond typical short-reach data center interconnects.

Typical applications include data center interconnection, campus networks, metropolitan network links, and other 100Gbps connections requiring extended reach.

6. Duplex LC Interface

The optical interface uses a duplex LC receptacle. One fiber is used for transmitting optical signals while the other is used for receiving signals.

The duplex LC interface provides a compact and widely adopted connection method for single-mode fiber networks and simplifies integration with existing optical patching systems.

7. Transmitter Performance

The transmitter section consists of four optical channels operating at 25.78Gb/s each. Each lane uses an independent CWDM wavelength for parallel 100Gbps transmission.

The specified transmitter characteristics include a maximum total launch power of 10.5dBm and a maximum transmitter and dispersion penalty of 2.2dB per lane. The optical return loss tolerance is 20dB.

8. Receiver Performance

The receiver uses four photodetection channels operating at 25.78Gb/s. The receiver supports an average input power range of -10.6dBm to 4.5dBm per lane, with an OMA sensitivity of up to -8.6dBm.

The receiver is designed to maintain reliable optical signal recovery across the specified 100Gbps transmission range.

9. Power Consumption

The CL100GQSFPCLR4 has a maximum power dissipation of less than 3.5W. Its relatively low power consumption helps reduce thermal load in high-density network equipment and supports efficient 100Gbps deployments.

10. QSFP28 Form Factor

The transceiver uses the standard QSFP28 form factor, allowing it to be installed in compatible 100G switches, routers, servers, and optical transport equipment.

The hot-pluggable design also makes installation and replacement easier during network deployment and maintenance.

11. Electrical Interface

The module provides a 4-channel retimed electrical interface with each channel operating at approximately 26Gb/s. The electrical signals are processed inside the transceiver before being converted into four CWDM optical channels.

This architecture supports stable signal transmission for 100Gbps network equipment.

12. Digital Management and Monitoring

An I2C management interface is provided for module communication and monitoring. Compatible host equipment can use the management interface to access operating information and diagnostic parameters supported by the module.

13. 100G QSFP28 LR4 vs. Short-Reach 100G Modules

The main advantage of the 100G QSFP28 LR4 is its longer transmission reach over single-mode fiber. Compared with short-reach optical solutions designed for data center server or switch connections, an LR4-class module is intended for longer links between network locations.

14. Applications of 100G QSFP28 LR4

100G QSFP28 LR4 transceivers are commonly used in network environments that require high bandwidth and extended fiber reach.

• Data center interconnects

• 100G Ethernet networks

• Campus and enterprise networks

• Metro network connections

• Switch-to-switch links

• Router-to-router connections

• High-capacity backbone links

15. Why Choose C-LIGHT 100G QSFP28 LR4?

The C-LIGHT CL100GQSFPCLR4 combines a compact QSFP28 design with four CWDM optical channels and up to 10km transmission over single-mode fiber. Its low power consumption, duplex LC interface, I2C management, and 0°C to 70°C commercial temperature range make it suitable for a wide range of 100Gbps network deployments.

16. 100G QSFP28 LR4 Ordering Information

17. Frequently Asked Questions

18. Summary

The C-LIGHT 100G QSFP28 LR4 Optical Transceiver is a 100Gbps single-mode fiber solution designed for links up to 10km. With four CWDM wavelengths, a duplex LC interface, QSFP28 form factor, low power consumption, and I2C management, it provides a practical option for high-bandwidth data center, enterprise, metro, and backbone network connections.