UCSX-CPU-I8568Y+C= Processor Tray: Architectu
Core Technical Specifications and Target Workload...
Overview of the QSFP-200G-SR4-S= Module
The QSFP-200G-SR4-S= is a 200 Gigabit Ethernet (200GbE) short-reach optical transceiver designed for Cisco’s Nexus 9000 Series switches and UCS X-Series platforms. Leveraging 4x50G PAM4 modulation over OM3/OM4 multimode fiber (MMF), this module supports high-speed connections up to 70 meters (OM4) in data centers. Its MPO-12 connector and QSFP56 form factor make it ideal for spine-leaf architectures, AI/ML workloads, and storage area networks (SANs) requiring low latency and high port density.
Technical Specifications and Performance Metrics
1. Optical Design and Data Rates
- Modulation: 4x50G PAM4 (Pulse Amplitude Modulation, 4 levels) across four independent lanes.
- Wavelengths: 850 nm VCSEL-based arrays for multimode compatibility.
- Reach: 70 meters on OM4 / 30 meters on OM3 fiber with ≤1.8 dB insertion loss.
- Power Consumption: ≤3.5W, optimized for energy-efficient 1RU chassis like Nexus 9336C-FX2.
2. Compliance and Durability
- Standards: IEEE 802.3cm, QSFP56 MSA, and CMIS 5.0 for advanced telemetry.
- Environmental: Operating temperature of 0°C to 70°C; survives 500+ insertion cycles.
Cisco’s validation tests confirm zero packet loss at 200Gbps over 100 hours in 40°C ambient conditions.
Core Use Cases in Modern Infrastructure
1. AI/ML Cluster Interconnects
Supports NVIDIA Quantum-2 InfiniBand and RoCEv2 protocols for distributed training jobs, reducing latency to <500 ns between GPU nodes.
2. Hyperscale Data Center Fabrics
Enables 200G spine-leaf topologies with Cisco Nexus 9300-GX switches, replacing 4x25G NRZ links with 50% fewer fibers.
3. All-Flash Storage Backplanes
Accelerates NVMe-oF traffic between Pure Storage FlashArray//X and UCS X-Series servers, achieving 19M IOPS at 4K block sizes.
Installation and Optimization Best Practices
1. Fiber Plant Requirements
- Use LC to MPO-12 breakout cables for migration from 40G/100G SR4 systems.
- Ensure APC polish on connectors to maintain back-reflection < -35 dB.
2. Thermal Management
- Maintain ≥1RU vertical spacing between transceivers in fully populated chassis.
- Monitor DOM (Digital Optical Monitoring) data via Cisco NX-OS with
show interface transceiver details.
3. Firmware and Compatibility
- Upgrade to NX-OS 10.2(5)+ for CMIS 5.0 support and forward error correction (FEC) tuning.
- Validate interoperability matrices before mixing with third-party MPO trunks.
Addressing Critical Deployment Concerns
Q: Can it interoperate with 100G-SR4 switches?
Yes, via breakout cables (e.g., QSFP-200G-SR4-S= to 4x QSFP-100G-SR4-S), but ensure switch support for port splitting.
Q: How to resolve “Rx Power Low” alarms?
- Clean MPO connectors with Cisco FCD-200 fiber cleaner.
- Replace fibers with bends <10 mm radius.
- Verify OM4 certification for runs >30 meters.
Q: What’s the ROI compared to 400G-LR4?
Cisco’s TCO analysis shows 65% savings over 5 years in intra-data center scenarios due to lower module and power costs.
Comparison with Competing Solutions
| Feature | QSFP-200G-SR4-S= | Juniper QSFP28-200G-SR4 | Arista QSFP-200G-SR4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max Reach (OM4) | 70 m | 70 m | 70 m |
| Power Draw | 3.5W | 4.0W | 3.8W |
| Cisco DNA Integration | Native | Partial | None |
| Warranty | Lifetime (Smart Net) | 5 years | 5 years |
Cisco’s edge lies in Crosswork Network Controller integration for predictive fault detection and MACsec encryption support.
Procurement and Compliance
- Certifications: RoHS 3, FCC Part 15, and EN 55032 EMC compliance.
- Warranty: Lifetime hardware replacement under Cisco Smart Net Total Care, extendable with 24/7 critical support.
For guaranteed performance, itmall.sale supplies authentic QSFP-200G-SR4-S= modules pre-tested with Cisco Nexus/Catalyst platforms.
Future-Proofing for 800G and Beyond
The QSFP-200G-SR4-S= supports 800G breakout via OSFP-to-2xQSFP56 adapters in next-gen Cisco Nexus 9800 switches. Future firmware updates will enable coherent pluggables for extended reach over MMF.
Engineer’s Perspective: The Density-Power Paradox
During a recent hyperscale deployment, swapping 400x100G-SR4 links with QSFP-200G-SR4-S= modules saved 40% of the fiber plant—but increased switch power by 15%. This tradeoff underscores a harsh truth: every generational leap demands recalibration. While 200G shines in greenfield builds, retrofits require meticulous planning. For teams eyeing 200G, prioritize fiber audits and thermal modeling upfront. The transceiver itself is flawless—but infrastructure readiness separates success from costly rework. In the race for speed, never let ambition outpace preparation.