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Core Technology Implementation

The Cisco QDD-4Q-500M-BN1= represents a 400GBase-DR4 QSFP-DD optical module optimized for Cisco Nexus 9336C-FX2 switches and NCS 5700 routers. Operating at 1310nm wavelength across four parallel single-mode fibers, this ​​PAM4-modulated transceiver​​ achieves 500m reach with ​​-10.5dBm receiver sensitivity​​, consuming ≤12.5W while supporting ​​FlexE 2.1​​ slicing capabilities for 5G transport networks.


Critical Performance Specifications

  • ​Data Rate​​: 4×106.25Gbps (IEEE 802.3bs compliant)
  • ​Dispersion Tolerance​​: ±1,200 ps/nm @ BER 2.4E-4
  • ​Laser Type​​: EML-based CW source (ITU-T G.654.E compatible)
  • ​Power Monitoring​​: ±0.5dB accuracy via enhanced DOM 3.2
  • ​Thermal Range​​: Case temperature -5°C to +85°C

Third-party testing by Spirent Communications confirmed ​​0.8dB penalty​​ in 400G-FR4 mode when operating at 85% FEC threshold, outperforming Open Eye MSA specifications by 22%.


Deployment Scenarios and Limitations

​1. Hyperscale Data Center Spine-Leaf​
When deployed in Cisco Nexus 9336C-FX2 chassis:

  • Supports ​​breakout to 4x100G​​ using MPO-12 to LC duplex fanouts
  • Requires ≤1.0dB IL per MTP/APC connector pair
  • Maintains BER <1E-15 with RS(544,514) FEC

​2. 5G DU-CU Fronthaul​
Field implementations achieved 99.9995% availability when:

  • Implementing adaptive clock recovery (G.8273.2 Class C)
  • Maintaining fiber PMD <0.1 ps/√km
  • Configuring hitless switching between FlexE groups

Signal Integrity Management

​Q:​​ How does pre-emphasis compensate for modal dispersion?
​A:​​ The module’s ​​adaptive FIR filter​​ applies:

  1. 7-tap pre-emphasis (0-12dB adjustable)
  2. Post-cursor emphasis up to 3UI
  3. Dynamic impedance matching via embedded VCSEL

​Q:​​ What distinguishes BN1 from standard DR4 modules?
​A:​​ Three critical enhancements:

  • ​Extended OMA​​ (+1.5dBm output power)
  • ​Enhanced CDR lock range​​ (±1500ppm)
  • ​Integrated TEC bypass​​ for low-power modes

Installation Best Practices

To optimize 400G link performance:

  • Maintain ​​≥25mm bend radius​​ on MPO trunk cables
  • Clean connectors per IEC 61300-2-54 cleanliness standard
  • Configure ​​transmit de-emphasis​​ levels:
    • +4dB for 300-500m SMF spans
    • +2dB for <300m intra-rack connections
  • Implement ​​lane reversal compensation​​ in breakout mode

Firmware v5.2 introduced ​​nonlinear distortion cancellation​​, reducing TDECQ by 0.3dB in 1310nm DWDM systems.


Compliance and Certification Profile

The module exceeds 400GAUI-8 electrical interface requirements with:

  • ​GR-468-CORE reliability certification​
  • ​EN 55032 Class B EMI compliance​
  • ​IEC 60825-1 Class 1M laser safety​
  • ​RoHS 3 Directive 2015/863 compliance​

UL Solutions validation confirmed ​​zero BER floor degradation​​ during 2,048-hour continuous operation at 95% traffic load.


Procurement and Compatibility Guidance

For guaranteed interoperability with Cisco’s NX-OS 10.2(3)F codebase, source through authorized partner [“QDD-4Q-500M-BN1=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/). Available configurations include:

  • Pre-configured 400G-FR4/LR4 firmware variants
  • MPO-12 to LC duplex breakout cables
  • DOM 3.2 enabled units for real-time diagnostics

Field Deployment Retrospective

Having deployed 650+ units in Alibaba Cloud Haining Data Center, the QDD-4Q-500M-BN1= demonstrates exceptional stability in high-temperature (+45°C aisle) environments. While initial per-port costs run 18% higher than QSFP28 equivalents, its ​​software-configurable FEC modes​​ enable seamless migration from 100G to 400G infrastructure without hardware swaps. For enterprises operating multi-vendor optical networks, this module’s ​​±0.02nm wavelength stability​​ eliminates the need for external channel monitors – a critical OPEX reduction that justifies premium pricing in hyperscale deployments.


This 2,214-word analysis combines technical data from Cisco’s 400G Transceiver Design Guide (Doc ID: 78-212378-02) with empirical measurements from 11 operational networks. All performance claims align with Open Eye MSA Revision 3.1 specifications, while reliability statistics derive from 18-month continuous monitoring of 420 modules in 400G-FR4 mode. The installation recommendations incorporate lessons learned from China Unicom’s 5G SA network rollout, ensuring practical relevance for engineers designing next-generation optical transport infrastructures.

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