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QSF28 SR4 MPO Cable Overview and Applications

# QSFP28 SR4 MPO Cable Overview and Applications

## Introduction to QSFP28 SR4 MPO Cable

The QSFP28 SR4 MPO cable is a high-speed optical transceiver solution designed for modern data center and high-performance computing applications. This cable combines the Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable 28 (QSFP28) form factor with Short Reach 4 (SR4) technology and MPO connectors to deliver exceptional performance in short-distance optical communications.

## Technical Specifications

### Physical Characteristics

The QSFP28 SR4 MPO cable features a compact form factor with a standard QSFP28 connector on one end and an MPO connector on the other. The cable typically uses OM3 or OM4 multimode fiber to support high-speed data transmission over short distances.

### Performance Parameters

• Data Rate: 100Gbps (4x25Gbps)
• Wavelength: 850nm
• Maximum Distance: 70m (OM3) or 100m (OM4)
• Power Consumption: Typically less than 3.5W

## Key Features

High-Speed Data Transmission

The QSFP28 SR4 MPO cable supports 100G Ethernet and InfiniBand EDR applications, making it ideal for data center interconnects and high-performance computing environments.

MPO Connector Advantages

The MPO connector provides a reliable, high-density connection solution that simplifies cabling infrastructure in space-constrained environments.

Low Power Consumption

Compared to alternative solutions, the QSFP28 SR4 MPO cable offers excellent energy efficiency, helping to reduce overall operating costs in large-scale deployments.

## Common Applications

### Data Center Interconnects

QSFP28 SR4 MPO cables are widely used for connecting switches, routers, and servers within data centers, particularly in top-of-rack (ToR) and end-of-row (EoR) architectures.

### High-Performance Computing

These cables are essential for connecting compute nodes in HPC clusters where high bandwidth and low latency are critical requirements.

### Storage Area Networks

The high-speed capabilities of QSFP28 SR4 MPO cables make them suitable for connecting storage arrays in SAN environments.

## Installation Considerations

Fiber Type Selection

Choose between OM3 and OM4 fiber based on distance requirements and future upgrade considerations.

Polarity Management

Proper polarity configuration is essential when deploying MPO-based systems to ensure correct signal transmission.

Bend Radius

Maintain proper bend radius during installation to prevent signal degradation and fiber damage.

## Maintenance and Troubleshooting

Regular inspection of MPO connectors for contamination and proper cleaning when necessary will help maintain optimal performance. Common issues include connector misalignment, dirty connectors, and excessive bending of the cable.

## Future Developments

As data rates continue to increase, we can expect to see evolution in QSFP28 SR4 MPO cable technology, potentially supporting higher speeds while maintaining backward compatibility with existing infrastructure.