40GBASE-LR4, 1310 nm, SMF with OTU3 datarate support
LC
QSFP-4X10G-LR-S
4x10GBASE-LR
MPO-12
Product overview
The Cisco® 40GBASE QSFP (Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable) portfolio offers customers a wide variety of
high-density and low-power 40 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity options for data center, high-performance
computing 00networks, enterprise core and distribution layers, and service provider applications.
Features and benefits of Cisco QSFP modules
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Hot-swappable input/output device that plugs into a 40 Gigabit Ethernet Cisco QSFP port
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Interoperable with other IEEE-compliant 40GBASE interfaces where applicable
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Certified and tested on Cisco QSFP 40G ports for superior performance, quality, and reliability
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High-speed electrical interface compliant to the IEEE 802.3ba standard
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QSFP Form factor, 2-wire I2C communication interface and other low-speed electrical interface
compliant to SFF 8436 and QSFP Multisource Agreement (MSA)
The S-Class Cisco 40GBASE-SR4-S QSFP module supports link lengths of 100 and 150 meters, respectively,
on laser-optimized OM3, and OM4/OM5 multimode fibers. QSFP-40G-SR4-S is aligned to IEEE 40GBASE-SR4
optical specifications which support high-bandwidth 40G optical links over 12-fiber parallel fiber terminated
with MPO/MTP multifiber female connectors. Because the QSFP-40G-SR4-S does not support 4x10G breakout
connectivity, see QSFP-40G-SR4 or QSFP-40G-CSR4 for such applications. QSFP-40G-SR4-S does not
support FCoE.
Cisco QSFP-40G-SR4
The Cisco 40GBASE-SR4 QSFP Modules support link lengths of 100 meters and 150 meters, respectively, on
laser-optimized OM3, and OM4/OM5 multimode fibers. It primarily enables high-bandwidth 40G optical links
over 12-fiber parallel fiber terminated with MPO/MTP multifiber female connectors. It can also be used in a
4x10G breakout mode for interoperability with 10GBASE-SR and SFP-10/25G-CSR-S (in 10G mode) interfaces
up to 100 and 150 meters on OM3, and OM4/OM5 fibers, respectively. The worry-free 4x10G mode operation
is enabled by the optimization of the transmit and receive optical characteristics of the Cisco QSFP-40G-SR4 to
prevent receiver overload or unnecessary triggering of alarm thresholds on the 10GBASE-SR and SFP-10/25GCSR-S (in 10G mode) receiver, and at the same time is completely interoperable with all standard 40GBASESR4 interfaces.
The 4x10G connectivity is achieved using an external 12-fiber parallel to 2-fiber duplex breakout cable, which
connects the 40GBASE-SR4 module to four 10GBASE-SR optical interfaces. Cisco QSFP-40G-SR4 is
optimized to guarantee interoperability with any IEEE 40GBASE-SR4 and in 4x10G mode with the 10GBASE-SR
and SFP-10/25G-CSR (in10G mode).
The Cisco QSFP 40-Gbps BiDirectional (BiDi) transceiver (Figure 1) is a pluggable optical transceiver with a
duplex LC connector interface for short-reach data communication and interconnect applications using
MultiMode Fiber (MMF). The Cisco QSFP 40-Gbps BiDi transceiver offers customers a compelling solution that
enables reuse of their existing 10 gigabit duplex MMF infrastructure for migration to 40 Gigabit Ethernet
connectivity.
The Cisco QSFP 40-Gbps BiDi transceiver supports link lengths of 100 and 150 meters on laser-optimized
OM3, and OM4/OM5 multimode fibers, respectively.
The Cisco BiDi transceiver complies with the QSFP MSA specification, enabling customers to use it on all QSFP
40-Gbps platforms to achieve high-density 40 Gigabit Ethernet networks.
Each Cisco QSFP 40-Gbps BiDi transceiver consists of two 20-Gbps transmit and receive channels in the 832918 nanometer wavelength range, enabling an aggregated 40-Gbps link over a two-strand multimode fiber
connection.
Figure 1.
Cisco QSFP BiDi 40Gbps transceiver: Duplex MMF with LC connectors at both ends
Cisco QSFP-40G-BD-RX
The Cisco QSFP 40-Gbps BiDi monitor is a pluggable optical module for use with link monitor hardware, such
as the Cisco Nexus® Data Broker. Like the QSFP BiDi transceiver, it has a duplex MMF LC connector interface.
The QSFP BiDi monitor is used only in the monitoring path of a link containing a passive optical tap splitter. The
Cisco QSFP monitor offers the same specifications as the QSFP BiDi Transceiver, except that it does not
transmit any signal, and thus eliminates the risk of interfering with the live BiDi link path.
Cisco FET-40G
Cisco FET-40G QSFP Modules are fabric-extender transceiver modules used to connect to fabric links (links
between the fabric extender switch and the parent switch). The interconnect works over parallel multimode
fiber across distances of up to 100 and 150 meters, respectively, on laser-optimized OM3, and OM4/OM5
multimode fiber cables. This module can be used for native 40G optical links over 12-fiber ribbon cables with
MPO/MTP connectors or in 4x10G mode with parallel-to-duplex fiber breakout cables for connectivity to four
FET-10G interfaces.
