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QSFp28 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 environments. This cable assembly combines the QSFP28 form factor with SR4 (Short Range 4-channel) technology and MPO (Multi-fiber Push-On) connectors to deliver reliable 100Gbps connectivity over short distances.

## Technical Specifications

The QSFP28 SR4 MPO cable offers several key technical features:

– Data rate: 100Gbps (4x25Gbps)
– Connector type: MPO-12 (for 4 transmit and 4 receive fibers)
– Wavelength: 850nm
– Maximum reach: 100 meters over OM4 multimode fiber
– Power consumption: <1.5W
– Operating temperature: 0°C to 70°C

## Key Features and Benefits

The QSFP28 SR4 MPO cable provides numerous advantages for network operators:

High-density connectivity: The compact QSFP28 form factor enables high port density in switches and routers, maximizing rack space utilization.

Cost-effective solution: Compared to single-mode alternatives, SR4 technology offers a more economical approach for short-reach applications.

Low power consumption: With power requirements under 1.5W, these cables help reduce overall energy costs in data centers.

Plug-and-play installation: The MPO connector design simplifies deployment and reduces installation time compared to individual fiber connections.

## Common Applications

QSFP28 SR4 MPO cables find application in various networking scenarios:

### Data Center Interconnects

These cables are widely used for connecting top-of-rack switches to aggregation switches within data centers, providing high-bandwidth links between server racks.

### High-Performance Computing

In HPC environments, QSFP28 SR4 MPO cables facilitate fast data transfer between compute nodes and storage systems, essential for processing large datasets.

### Cloud Infrastructure

Cloud service providers utilize these cables to build scalable, high-speed networks that can handle massive amounts of traffic between servers and storage arrays.

### Financial Trading Networks

Low-latency requirements in financial trading environments benefit from the high-speed, reliable connections provided by QSFP28 SR4 MPO solutions.

## Installation Considerations

When deploying QSFP28 SR4 MPO cables, several factors should be considered:

Fiber type: These cables are designed for use with OM3 or OM4 multimode fiber. Using the correct fiber type ensures optimal performance.

Bend radius: Maintain proper bend radius during installation to prevent signal degradation or fiber damage.

Connector cleanliness: MPO connectors should be kept clean and protected when not in use to maintain signal integrity.

Polarity: Proper polarity must be maintained throughout the fiber path to ensure correct signal transmission.

## Comparison with Alternative Solutions

The QSFP28 SR4 MPO cable offers distinct advantages compared to other 100G connectivity options:

vs. QSFP28 LR4: SR4 is more cost-effective for short distances, while LR4 supports longer reaches over single-mode fiber.

vs. QSFP28 AOC: Active Optical Cables (AOCs) offer similar performance but are generally more expensive and less flexible in terms of fiber routing.

vs. 4x25G SFP28: The QSFP28 solution provides higher density and simpler cabling compared to using four separate SFP28 connections.

## Future Outlook

As data center bandwidth requirements continue to grow, QSFP28 SR4 MPO cables will remain relevant for short-reach 100G applications. The technology provides a solid foundation for future