The fibreSales QSFP-40G-SR4 is a Cisco-compatible 40GBASE-SR4 QSFP+ optical transceiver designed for high-speed 40 Gigabit Ethernet over multimode fibre. It operates at 850 nm and supports transmission distances up to 100 metres over OM3 and 150 metres over OM4 multimode fibre.
The module uses four independent optical transmit and receive lanes. Each lane operates at approximately 10 Gbps to provide an aggregate 40 Gbps connection through a parallel MTP/MPO interface.
Its compact QSFP+ form factor increases port density, while Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM) gives network administrators access to operating and optical diagnostic information.
Designed for Cisco-compatible applications, the QSFP-40G-SR4 provides a practical solution for data centres, switch uplinks, enterprise networks and other short-reach 40GbE multimode connections.
A QSFP-40G-SR4 transceiver provides a short-reach 40 Gigabit Ethernet optical connection over multimode fibre.
QSFP stands for Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable. Unlike a conventional single-lane optical transceiver, 40GBASE-SR4 uses four parallel optical lanes to transmit and receive data.
Each lane carries approximately 10 Gbps. Together, the four lanes provide the aggregate bandwidth required for a 40GbE connection.
This parallel architecture allows network designers to deliver 40Gbps connectivity in a compact QSFP+ form factor while maintaining high port density in compatible switches and networking equipment.
40GBASE-SR4 uses parallel optics rather than sending the complete 40Gbps signal through a single optical transmit and receive path.
The transceiver divides the 40Gbps connection across four optical lanes:
| Lane | Approximate Data Rate |
|---|---|
| Lane 1 | 10 Gbps |
| Lane 2 | 10 Gbps |
| Lane 3 | 10 Gbps |
| Lane 4 | 10 Gbps |
| Aggregate | 40 Gbps |
Four lanes transmit data while four corresponding lanes receive it.
This architecture uses a multifibre MTP/MPO connection to carry the parallel optical signals between compatible 40GBASE-SR4 interfaces.
The QSFP-40G-SR4 operates over laser-optimised multimode fibre.
It supports:
| Fibre Type | Maximum 40GBASE-SR4 Distance |
|---|---|
| OM3 Multimode Fibre | 100 m |
| OM4 Multimode Fibre | 150 m |
OM4 provides greater modal bandwidth than OM3, allowing the 850 nm SR4 signal to operate over the longer 150 m distance.
Actual network performance also depends on the complete optical channel, including fibre quality, connector condition, insertion loss, patching and installation quality.
Unlike many SFP and SFP+ transceivers that use duplex LC connectors, 40GBASE-SR4 uses parallel multimode fibre connectivity through an MTP/MPO interface.
The parallel connection supports the multiple transmit and receive lanes required by the SR4 architecture.
This makes the module particularly suitable for structured high-density fibre environments, including:
Correct MTP/MPO polarity and fibre configuration remain essential when deploying parallel optical links.
The fibreSales QSFP-40G-SR4 supports Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM).
DOM allows compatible network equipment to access diagnostic information from the optical transceiver. This functionality can help network administrators monitor module operation and troubleshoot optical links.
Depending on the host equipment and its software support, diagnostic monitoring can provide information relating to transceiver operating conditions and optical performance.
DOM becomes particularly useful in data centres and enterprise networks where administrators need greater visibility into active optical connections.
The fibreSales QSFP-40G-SR4 is supplied as a Cisco-compatible optical transceiver.
It provides organisations with an alternative optical module for compatible Cisco networking equipment that supports the QSFP+ form factor and 40GBASE-SR4 connectivity.
Before ordering, always confirm that the specific Cisco switch, router, line card or network platform supports the required QSFP+ module and software configuration.
Compatibility can vary between equipment models and software releases.
The QSFP+ form factor allows networking equipment manufacturers to provide high-bandwidth optical connectivity while maintaining high port density.