The QSFP-40G-CSR-S is a pluggable optical transceiver with a duplex LC connector interface used for
connectivity using MultiMode Fiber (MMF). The Cisco 40GBASE-CSR Modules support link lengths of 300 and
400 meters, respectively, on laser-optimized OM3, and OM4/OM5 multimode fibers. Customers benefit through
the reuse of their existing 10 gigabit duplex MMF infrastructure as they migrate to 40 Gigabit Ethernet, while
maintaining the same supported link distances as 10G Ethernet. Each QSFP-40G-CSR-S operates at four
different wavelengths. Each of the four wavelengths operates at 10G over existing duplex multimode fiber using
standard LC connectors. The Cisco QSFP-40G-CSR-S transceiver does not support FCoE.
Cisco QSFP-40G-CSR4
Cisco 40GBASE-CSR4 QSFP Modules extend the reach of the IEEE 40GBASE-SR4 interface to 300 and 400
meters on laser-optimized OM3, and OM4/OM5 multimode parallel fiber, respectively. Each 10-gigabit lane of
this module is compliant to IEEE 10GBASE-SR specifications. This module can be used for native 40G optical
links over 12-fiber parallel cables with MPO/MTP female connectors or in a 4x10G breakout mode with parallel
to duplex fiber breakout cables for connectivity to four 10GBASE-SR interfaces. Cisco QSFP-40G-CSR4 is
optimized to guarantee interoperability over the complete specification range of 10GBASE-SR.
Cisco WSP-Q40GLR4L (QSFP-LR4-Lite)
The Cisco WSP-Q40GLR4L QSFP module supports link lengths of up to 2 kilometers over a standard pair of
G.652 Single-Mode Fiber (SMF) with duplex LC connectors. The 40 Gigabit Ethernet signal is carried over four
wavelengths. Multiplexing and demultiplexing of the four wavelengths are managed within the device. It is
interoperable with 40GBASE-LR4 for distances up to 2 kilometers. The operating temperature range is from
+10 to +60°C with an optical link budget of 4 decibels. This 4-decibel link budget offers the ability to support
the loss from patch panels in the link in a data center environment.
Cisco QSFP-40G-LR4-S (S-Class)
The Cisco 40GBASE-LR4 QSFP module supports link lengths of up to 10 kilometer over a standard pair of
G.652 single-mode fiber with duplex LC connectors. The QSFP-40G-LR4-S module supports 40GBASE
Ethernet rate only. The 40 Gigabit Ethernet signal is carried over four wavelengths. Multiplexing and
demultiplexing of the four wavelengths are managed in the device. QSFP-40G-LR4-S does not support FCoE.
Cisco QSFP-40G-LR4
The Cisco 40GBASE-LR4 QSFP module supports link lengths of up to 10 kilometers over a standard pair of
G.652 single-mode fiber with duplex LC connectors. The 40 Gigabit Ethernet signal is carried over four
wavelengths. Multiplexing and demultiplexing of the four wavelengths are managed within the device.
Cisco QSFP-4X10G-LR-S (S-Class)
The Cisco QSFP-4X10G-LR-S QSFP module supports link lengths of up to 10km on G.652 Single-Mode Fiber
(SMF). It enables high-bandwidth 40G optical links over 12-fiber parallel fiber terminated with MPO/MTP
multifiber female connectors. It can also be used in a 4x10G mode for interoperability with 10GBASE-LR
interfaces up to 10km.
The 4x10G connectivity is achieved using an external 12-fiber parallel to 2-fiber duplex breakout cable, which
connects the 4x10G LR module to four 10GBASE-LR optical interfaces. Cisco’s QSFP-4X10G-LR-S is
optimized to guarantee interoperability in 4x10G mode over the full specification range of 10GBASE-LR and the
SFP-10/25G-LR-S (in 10G mode). QSFP-4X10G-LR-S does not support FCoE.
The Cisco 40GBASE-ER4 QSFP Module supports link lengths up to 40km over G.652 single-mode fiber with
duplex LC connectors. The 40GE or OTU3 signal is carried over four wavelengths in the 1310nm range.
Multiplexing and demultiplexing of the four wavelengths are managed within the device.
Cisco QSFP to QSFP copper direct-attach cables
Cisco QSFP to QSFP copper direct-attach 40GBASE-CR4 cables (Figure 3) are suitable for very short distances
and offer a very cost-effective way to establish a 40-gigabit link between QSFP ports of Cisco switches within
racks and across adjacent racks. Cisco currently offers passive cables in lengths of 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 meters
and active cables in lengths of 7 and 10 meters.
Cisco QSFP to four SFP+ copper direct-attach breakout cables (Figure 2) are suitable for very short distances
and offer a very cost-effective way to connect within racks and across adjacent racks. These breakout cables
connect to a 40G QSFP port of a Cisco switch on one end and to four 10G SFP+ ports of a Cisco switch on the
other end. Cisco currently offers passive cables in lengths of .5, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 meters and active cables in
lengths of 7 and 10 meters.
