40G Network Connectivity Solutions

High speed and wide bandwidth demands drive data centers to consolidate into more complex systems. The speed of data center now is increasing to 40G and eventually to 100G. How to achieve 40G connectivity? In fact, we need some new optical technologies and cabling infrastructure. In this post, I will introduce some commonly used components for 40G connectivity.
40G QSFP+ Pluggable Optical Modules
As we know, fiber optic transceiver is an electronic device that receives an electrical signal, converts it into a light signal, and launches the signal into a fiber. It also receives the light signal, from another transceiver, and converts it into an electrical signal. It is the key component in fiber optic transmission. The basic interface of 40G pluggable optical modules are 40GBASE-LR4 and 40GBASE-SR4 in QSFP+ form factor.
1. 40GBASE-SR4 QSFP+
40GBASE-SR4 QSFP+ transceivers are used in data centers to interconnect two Ethernet switches with 8 fiber parallel multimode fiber OM3/OM4 cables. It can support the transmission distance up to 100 m with OM3 fiber and 150 m with OM4 fiber. The optical interface of 40GBASE-SR4 QSFP+ is MPO/MTP. This module can be used for native 40G optical links or in a 4x10G mode with parallel to duplex fiber breakout cables for connectivity to four 10GBASE-SR interfaces.
2. 40GBASE-LR4 QSFP+
40GBASE-LR4 QSFP+ transceiver support with a link length up to 10 kilometers over 1310 nm 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. It is most commonly deployed between data-center or IXP sites with single-mode fiber.
QSFP+ Direct Attach Cables
QSFP+ direct attach cable is designed to meet emerging data center and high performance computing application needs for a short distance and high density cabling interconnect system capable of delivering an aggregate data bandwidth of 40Gb/s. QSFP+ direct attach copper cables are suitable for very short distances and offer a highly cost-effective way to establish a 40G link between two switches within racks and across adjacent racks. These high speed cables provide a highly cost-effective way to upgrade from 10G to 40G or 40G to 40G interconnect connection.
1. Passive and Active Direct Attach Copper Cables
The QSFP+ passive or active direct attach copper cables (DAC) are designed with twinax copper cable and terminated with QSFP+ connectors. The main difference between passive QSFP+ DAC and active QSFP+ DAC is that the passive one is without the active component. Therefore, active QSFP+ DAC can achieve a longer transmission distances than passive QSFP+ DAC.
2. Active Optical Cable (AOC) Assemblies
Active optical cable, namely AOC brings a more flexible cabling than direct attach copper cables with the advantages of lighter weigth, longer transmission distance and higher performance for anti-EMI. Now, 40G AOC assemblies are popular with users.
MPO/MTP Cabling Series
Since 40GBASE-SR4 and 40GBASE-CSR4 both use MPO/MTP connector. Therefore, in addition to fiber optic transceivers and direct attach cables, MTP cabling series usually needed to achieve 40G connectivity. This series include MTP trunk cables, MTP-LC harness/breakout cables, LC or MTP patch cables, MTP-LC cassette modules, MTP adapter panels and MTP rack mount holders.
Fiberstore offers a comprehensive solution for 40G network connectivity. What’s more, products such as 40GBASE-LR4 and 40GBASE-SR4 QSFP+ modules are in stock and can shipped in 12hrs. For more information, please visit www.fs.com.

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