How to breakout 400G QSFP-DD DR4 to 4 x 100G QSFP28 DR1
In an earlier article, we explained how the 100G QSFP28 single lambda technology helped reducing the cost of 100G modules and opened new opportunities for the future. The 400G QSFP-DD DR4 is a good example of the benefit brought by the 100G single lambda technology.
The 400G QSFP-DD DR4 transceiver uses the 100G single lambda technology to achieve the desired 400G data rate. By using four lanes of 100G, it can offer backward compatibility to the 100G QSFP28 DR1. The 400G DR4 supports connections of up to 500 meters over single-mode fiber and uses a MPO connector.
The 100G QSFP28 DR1 transceiver uses only one lane that operates at a speed of 100G to transport data with PAM4. It supports connections of up to 500 meters over single-mode fiber and uses a LC duplex connector.
A 400G QSFP-DD DR4 transceiver, in a 400G switch can connect to 4 x 100G QSFP28 DR1 transceivers, in a 100G switch, using an MPO to 4 x LC fiber optic breakout cable.
Advantages of 400G QSFP-DD DR4 to 4 x 100G QSFP28 DR1
The key advantage of connecting a 400G QSFP-DD DR4 to 4 x 100G QSFP28 DR1 is that you can continue to use existing 100G QSFP28 hardware while upgrading to a 400G network.
The 400G QSFP-DD DR4 to 4 x 100G QSFP28 DR1 connection allows to upgrade your network step by step, where one site can be upgraded at a time. It makes the transition to a 400G network more manageable, by minimizing your network downtime and spreading the cost over time.
This 400G QSFP-DD to 100G QSFP28 breakout solution provides significant flexibility for network upgrades. Indeed, it only requires to change the spine device and adapting the cabling to support the new 400G ports. The existing infrastructure can remain unchanged, making the transition to 400G more efficient and cost-effective.
Compatibility
Optech’s 400G QSFP-DD DR4 and 100G QSFP28 DR1 are compatible with Cisco and Mellanox/Nvidia Switches.
To ensure the compliance and the performance of all transceivers, all our products are carefully checked in our testing area before they are packed and shipped.
Ordering Information
400G QSFP-DD DR4
Datasheet available here
| Optech Part Number | Compatible Brand Part Number | Features |
| OPDY-SX5-13-CB | Generic | 1310nm, MPO, 500m, 0~70°C |
| OPDY-SX5-13-CB-1 | Cisco QDD-400G-DR4-S | 1310nm, MPO, 500m, 0~70°C |
| OPDY-SX5-13-CB | Nvidia MMS1V00-WM | 1310nm, MPO, 500m, 0~70°C |
100G QSFP28 DR1
Datasheet available here
| Optech Part Number | Compatible Brand Part Number | Features |
| OPCW-SX5-13-CB | Generic | 1310nm, LC, 500m, 0~70°C |
| OPCW-SX5-13-CB-1 | Cisco Cisco QSFP-100G-DR-S | 1310nm, LC, 500m, 0~70°C |
| OPCW-SX5-13-CB | Nvidia MMS1V70-CM | 1310nm, LC, 500m, 0~70°C |
For additional information about the 400G QSFP-DD DR4 to 4 x 100G QSFP28 DR1 solution, or price inquiry, please contact us at sales@optech.com.tw
About Optech
Optech Technology Co. Ltd was founded in 2001 in Taipei, Taiwan. The company was created with a sole purpose, to provide a wide and high quality portfolio of optical products to a very demanding and fast evolving market.
To respond to the permanent increase of IP traffic, Optech portfolio is constantly growing. Since the beginning, the company has always been up to date with the latest innovations on the market. Today, we are proud to deliver a large selection of 25G SFP28, 40G QSFP+, 100G QSFP28, 200G QSFP56, 400G QSFP-DD, 800G QSFP-DD and OSFP optical transceivers and cables.
Optech has a large portfolio of products which include optical transceivers, direct attach cables, active optical cables, loopback transceivers, media converters and fiber patch cords.
Through its large selection of optical products, that have a range of data speed from 155 Mbps to 800 Gbps and reach distances up to 120km, Optech products are suitable for various industries such as telecom, data centers as well as public and private networks.
