Overview of 100GBASE-SR4 Optical Modules

Introduction

As demand for higher bandwidth continues to rise, optical modules have evolved to meet the needs of modern data centers, enterprises, and telecom networks. One of the key modules in this evolution is the 100GBASE-SR4 optical transceiver, designed to deliver ultra-fast, short-range connectivity. Whether you are building a high-performance data center or upgrading your network infrastructure, understanding the features and advantages of the 100GBASE-SR4 is essential for making informed decisions about your connectivity needs.

 

Definition and Application Scenarios of 100GBASE-SR4 Modules

The 100GBASE-SR4 is a high-speed, short-range optical module that operates on multimode fiber. It supports data rates of 100 Gbps and uses four lanes of 25 Gbps each, transmitting data over a wavelength of 850 nm. Designed for use in data centers and enterprise networks, the 100GBASE-SR4 module offers a cost-effective solution for short-range, high-bandwidth interconnects.

This module is ideal for environments that require high-speed communication over relatively short distances, such as in-rack, intra-building, or data center-to-data center connections. It is commonly deployed in large-scale data centers and cloud computing infrastructures, where massive amounts of data need to be transferred quickly between servers, storage devices, and networking equipment.

Technical Specifications

The 100GBASE-SR4 module follows the IEEE 802.3bm standard and typically comes in the QSFP28 form factor, which is compatible with a variety of high-density switches and routers. It operates on multimode fiber (MMF), specifically OM3 or OM4 fibers, and supports a maximum reach of 70 meters (with OM3) to 100 meters (with OM4) at 100 Gbps.

As a multimode fiber module, it uses four optical lanes, each running at 25 Gbps, to deliver the overall 100 Gbps data rate. The 850 nm wavelength used by the module ensures high efficiency over short distances, minimizing the loss of signal quality.

Transmission Distance and Bandwidth of SR4 Modules

The 100GBASE-SR4 module is designed for high-bandwidth communication over short distances. Its maximum transmission distance typically reaches 70 meters on OM3 fiber and up to 100 meters on OM4 fiber. These distances are ideal for interconnects within a data center or across buildings on the same campus.

The bandwidth capacity of 100GBASE-SR4 is 100 Gbps, which makes it suitable for applications requiring high-speed, large-scale data transfer, such as server-to-server communication, switch-to-switch connectivity, and high-throughput data analytics applications.

Advantages and Limitations of 100GBASE-SR4 Modules

One of the primary advantages of the 100GBASE-SR4 module is its high bandwidth at relatively short distances. It offers 100 Gbps of data transfer, which is more than sufficient for most modern data center needs, while still maintaining the lower cost associated with multimode fiber. Additionally, the QSFP28 form factor allows for high-density deployment, making it an ideal choice for network upgrades in crowded environments.

However, the key limitation of the 100GBASE-SR4 is its relatively short reach. While 100 Gbps is impressive over short distances, it is not suitable for long-range applications, which require modules like 100GBASE-LR4. The cost of multimode fiber also adds to the operational expenses over long distances.

Environments Suitable for SR4 Module Use

100GBASE-SR4 modules are best suited for environments where short-range, high-speed communication is required. These include data centers, enterprise networks, and cloud computing infrastructures where servers, storage systems, and networking equipment are within a limited physical area. Additionally, intra-building connections, or even inter-rack communication in dense setups, are ideal scenarios for the SR4 module.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 100GBASE-SR4 optical module is a powerful and cost-effective solution for high-bandwidth communication in short-range applications. Its ability to deliver 100 Gbps over multimode fiber with minimal signal loss makes it an excellent choice for high-performance data centers and enterprise networks. However, for applications requiring long-distance connections, other modules such as 100GBASE-LR4 should be considered.

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