In recent years, the demand for faster and higher-capacity data transmission has been growing at an unprecedented rate. As a core component in the field of optical communication, 400G optical transceivers have become increasingly important. With a wide variety of models, each with its own features and application scenarios, 400G optical transceivers represent the cutting edge of optical networking technology. They are essential for enabling high-speed interconnects and supporting large-capacity service transmission.
From a technical perspective, 400G optical transceivers adopt advanced PAM4 modulation technology, allowing for more efficient use of spectral resources. They also address challenges such as signal attenuation and interference, ensuring stable and reliable data transmission at high speeds.
Mainstream 400G optical transceiver models cover a range of applications, from short-reach (such as SR4 and SR8, ideal for intra-data center connections) to long-reach scenarios (such as LR4 and ER8, suitable for inter-data center or metro network connections), catering to the diverse high-performance networking needs across various industries. Below is an overview of commonly used 400G optical transceiver models:
This model uses multimode fiber and supports 8 parallel transmission channels, each operating at 50Gbps, for a total data rate of 400Gbps. It is suitable for short-distance data transmission, such as server-to-switch connections within data centers, typically within 100 meters.
The 400G QSFP-DD FR4 transceiver supports up to 2km transmission over single-mode fiber. Electrically, it uses 8 channels at 53.125Gbps; optically, these are converted into 4 channels at 106.25Gbps, which are multiplexed into one 425Gbps optical signal.
This module uses 8x50G modulation on the electrical side and 4 optical channels with 100Gbps per channel. Compared to the SR8 model, it reduces the number of lasers by four, which lowers both power consumption and cost. Suitable for distances within 100 meters.
A silicon photonics-based module using single-mode fiber and 4 optical channels, supporting up to 425Gbps over 500 meters. Ideal for medium-reach interconnects within data centers.
Utilizes single-mode fiber and wavelength division multiplexing to transmit 8 wavelengths simultaneously through a single fiber, achieving 400Gbps with a reach of up to 2km.
Features 8-channel 53Gbps PAM4 EML LWDM transmitters and PIN receivers. It supports transmission over single-mode fiber for distances up to 10km.
Transmits data over 4 optical wavelengths via single-mode fiber, with a maximum reach of 10km.
Supports 8 optical wavelengths for long-distance transmission up to 40km. This model is well-suited for long-haul backbone networks and ultra-long-distance connections.
Designed for 400G Ethernet links, this hot-pluggable module uses 100G PAM4 and VCSEL technology. With FEC enabled, it supports 425Gbps over four multimode fiber pairs for distances up to 100 meters.
Employs 100G PAM4 and 4-lane parallel single-mode fiber technology, supporting up to 500 meters. Suitable for intra-data center connections.
Built using advanced silicon photonics integration, combining multiple optoelectronic components on a single chip for high density and compact size. This transceiver supports up to 112Gbps per channel and a total data rate of 448Gbps over 500 meters, compliant with the QSFP112 interface standard.
Compatibility is one of the top concerns for customers using 400G optical transceivers in IB and RoCE network environments. In essence, compatibility means the optical transceiver must be recognized by switches or NICs and function correctly to achieve optical-to-electrical data conversion. GearLink’s 400G optical transceivers are compatible with NVIDIA IB 9790 and 8700 series switches, Ethernet SN5600 series, H3C S9825/9827 switches, Ruijie S6980/6990 series switches, and NVIDIA CX6/CX7 NICs. We provide customers with mature and stable end-to-end optical interconnect solutions.