Cisco QSFP to QSFP copper direct-attach 40GBASE-CR4 cables (Figure 5) are suitable for very short distances
and offer a flexible way to connect within racks and across adjacent racks. Active optical cables are much
thinner and lighter than copper cables, which makes cabling easier. Active optical cables enable efficient
system airflow and have no EMI issues, which is critical in high-density racks. Cisco currently offers active
optical cables in lengths of 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 meters.
Figure 4.
Cisco 40G QSFP active optics cables
Cisco QSFP to Four SFP+ active optical breakout cables
Cisco QSFP to four SFP+ active optical breakout cables (Figure 4) are suitable for very short distances and offer
a flexible way to connect within racks and across adjacent racks. Active optical cables are much thinner and
lighter than copper cables, which makes cabling easier. Active optical cables enable efficient system airflow
and have no Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI) issues, which is critical in high-density racks. These breakout
cables connect to a 40G QSFP port of a Cisco switch on one end and to four 10G SFP+ ports of a Cisco switch
on the other end. Cisco currently offers active optical breakout cables in lengths of 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 10 meters.
Figure 5.
Cisco 40G QSFP to Four SFP+ breakout active optics cables
The Cisco QSFP-40G to SFP or SFP+ Adapter (QSA) Module offers 10 Gigabit Ethernet and 1 Gigabit Ethernet
connectivity for QSFP 40G ports. It allows smooth and cost-effective migration to 40 Gigabit Ethernet by
providing an option to use lower-speed SFP or Enhanced Small Form-Factor Pluggable SFP or SFP+ modules in
QSFP+ ports when the other end of the network is running at lower speeds.
The Cisco QSA Module (Figure 6 and Figure 7) converts a QSFP+ port to an SFP or SFP+ port. With this
adapter, customers have the flexibility to use a SFP or SFP+ module, or cable to connect to a lower-speed port
on the other end of the network. This flexibility allows a cost-effective transition to 40 Gigabit Ethernet by
maximizing the use of high-density 40 Gigabit Ethernet QSFP platforms.
Figure 6.
Cisco QSA module
Figure 7.
Cisco QSA Module with SFP or SFP+ Plugged In
Compatible switch models and SFP or SFP+ modules
The list of switch models supporting the Cisco QSA Module is available in the “Cisco Optics-to-Device
Compatibility Matrix” at https://tmgmatrix.cisco.com/
A list of Cisco SFP or SFP+ transceiver modules that can be plugged in to the QSA module is provided in the
“Cisco Optic-to-Optics Interoperability Matrix” at https://tmgmatrix.cisco.com/iop?tpid=255
Technical specifications
Following are technical specifications for platform support, and connectors and cabling.
Platform support
Cisco QSFP modules are supported on Cisco switches and routers. For more details, refer to the
“Cisco Optics-to-Device Compatibility Matrix” at https://tmgmatrix.cisco.com/
Connectors and cabling
Refer to Table 3 for connector type information and cabling specifications for each QSFP product.
Note: Except for QSFP-4X10G-LR-S, only connections with patch cords with PC or Ultra-Physical
Contact (UPC) connectors are supported. QSFP-4X10G-LR-S requires patch cords with Angled Physical
Contact (APC) MPO connectors. All cables and cable assemblies used must be compliant with the
standards specified in the standards section of this data sheet.
Table 3.Loss budget comparison of Cisco QSFP BiDi with 40GBASE-SR4 specifications
*
QSFP-40G-SR-BD has 0.7 decibel incremental margin (in addition to 1.9 decibel total loss budget shown in Table 4), which can be
allocated to connector losses in the link for OM3 fiber for applications when a link BER of 1E-12 is sufficient. Cisco recommends that this
margin be allocated to connector losses. Care should be taken to not exceed 120 meters in fiber link distance with the OM3 fiber.
Information on product material content laws and regulations
Materials
Information on electronic waste laws and regulations, including products, batteries, and packaging
WEEE compliance
Environmental conditions
Operating temperature range:
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Commercial temperature range: 0 to 70°C (32 to 158°F). Exceptions are
◦ QSFP BiDi (QSFP-40G-SR-BD): +10 to 70°C (50 to 158°F)
◦ QSFP BiDi Monitor (QSFP-40G-BD-RX): +10 to 70°C (50 to 158°F)
◦ QSFP LR4 Lite (WSP-Q40GLR4L): +10 to 60°C (50 to 140°F)
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Storage temperature range: -40 to 85°C (-40 to 185°F)
Warranty
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Standard warranty: 5 years
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Expedited replacement available via a Cisco SMARTnet® Service support contract
Cisco environmental sustainability
Information about Cisco’s environmental sustainability policies and initiatives for our products, solutions,
operations, and extended operations or supply chain is provided in the “Environment Sustainability” section of
Cisco’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Report.
Reference links to information about key environmental sustainability topics (mentioned in the “Environment
Sustainability” section of the CSR Report) are provided in the following table:
Cisco makes the packaging data available for informational purposes only. It may not reflect the most current
legal developments, and Cisco does not represent, warrant, or guarantee that it is complete, accurate, or up to
date. This information is subject to change without notice.
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