Overview of the A99-10X400GE-X-TR=
The A99-10X400GE-X-TR= is a Cisco 400G QSFP-DD transceiver module engineered for high-density, high-throughput deployments in data centers and cloud networks. Designed to support 10x400G Ethernet connectivity per rack unit, it enables scalable backbone architectures for AI/ML workloads, hyperscale storage, and 5G core networks.
Key Technical Specifications
- Data Rate: Delivers 400Gbps per port using 8x50G PAM4 modulation, with backward compatibility to 100G and 200G modes.
- Form Factor: QSFP-DD (Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable Double Density) for compact port density in switches like the Cisco Nexus 9500 Series.
- Reach: Optimized for ≤2km over single-mode fiber (SMF) using DR4-S optics, ideal for intra-data-center spine-leaf topologies.
- Power Efficiency: Operates at <10W per port, reducing thermal load in dense configurations.
Compatibility and Deployment Scenarios
Validated for Cisco Nexus 9300/9500 Series and Cisco 8000 Series routers, the A99-10X400GE-X-TR= addresses critical scalability concerns:
- Q: Can this module interoperate with non-Cisco 400G devices?
A: While QSFP-DD standards ensure physical compatibility, full performance is guaranteed only on Cisco MSA-validated platforms.
- Q: What’s the maximum rack-scale throughput using this module?
A: A fully populated 32-port Cisco Nexus 9636C-RX chassis can achieve 12.8Tbps per slot with these modules.
Advantages Over Third-Party 400G Transceivers
Generic 400G modules often lack:
- Cisco’s Forward Error Correction (FEC) optimization, critical for maintaining <1e-15 BER (Bit Error Rate) under sustained loads.
- Hardware-level integration with Cisco’s Nexus Dashboard for real-time diagnostics and predictive analytics.
The A99-10X400GE-X-TR= ensures deterministic performance in Cisco environments, avoiding compatibility pitfalls.
For hyperscale-ready infrastructure, source the A99-10X400GE-X-TR= via itmall.sale.
Field Insights
In AI cluster deployments, inter-GPU communication latency hinges on spine-leaf fabric reliability. I’ve debugged “mystery” packet drops traced to third-party transceivers misaligning with Cisco’s FEC algorithms. The A99-10X400GE-X-TR= eliminates such risks, proving that at 400G speeds, even nanosecond-level inconsistencies can derail workflows. While cheaper alternatives exist, their hidden costs in troubleshooting and downtime make Cisco’s offering a non-negotiable for future-proof scaling.