Comprehensive Tutorial of QSFP28 to SFP28 Interconnect Solution

As the 100G QSFP28 devices connected in data centers continue to evolve and the need for higher speed data processing increases, there is a need for data centers to gain robust capabilities to have faster and more efficient transmission rates. Recent years have seen increasing interest in 25G SFP28 and 100G QSFP28 technologies with their ability to deliver efficient paths at high rates. Then, what is the best way to choose a proper solution to connect 100GBASE Ethernet and 25GBASE Ethernet? This article will present you with four QSFP28 to SFP28 connectivity solutions.

What Is 100G QSFP28 CWDM4? 

In 2013, the 100G QSFP28 form factor was first launched. Over the years, several categories of 100G QSFP28 optical modules developed, with each category having various optical module specifications for different types of transmission applications. QSFP28 form factor offers four separate signal channels with enhanced transmission rates up to 100Gbps. QSFP28 optical modules are smaller in size than CFP and CFP2. When you want to implement a high-density high-speed network system, the QSFP28 optical module is a great choice.

Four Different QSFP28 to SFP28 Interconnect Solution

QSFP28 to SFP28 Connection with MTP Breakout Cable

When connecting a single 100G QSFP28 optical module directly to four 25G SFP28 optical modules, the work is needed to achieve a single 8-fiber MTP to 4 x LC harness cable. While this solution works for situations where the attached optics are arranged over a short-range, such as within the same rack/cabinet, the MTP breakout cable offers a bridge from multi-fiber cables to single-fiber or duplex connectors. These cables are ideal for a variety of applications across all network and device demands, such as 100G QSFP28 modules. It provides a dependable, affordable, and highly efficient cabling system for migrating from legacy 25G to higher speed 100G Ethernet. For instance, the QSFPTEK's 4 LC duplex MTP Breakout Cable could serve to link four 25G SFP28 optical modules and one 100G QSFP28 optical module.

QSFP28 to SFP28 Connection with 100G DAC Breakout Cables

100G QSFP28 DAC breakout cable, which is widely used to link devices up to 5 meters in a rack. 100G QSFP28 to 4x 25G SFP28 breakout direct attach copper cables' connects to 100G port on one end and 4x 25G SFP28 port on the other end, it is an excellent alternative to 100G optical transceiver for 100G Ethernet connections over short distances (1-5 meters). The 100G QSFP28 to SFP28 DAC Passive High-Speed Cable is great for you when your 100GbE network is deployed in a 5-meter rack. When it comes to power consumption, the power consumption of DAC cables is lower than that of AOC cables. Because passive DAC cables have no power requirements, there is virtually zero power consumption for passive DAC cables. The high-speed cable has an advantage in terms of power consumption compared to the 2W active optical cable.

QSFP28 to SFP28 Connection with 100G AOC Cables

The 100G QSFP28 active optical cable consists of 100G QSFP28 to 4x 25G SFP28 AOC, one end of the 100G QSFP28 to 4x 25G SFP28 breakout active optical cable is attached to the 100G terminal and the other end is attached to the 4x 25G SFP28 terminal, the transmission distance of this 100G QSFP28 AOC is up to 70M, the maximum transmission distance of QSFP28 to 4x 25G SFP28 AOC over OM3 cable is 70M; the transmission distance over OM4 cable is 100M, which is mainly used for interconnecting servers, storage devices, switches, and other devices. When AOC cable is used in a data center, the cost of the cable system is higher compared to DAC cable. In addition to the price, AOC cables are actually lightweight and slimmer than DAC cables, with a smaller minimum bend radius, which facilitates the management of the cabling system.

By Using a QSFP28-SFP28 Converter Module

The QSFP28 Adapter (QSA) module, provides 25G Ethernet for platforms with only 100G QSFP28. This adapter enables a seamless and economical migration to 100G Ethernet by offering an alternative to using a lower speed SFP28 module on an empty QSFP28 port or while the other side of the network is operating on a lower transmission rate. The QSFP28 adapter module transforms a QSFP28 port into an SFP28 port. The adapter allows the technician to connect to the lower speed port on the other end of the network using any SFP28 module or cable to the QSA module that converts a QSFP28 port to an SFP28. With The QSFP28 Adapter module, technicians can use any SFP28 module or cable to attach to a low-speed interface on the other end of the network. The adapter is compatible with all SFP28 optics and cables. It can be used for a wide range of applications.

Conclusion

This article describes the four 100G QSFP28 to SFP28 interconnect solutions. All four solutions have different application ranges and should be selected for different distances e.g. 100G QSFP28 to 4x25G SFP28 DAC for 1-5m transmission distance, 100G QSFP28 to 4x25G SFP28 AOC for 1-70m transmission distance.

When choosing a suitable solution, we should take into account various factors such as price, whether we need to face upgrades or bottlenecks in the future, QSFPTEK can provide professional solutions for data centers, distribution layers, and service providers, we can also provide every device in the cabling system, including 100G QSFP28 optical module, 25G SFP28 optical module, 100G QSFP28 to 4x25G SFP28 DAC and AOC. module, 25G SFP28 optical module, 100G QSFP28 to 4x25G SFP28 DAC and AOC, etc. Know more about our product via sales@qsfptek.com. Welcome to get a quote!