This makes 40GBASE-SR4 particularly useful where organisations need multiple high-speed connections within limited rack and switch space.
Instead of relying on several separate physical transceiver modules to deliver the same aggregate bandwidth, one QSFP+ module provides four optical lanes within a single compact interface.
As a result, network designers can increase bandwidth while using available switch space efficiently.
The parallel four-lane architecture can also support 4 × 10GbE breakout applications when the host equipment, transceiver configuration and cabling support this mode.
A suitable MTP/MPO-to-LC breakout assembly separates the four optical lanes so that a compatible 40GbE QSFP+ interface can connect to four individual 10GbE interfaces.
This configuration can help network designers connect one high-density 40G switch port to multiple 10G devices.
Always verify breakout support on the specific switch and software configuration before designing the link.
The QSFP-40G-SR4 suits a wide range of short-reach high-bandwidth network applications, including:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product | QSFP-40G-SR4 |
| Transceiver Type | QSFP+ |
| Ethernet Standard | 40GBASE-SR4 |
| Aggregate Data Rate | 40 Gbps |
| Optical Architecture | 4-lane parallel optics |
| Lane Data Rate | Approx. 10 Gbps per lane |
| Wavelength | 850 nm |
| Fibre Type | Multimode Fibre (MMF) |
| OM3 Maximum Distance | 100 m |
| OM4 Maximum Distance | 150 m |
| Optical Interface | MTP/MPO |
| Monitoring | DOM |
| Compatibility | Cisco Compatible |
| Application | Short-reach 40 Gigabit Ethernet |
| Form Factor | QSFP+ |
| Installation | Hot-pluggable |
Both OM3 and OM4 multimode fibre support the QSFP-40G-SR4, but the maximum supported distance differs.
Choose OM3 for 40GBASE-SR4 connections up to 100 metres.
Choose OM4 when the connection requires additional reach, with support up to 150 metres.
OM4 can also provide useful additional performance margin when designing high-speed multimode fibre infrastructure.
However, fibre type represents only one part of the optical channel. Network designers should also consider connector loss, patching, MTP/MPO assemblies and the overall channel loss budget.
Parallel optics rely on multiple optical paths within the same MTP/MPO connection.
Contamination on a fibre end face can introduce unwanted insertion loss or reflection and compromise link performance.
Therefore, technicians should inspect and clean MTP/MPO interfaces before making a connection.
Use appropriate fibre cleaning products and inspect connector end faces with suitable fibre inspection equipment before connecting optical transceivers.
A simple inspect → clean → re-inspect → connect process helps protect the transceiver interface and maintain optical performance.
The fibreSales QSFP-40G-SR4 combines 40Gbps performance, parallel multimode optics and Cisco compatibility in a compact QSFP+ module.
Four optical lanes deliver the aggregate bandwidth required for 40 Gigabit Ethernet, while the 850 nm optical interface supports distances up to 100 m over OM3 and 150 m over OM4.
The MTP/MPO interface supports high-density parallel fibre infrastructure, while DOM provides useful diagnostic monitoring for compatible network equipment.
For data centres, enterprise networks and high-bandwidth switch interconnections, the fibreSales QSFP-40G-SR4 provides a practical short-reach 40GbE optical solution.
The fibreSales QSFP-40G-SR4 40GBASE-SR4 QSFP+ Transceiver Module delivers 40 Gigabit Ethernet over short-reach multimode fibre infrastructure.
Its four parallel optical lanes provide an aggregate 40Gbps connection at 850 nm, while the MTP/MPO interface supports the parallel fibre architecture required by 40GBASE-SR4.
Use the module for links up to 100 metres over OM3 multimode fibre or 150 metres over OM4.
With Cisco compatibility, DOM support and a compact QSFP+ form factor, the module suits data centres, enterprise networks, high-density switching and other short-reach 40GbE applications.
For more fibre optic solutions, technical resources, and installation products, visit www.fibresales.com.au.