What is QSFP? 

Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP) is a compact, hot-pluggable network interface module format used for both telecommunication and data communications applications. An SFP interface on networking hardware is a modular slot for a media-specific transceiver, such as for a fiber-optic cable or a copper cable.[1] The advantage of using SFPs compared to fixed interfaces (e.g. modular connectors in Ethernet switches) is that individual ports can be equipped with different types of transceivers as required, with the majority including optical line terminals, network cards, switches and routers.

QSFP, which stands for Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable, is a type of transceiver module used for high-speed data transmission in networking devices, particularly in data centers and high-performance computing environments. It’s designed to support multiple channels (typically four) and can handle data rates ranging from 10 Gbps to 400 Gbps, depending on the specific module type.

Evolution of QSFP:

The QSFP standard has evolved over time, with newer versions like QSFP+, QSFP28, QSFP56, and QSFP-DD (Double Density) offering increased data rates and capabilities. These newer versions build upon the original QSFP design to meet the growing demands for higher bandwidth and faster speeds in modern networks.

Key Features of QSFP:

• High-Density:

QSFP modules are designed to be compact, allowing for a high number of connections in a relatively small space.

• Hot-Pluggable:

They can be inserted and removed from a device while it’s powered on, without causing disruptions to the network.

• Multiple Channels:

QSFP modules typically have four channels, each capable of transmitting data, allowing for higher bandwidth and data rates.

• Various Data Rates:

Different QSFP variants exist, such as QSFP+, QSFP28, QSFP56, and QSFP-DD, supporting different speeds from 40Gbps to 400Gbps and beyond.

• Versatile Applications:

QSFP modules are used in a wide range of applications, including data center interconnects, high-performance computing, and telecommunications networks.

• Copper and Fiber Optic Options:

QSFP modules can be used with both copper cables (Direct Attach Cables or DACs) and fiber optic cables.

40 Gbit/s (QSFP+)

QSFP+ is an evolution of QSFP to support four 10 Gbit/s channels carrying 10 Gigabit Ethernet, 10GFC Fiber Channel, or QDR InfiniBand. The 4 channels can also be combined into a single 40 Gigabit Ethernet link.

50 Gbit/s (QSFP14)

The QSFP14 standard is designed to carry FDR InfiniBand, SAS-3 or 16G Fiber Channel.

100 Gbit/s (QSFP28)

The QSFP28 standard is designed to carry 100 Gigabit Ethernet, EDR InfiniBand, or 32G Fiber Channel. Sometimes this transceiver type is also referred to as QSFP100 or 100G QSFP for sake of simplicity.

200 Gbit/s (QSFP56)

QSFP56 is designed to carry 200 Gigabit Ethernet, HDR InfiniBand, or 64G Fiber Channel. The biggest enhancement is that QSFP56 uses four-level pulse-amplitude modulation (PAM-4) instead of non-return-to-zero (NRZ). It uses the same physical specifications as QSFP28 (SFF-8665), with electrical specifications from SFF-8024 and revision 2.10a of SFF-8636. Sometimes this transceiver type is referred to as 200G QSFP for sake of simplicity.

KCO Fiber supply high quality of fiber optic module SFP, SFP+, XFP, SFP28, QSFP, QSFP+, QSFP28. QSFP56, QSFP112, AOC, and DAC, that can be compatible with most of brand of switch such as Cisco, Huawei, H3C, ZTE, Juniper, Arista, HP, …etc. Pleas contact with our sales team to get best support about technical issue and also price.