100g corresponding optical module type

A 100G optical module is a transceiver that transmits and receives data at 100 gigabits per second over optical fiber, typically using four 25Gbps channels aggregated into a single high-speed link.

Definition and Function

A 100G optical module, also called a 100G transceiver, is a compact device used in fiber-optic communication networks to enable high-speed data transmission between network equipment such as switches, routers, and servers . It converts electrical signals into optical signals for transmission over fiber and then back into electrical signals at the receiving end, ensuring minimal latency and signal degradation .

Form Factor and Structure

The most common form factor for 100G modules is QSFP28 (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable 28), which contains four independent 25Gbps channels that combine to achieve an aggregate 100Gbps data rate . These modules are designed for low power consumption, high port density, and compact size, making them suitable for data centers and high-speed network environments .

Transmission Standards

100G optical modules support multiple standards to accommodate different distances and fiber types:

• 100GBASE-SR4: Parallel transmission over multimode fiber using four 25Gbps channels, suitable for short distances.
• 100GBASE-LR4: Serial transmission over single-mode fiber for long-distance links.
• 100GBASE-CWDM4: Uses Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM) to transmit four wavelengths over a single-mode fiber, balancing cost and medium-distance performance.
• 100GBASE-PSM4: Parallel single-mode transmission for high-speed interconnects .

Modulation Techniques

These modules employ advanced modulation methods to encode data onto light signals, including NRZ (Non-Return-to-Zero), PAM4 (Pulse Amplitude Modulation 4-level), and coherent modulation . The choice of modulation affects transmission distance, signal quality, and cost.

Applications

100G optical modules are widely used in:

• Data centers for high-speed server interconnects
• Telecommunications networks for backbone and metro links
• High-performance computing environments requiring low-latency, high-bandwidth connections

Summary

In essence, a 100G optical module is a high-speed optical transceiver that aggregates multiple 25Gbps channels to achieve 100Gbps throughput, supporting various standards and modulation techniques to meet the needs of modern high-capacity networks. Its compact QSFP28 form factor and versatile design make it a cornerstone of current data center and telecom infrastructure.