In the construction of data center networks, both optical modules and switches are essential equipment. So, how to choose suitable optical modules for 40G data center switches?
 
The 40G QSFP+optical module can be divided into 40GBASE-SR4, 40GBASE-eSR4, 40GBASE-LR4, 40GBASE-ER4, 40GBASE-PSM4, 40GBASE BiDi, etc. according to different transmission protocols. ETU-LINK now analyzes the optical modules that are transmitted from near to far.
 
1. 40GBASE-SR4 optical module (40G QSFP+850nm 150m MPO)
The 40GBASE-SR4 optical module is an optical module with a working wavelength of 850nm. It uses MPO/MTP connectors and is usually used with multimode fiber. When used with OM3 fiber jumpers, its transmission distance is 100m, and when used with OM4 fiber jumpers, its transmission distance is 150m.
 
2. 40GBASE BiDi optical module (40G BiDi QSFP+850nm/900nm 150M LC)
The 40GBASE BiDi optical module is an optical module with a working wavelength of 850nm/900nm, using LC duplex connectors. When used with multimode fiber jumpers, the maximum transmission distance is 150m.
 
3. 40GBASE-eSR4 optical module (40G QSFP+850nm 400m LC)
The 40GBASE-eSR4 optical module is an optical module with a working wavelength of 850nm, using LC duplex connectors. It is usually used in conjunction with multimode fiber and has a transmission distance of 300m when used with OM3 fiber jumpers and 400m when used with OM4 fiber jumpers.
 
4. 40GBASE-PSM4 optical module (40G QSFP+1310nm 2KM MPO/LC)
The 40GBASE-PSM4 optical module is an optical module with a working wavelength of 1310nm, using MPO/MTP connectors or LC duplex connectors, and is used in conjunction with single-mode fiber, with a maximum transmission distance of 2km.
 
5. 40GBASE-LR4 optical module (40G QSFP+1310nm 10KM LC)
The QSFP-LR4-40G optical module is an optical module with a working wavelength of 1310nm. It uses LC duplex connectors and is usually used in conjunction with single-mode optical fibers, with a maximum transmission distance of 10km.
 
6. 40GBASE-ER4 optical module (40G QSFP+1310nm 40KM LC)
The 40GBASE-ER4 optical module is an optical module with a working wavelength of 1310nm. It uses LC duplex connectors and is used in conjunction with single-mode fiber, with a maximum transmission distance of 40km.
The above content mainly analyzes the basic parameters of 40G optical modules, and everyone can choose according to the actual transmission distance of the application!
 

Selection Guide

Transmission distance: Select the optical module that meets the transmission distance according to actual needs.
 
Fiber type: Ensure that the selected optical module matches the multimode fiber type used (such as OM3, OM4).
 
Compatibility: Confirm that the device supports QSFP+interface to ensure that the optical module can work properly.
 
Brand and Quality: Choose a reputable brand to ensure product quality and after-sales service.
 
The 40G multimode optical module provides a cost-effective solution through parallel transmission technology, while meeting the requirements of high-speed data transmission. It is particularly suitable for scenarios that require high bandwidth and low latency, such as data centers and high-performance computing. When selecting and applying optical modules, factors such as compatibility, transmission distance, and cost should be considered to achieve optimal network performance.
 

What are the characteristics of 40G optical modules?

1. Reasonable and effective use of transmission frequency bands, with relatively high spectral efficiency;
2. Effectively reducing costs, more economical than other metropolitan area network solutions;
 
3. Simplified the network architecture and reduced the number of accessories. It is worth mentioning that in the application of urban backbone networks, its scheduling and integration are far superior to four 10G systems, which can save data center area, reduce equipment stacking, and improve the bandwidth management and scheduling capabilities of single node devices;
 
4. Usually, a single wavelength can handle multiple data connections, greatly enhancing the functionality of the core network and allowing for better business expansion.