What Is the DP04QSDD-E30-440=? Technical Analysis, Use Cases, and Procurement Guide

Overview of the DP04QSDD-E30-440=

The ​​DP04QSDD-E30-440=​​ is a Cisco hardware component associated with high-density data center and enterprise networking infrastructure. While Cisco’s public documentation is limited, decoding the part number reveals critical insights:

• ​​“DP”​​: Likely denotes “Data Center” or “Dual-Purpose.”
• ​​“QSDD”​​: Suggests a ​​Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable Double Density (QSFP-DD)​​ form factor, designed for 400G/800G applications.
• ​​“E30-440”​​: Indicates extended reach (possibly 30 km) and a 440 Gbps aggregate bandwidth capacity.

This component is engineered for environments requiring ​​high-speed, low-latency data transmission​​, such as cloud service providers or AI/ML clusters.

Key Technical Specifications

Based on analogous Cisco QSFP-DD modules and industry standards, the DP04QSDD-E30-440= likely supports:

• ​​Data rate​​: 4x100G or 8x50G lanes for 400G total throughput.
• ​​Wavelength​​: 1310 nm or CWDM/DWDM multiplexing for long-haul transmission.
• ​​Maximum reach​​: Up to 30 km on single-mode fiber (SMF).
• ​​Power consumption​​: ~10–12W, compliant with IEEE 802.3bs.
• ​​Compatibility​​: Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switches (e.g., N9K-X9736C-EX, N9K-C9336C-FX2).

Performance Benchmarks

• ​​Latency​​: Sub-100 nanoseconds for financial trading or HPC workloads.
• ​​Error correction​​: Forward Error Correction (FEC) for <1e-15 BER.
• ​​Thermal design​​: Operates at 0°C to 70°C with adaptive cooling.

Primary Use Cases

The DP04QSDD-E30-440= addresses critical demands in modern networking:

1. ​​Hyperscale data centers​​: Interconnects spine-leaf architectures with 400G spine switches.
2. ​​AI/ML workloads​​: Minimizes latency for distributed GPU/TPU clusters.
3. ​​Disaster recovery sites​​: Enables synchronous replication over metro-area networks.

Competitive Advantages

• ​​Density​​: A single QSFP-DD port replaces four 100G QSFP28 ports, freeing up rack space.
• ​​Investment protection​​: Backward compatibility with QSFP28/56 optics via breakout cables.
• ​​Energy efficiency​​: 25% lower power per gigabit than older QSFP28 modules.

Deployment Challenges and Solutions

​​Challenge 1: Fiber compatibility​​

• ​​Solution​​: Use OS2 single-mode fiber for distances >10 km and ensure connectors are APC-polished to reduce reflectance.

​​Challenge 2: Heat management​​

• ​​Solution​​: Deploy switches with side-to-front airflow designs (e.g., Nexus 9336C) to prevent thermal throttling.

​​Challenge 3: Cost justification​​

• ​​Solution​​: Leverage [“DP04QSDD-E30-440=” link to (https://itmall.sale/product-category/cisco/) for refurbished units, which often cost 40–60% less than new modules.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

​​Q: Is the DP04QSDD-E30-440= compatible with non-Cisco switches?​​
A: Only if the switch vendor supports third-party optics via ​​Cisco Multiplexer Compatibility (CMIS)​​. Most OEMs lock optics to their chassis.

​​Q: Does it support breakout configurations?​​
A: Yes—split into 4x100G or 8x50G links using Cisco Breakout Cables (e.g., QSFP-DD to 8xSFP56).

​​Q: Are licenses required for activation?​​
A: On Nexus switches, ensure the ​​“Advanced Layer 3 License”​​ is enabled for full feature access.

Final Perspective

In my experience deploying high-speed networks, the DP04QSDD-E30-440= represents a ​​strategic investment for future-proofing infrastructure​​. While 800G optics are emerging, 400G remains the sweet spot for balancing cost and performance in most enterprises. The module’s backward compatibility and energy efficiency make it ideal for phased upgrades. However, buyers must rigorously test refurbished units—especially for BER stability under load. For organizations eyeing AI or real-time analytics, this component is not just an accessory but a cornerstone of competitive infrastructure.