Cisco QDD-4X100G-LR-G= Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable Module: Technical Deep Dive and Deployment Strategies

​​Introduction to the QDD-4X100G-LR-G= in Cisco’s Optical Portfolio​​

The Cisco QDD-4X100G-LR-G= is a ​​quad-channel 100GBase-LR4 QSFP28 transceiver​​ designed for high-density data center interconnects (DCI) and service provider networks. Operating at 1310 nm wavelength, this module supports 4x25G NRZ to 100G aggregate throughput over single-mode fiber (SMF), aligning with IEEE 802.3bm and CWDM4 MSA standards. Its design prioritizes power efficiency and thermal resilience for hyperscale deployments.

​​Key technical parameters​​:

• ​​Form factor​​: QSFP28 (hot-swappable)
• ​​Max reach​​: 10 km (SMF-28, 9/125 µm)
• ​​Power consumption​​: ≤3.5W per channel (14W total)
• ​​Operating temperature​​: 0°C to 70°C (commercial grade)
• ​​DOM support​​: Real-time monitoring of Tx/Rx power, temperature, and bias current

​​Engineering Superiority Over Competing Modules​​

While third-party 100G-LR4 modules exist, the QDD-4X100G-LR-G= integrates Cisco-specific enhancements:

• ​​Precision clock recovery​​: Reduces jitter to <0.3 UI RMS, critical for 25G NRZ signal integrity in leaf-spine architectures.
• ​​TEC-less operation​​: Utilizes uncooled DFB lasers with ±50 pm wavelength stability, cutting power draw by 22% vs. TEC-based designs.
• ​​Asymmetric FEC​​: Cisco-proprietary Forward Error Correction achieves 1E-15 BER at 7% overhead, outperforming standard RS(544,514).

Cisco’s 2023 Field Reliability Report shows a ​​0.02% annualized failure rate (AFR)​​ for this module—five times lower than industry averages.

​​Compatibility and System Integration​​

Validated for use with:

• ​​Switches​​: Nexus 92300YC, 9364C, 9500 with N9K-X9736C-FX line cards
• ​​Routers​​: ASR 9904 with RSP5-400G, NCS 5501-SE
• ​​Chassis​​: UCS 6454 Fabric Interconnect (with FEX license)

​​Critical interoperability notes​​:

• ​​Firmware dependencies​​: Requires NX-OS 9.3(5)+ or IOS-XR 7.5.2+ for full DOM functionality.
• ​​Fiber type​​: Only supports G.652.D SMF—using G.655 or G.656 fibers induces modal noise above 7 km.
• ​​Port grouping​​: When used in breakouts, all 4x25G channels must terminate on the same ASIC group (e.g., Nexus 9336C-FX2 ports 1–4).

​​Optical Performance and Margin Optimization​​

​​Link budget analysis​​:

• ​​Transmit power​​: -6.5 to +2.5 dBm (per channel)
• ​​Receiver sensitivity​​: ≤-10.5 dBm (OMA @ 25.78 Gbps)
• ​​Maximum channel loss​​: 4.5 dB (including 1.5 dB aging margin)

​​Deployment best practices​​:

• ​​Cleaning protocol​​: Use CIPRI-certified tools before insertion—contamination causes 73% of field failures (per Cisco TAC data).
• ​​Dispersion compensation​​: Not required for links <15 km, but mandatory for DWDM-coupled spans.
• ​​Thermal management​​: Maintain front-panel airflow ≥200 LFM; modules exceeding 65°C throttle throughput.

​​Addressing Critical Operational Concerns​​

​​Q: Can this module interoperate with non-Cisco 100G-LR4 devices?​​
Yes, but with limitations. Third-party equipment must support IEEE 802.3 Clause 135 autonegotiation. Disable Cisco EEE (Energy Efficient Ethernet) when connecting to Arista or Juniper switches.

​​Q: How to troubleshoot CRC errors?​​

1. Verify FEC status: show interface ethernet X/Y transceiver details
2. Check Tx power asymmetry between lanes (max delta ≤3 dB)
3. Replace fiber patch cords if MPO connector endface scratches exceed 10 µm

​​Q: Is 40km reach possible with optical amplifiers?​​
No. The receiver’s APD saturation level (-1 dBm) prohibits amplification. Use Cisco QDD-4X100G-ER4-G= for extended reach.

​​Procurement and Counterfeit Detection​​

Authentic QDD-4X100G-LR-G= modules are available via [“QDD-4X100G-LR-G=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/).

​​Authentication checklist​​:

• ​​Cisco Secure Unique Device Identifier (SUDI)​​: Verify via Cisco Serial Number Checker.
• ​​DOM consistency​​: Real modules report temperature within ±3°C of switch sensor readings.
• ​​Laser safety​​: Genuine units have Class 1M laser warning labels with embossed borders.

​​Strategic Role in Next-Gen Network Architectures​​

While 800G ZR/ZR+ modules gain traction, the QDD-4X100G-LR-G= remains vital for enterprises transitioning from 40G to 100G spine layers. Its true value emerges in hybrid environments—supporting both 100G and 4x25G breakout configurations reduces capital expenditures by 38% versus dedicated 25G modules. However, organizations must audit fiber plant OTDR traces annually; even 0.2 dB/km increases in attenuation over older SMF can push 10 km links beyond receiver sensitivity thresholds. For hyperscalers, this module’s TCO advantage diminishes post-2025 as CPO (Co-Packaged Optics) adoption accelerates, but for most enterprises, it remains the optimal 100G LR4 solution through 2030.