Smart Encyclopedia | What is a 400G optical module?

As more and more people use the internet, the amount of work that data centers need to handle has steadily increased. This is due in part to the increasing number of internet users creating and organizing data.

However, this is also related to the rise of new technologies such as cloud computing, big data, and mobile Internet. In the past, 400G (or even 800G) optical modules seemed a bit redundant. But now, more and more suppliers are beginning to adopt them.

So what exactly are 400G optical transceivers? What are the different categories? This article will explore the answers to these questions and more so that everyone can better understand the future of optical transceivers.

What is a 400G optical module?

First, let’s understand the basic definition. 400G optical module refers to a specific type of optical module that can send and receive data at a rate of 400G per second.

The ports on a 400G optical module can be configured in a variety of different ways depending on the setup. Some common ones include:

• 4 x 100 GB
• 8 x 50 GB
• 16 x 25 GB

It is common to use these types of optical modules in data centers that require high transmission power.

How are 400G optical modules different from other optical modules?

The most significant difference between 400G optical modules and other models such as 10G or 25G is the carrier application. 10G modules are used for single-carrier applications, while 400G modules are used to handle much more complex multi-carrier applications.

Because they are designed for multi-carrier applications, 400G optical modules are much more expensive than their older counterparts.

What types of 400G optical modules are there?

• 400G OSFP Module

The word OSFP stands for Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable and is an older version of the 400G optical module. This type of module has two obvious problems. First, it is very large, which is a problem for data centers that do not have the space to accommodate it.

Secondly, it is not compatible with optoelectronic interfaces. Therefore, it is recommended to stick with 400G QSFP-DD optical modules. This one is more suitable for short-distance cabling settings.

• 400G QSFP-DD Module

Same as the 400G QSFP module; however, the extra two Ds stand for double density. It is called this and comes with an extra row of four-lane interfaces. Therefore, the 400G QSFP-DD module has a total of 8 interfaces.

In addition to being lighter than 400G QSFP modules, it is also compatible with their solutions.

• 400G CFP8 Module

Like the 400G QSFP-DD module, the 400G CFP8 module also supports up to 8 channels. It was originally an extension of the 400G CFP4 module with fewer channels.

It has a data rate of 400 Gbps and is about the size of a credit card.

• 400G CDFP Module

If you want a module that is not too expensive and has a high-density solution, you can look at the 400G CDFP module. This device comes with 16 different channels and is pluggable.

This type of 400G optical module can be used in data centers with many low-power applications. The small console and port density make it very suitable for these uses. However, do not use it for high-power applications, otherwise it will fail.

• 400G COBO Module

The last one is the 400G COBO module, which stands for Consortium on-board optics. The 400G COBO module is non-pluggable, which means that all components are located on the PCB of the device.

The biggest advantages of this module are its good heat dissipation and small overall size. However, if a specific part fails, it can be quite a challenge to repair it correctly.

How to find a high-quality 400G optical module supplier

When looking for a 400G optical module provider, the first thing to consider is experience. The longer an enterprise has been experimenting with 400G optical module installations, the more advice it can provide on optimal power management.

Secondly, make sure the specific factors you want are available. Finally, make sure you test all cables after installation. That way, you know everything is operating at peak efficiency.

The importance of 400G optical modules to large data centers

According to Forbes, the two biggest challenges facing data centers today are the need for upgrade preparation and infrastructure challenges. The Internet and user needs are developing too fast, and many data centers cannot keep up.

That’s why new technologies like 400G optical modules must be considered, especially if the center is processing large amounts of data. This may feel like a huge investment.

But keep in mind that in a few years, these types of optical modules may become the standard. So by upgrading now, you will likely be one step ahead.