26 March 2015

Finisar launches SFP28 and QSFP28 modules for high-port-count 25G and 100G data-center applications

At the Optical Fiber Communication conference & exposition (OFC 2015) in Los Angeles (24-26 March), fiber-optic communications component and subsystem maker Finisar Corp of Sunnyvale, CA, USA is demonstrating multiple new products, including a variety of optical modules based on the 100G QSFP28 MSA form factor, as well as the what is claimed to be the first 25G Ethernet SFP28-SR transceiver, based on the SFP+ form-factor.

The optical modules are designed for 100G Ethernet applications within the data center. The product portfolio includes what is reckoned to be the first 100G-CWDM4 module, the first 100GBASE-LR4 module under 3.5W, and a 100GBASE-SR4 module breaking-out to four SFP28-SR modules. 

100G LR4 and CWDM4 QSFP28 optical transceivers 

Finisar is demonstrating new products that enable the implementation of various reaches in the QSFP28 MSA form factor in high-port-count 100G systems for data centers. Targeting duplex single-mode fiber applications, a new 100GBASE-LR4 QSFP28 optical transceiver module is demonstrated on a 10km 100G link, interoperating error-free with a CFP2 LR4 transceiver. By using a new generation of low-power distributed feedback (DFB) laser technology, the module supports a maximum power dissipation of 3.5W, enabling up to 4Tb/s in a 1RU Ethernet switch or router card. It provides a re-timed 4x25G electrical interface to the host board, meets IEEE 802.3 standards, and interoperates with existing 100GBASE-LR4 CFP, CFP2 and CFP4 modules.

Additionally, Finisar is demonstrating the first QSFP28 CWDM4 module, operating error-free over a single-mode fiber link of 2km. Using the firm's new-generation, low-power DFB laser technology, the module also supports a maximum power dissipation of 3.5W. The module meets the CWDM4 MSA optical requirements. Both the QSFP28 CWDM4 and LR4 modules are sampling over the next several weeks.

Emerging 25G Ethernet applications: 100G QSFP28 SR4 to 4x25G SFP28 transceiver break-out

Finisar is also demonstrating the first commercially available SFP28-SR module, supporting the emerging 25GBASE-SR Ethernet standard. Based on the SFP+ MSA form-factor, the vertically integrated solution enables error-free transmission of 25Gb/s over 100m of OM4 multimode fiber. The module is ntended to enable a new generation of high-density 25G Ethernet switches and NIC cards, facilitating server connectivity in data centers, and a conventional and cost-effective upgrade path for enterprises deploying 10G Ethernet links today in the ubiquitous SFP+ form factor.

The OFC demonstration shows four SFP28-SR modules interoperating with a 100GBASE-SR4 module in the QSFP28 form factor. The QSFP28 SR4 module is a vertically integrated solution that meets IEEE 802.3 standards and MSA requirements with power dissipation well under 3.5W. The module supports both 100GBASE-SR4 as well as 4x25G breakout applications. Both the QSFP28 SR4 and SFP28-SR modules are sampling now.

"With these new products, we see a future ecosystem of high-density 100G QSFP28- and 25G SFP28-based switches that will leverage Finisar's high-volume capabilities, vertical integration and investment in underlying 25Gb/s components," says director of strategic marketing Craig Thompson. 

Tags: Finisar QSFP28 CFP

Visit: www.ofcconference.org

Visit: www.finisar.com