As next-generation workloads in AI, machine learning, and hyperscale cloud computing drive exponential data growth, the network infrastructure must evolve accordingly. The 800G QSFP-DD DR8+ transceiver is designed to meet these demands, offering enhanced reach, superior signal integrity, and high-density connectivity for the most advanced data centers.
1. What Is 800G QSFP-DD DR8+?
The 800G QSFP-DD DR8+ is a high-speed optical transceiver that supports 800Gbps total throughput using 8 lanes of 100G PAM4 signaling. It is built upon the QSFP-DD (Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable – Double Density) form factor and enhances the original DR8 standard by extending reach and improving signal quality.
The 800G QSFP-DD DR8+ differs from DR8 mainly in reach and application flexibility—while DR8 typically supports up to 500m, DR8+ extends the reach up to 2 kilometers on single-mode fiber (SMF), making it ideal for larger data center fabrics and inter-building interconnects.
2. Key Features & Practical Benefits
🔹 Extended Reach – Up to 2km
With reach up to 2km over SMF, DR8+ fills the gap between intra-rack/inter-rack connectivity and longer-haul data center links.
🔹 High-Speed PAM4 Modulation
Delivers 8×100G PAM4 lanes to achieve full 800Gbps throughput, ideal for handling intensive AI/ML and cloud workloads.
🔹 Low Power Consumption
Advanced DSP and optical components keep power usage optimized, helping hyperscale environments meet energy efficiency goals.
🔹 QSFP-DD Compatibility
Hot-pluggable and mechanically and electrically compatible with all QSFP-DD ports—enabling seamless deployment into existing infrastructures.
3. Use Cases and Applications
🔹 AI Cluster Interconnect (GPU-to-GPU / Node-to-Spine)
AI workloads, especially in LLM (large language model) training and inference, require massive east-west traffic bandwidth. DR8+ modules provide high-speed, reliable interconnects between GPU nodes or AI supercomputers, reducing bottlenecks.
🔹 Data Center Spine-Leaf Architecture
DR8+ supports spine-to-leaf switch uplinks with extended reach—ideal for larger data halls or multi-building data center campuses.
🔹 Cloud Scale Data Centers (CSPs)
Major cloud service providers (CSPs) like AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure are deploying 800G interconnects to handle ever-increasing multi-tenant, multicloud workloads.
🔹 Disaggregated Storage & Compute Fabric
DR8+ allows seamless, high-throughput links between compute and storage nodes across distances where DR8 may fall short but 2xFR4 is overkill.
4. The 800G QSFP-DD DR8+ vs. DR8 vs. 2xFR4: Where It Fits
| Module | Channels | Reach | Use Case |
| DR8 | 8×100G | 500m | Rack-to-rack / same hall connections |
| DR8+ | 8×100G | 2km | Extended reach in large DCs / building-to-building |
| 2xFR4 | 2×400G | 2km | Shorter port breakout; useful in split-server architectures |
Conclusion: The 800G QSFP-DD DR8+ provides the reach of FR4 with the full 800G bandwidth and better power efficiency per Gbps, making it the go-to option for extended but high-speed data center links.
5. Compatibility & Scalability
800G QSFP-DD DR8+ is supported by all major switch vendors and integrators including:
- Cisco Nexus 8000 Series
- Arista 7800 Series
- Juniper PTX Series
- NVIDIA Quantum / Spectrum-X
DR8+ also enables future-forward scalability, supporting breakout to 8×100G if needed, and can work alongside other 800G optics like FR4, LR, or 2×400G in flexible deployments.
6. Why DR8+ Is a Future-Proof Investment
- Enables large-scale AI & cloud infrastructures
- Reduces interconnect complexity with single-module 800G
- Maintains low latency and high reliability
- Supports energy-efficient operations
- Adapts to evolving topologies without changing hardware platforms
Conclusion
The 800G QSFP-DD DR8+ module represents the next evolution in high-performance optical interconnects. Combining extended reach, full 800G bandwidth, and future-ready compatibility, DR8+ is a critical building block for AI data centers, hyperscale platforms, and advanced cloud environments.
As demands for bandwidth and speed continue to grow, DR8+ bridges performance and practicality, ensuring your network stays ahead of the curve.
About Optech Technology Co. Ltd
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.
| Part Number | Optech Part Number | Features | Note |
| 800G QSFP-DD DR8 | OPDM-SX5-13-CB | 800Gb/s QSFP-DD DR8 single mode mode, MPO, 1310nm, up to 500m | 800G QSFP-DD DR8: A Practical Powerhouse for High-Speed Data Center Interconnects |
| 800G QSFP-DD DR8+ | OPDM-S02-13-CBS | 800Gb/s QSFP-DD DR8+ single mode mode, MPO, 1310nm, up to 2km | |
| 800G QSFP-DD 2xFR4 | OPDM-S02-13-CBL | 800Gb/s QSFP-DD 2xFR4 single mode mode, LC, 1310nm, up to 2km |
For additional information about the 800G QSFP-DD DR8+, or price inquiry, please contact us at sales@optech.com.tw
