This article gives a detailed overview of 400G QSFP112 transceiver types, including their specs, benefits, and why do we need QSFP112.

What Is QSFP112?

QSFP112 is the module and cage/connector system based on current QSFP, targeting to support the 112Gb/s per lane speed in a 4x lane QSFP system and to enable the QSFP 400G interconnect ecosystem. This will greatly help the legacy QSFP users upgrade the link bandwidth to 400G per port with lower cost and shorter transition time.

Advantages of 400G QSFP112 Transceivers

Increased Bandwidth: The 400G QSFP112 transceiver provides a substantial increase in bandwidth, enabling data centers to handle the ever-growing volumes of data generated by modern applications and services.
Enhanced Network Performance: With faster data transfer rates, the 400G QSFP112 transceiver reduces latency and improves overall network performance, allowing for seamless handling of bandwidth-intensive tasks.
Seamless Scalability: Migrating to 400G QSFP112 transceivers allows data centers to scale their networks effectively, accommodating future growth without compromising performance.
Future-Proofing: By embracing 400G technology, data centers can future-proof their networks, ensuring they remain at the forefront of technological advancements.

Why do we need QSFP112 ?

For the intra data center network, the evolution from 200G (QSFP56) optics to 400G (QSFP112) is naturally enabling the reuse of the existed fiber routings, and avoiding the reconstruction for split-fiber routing when evolving directly to 800G. QSFP112 is the most convenient and best cost-effective way to upgrade the intra data center network bandwidth while keeping the network architecture physically and logically same from 200G to 400G. QSFP is easier to handle for higher speed signal integrity and thermal challenges. Adoption of 400G QSFP112 will leave a potential way for evolving to 224G/lane speed in the future.

400G QSFP112 Transceiver Types

The 400G QSFP112 transceiver comes in various types, each designed to suit specific network requirements. Common types include:

Multi-Mode QSFP112: Multi-mode QSFP112 transceivers are suitable for shorter reach applications within data centers. They use multi-mode fiber optic cables and are typically deployed over shorter distances.

Single-Mode QSFP112: Designed for long-distance transmission, single-mode QSFP112 transceivers utilize single-mode fiber optic cables to achieve higher reach and support for applications spanning several kilometers.

QSFP112 Transceiver Connector Types

The recommended location and numbering of the optical ports for 2 Media Dependent Interfaces (MDI) are shown as follows. The transmit and receive optical lanes shall occupy the positions depicted in the following when looking into the MDI receptacle with the connector keyway feature on top. QSFP112 optical MDI examples are shown for a male MPO receptacle and a dual LC. So QSFP112 MMF transceiver requires MPO/MTP-12/APC. Exercise caution when selecting MTP/MPO fiber optical cables.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: What are the differences of QSFP112 from QSFP28/56 ?
A: The QSFP112 is focused on the next generation of the QSFP family of connectors, cages and modules. It will focus on expanding bandwidth by expanding individual line speeds to 112 Gb/s. The hardware changes are anticipated to the specification for signal integrity performance and EMI consideration.

2. Q: IS QSFP112 backward compatible with QSFP56 and QSFP28 ?
A:Yes. The anticipated changes to the connector and cages will not have any effect on backward compatibility to accept the legacy QSFP56 and QSFP28 modules, including optical transceivers, active and passive copper cables.