With the increasing demand for bandwidth and the continuous development of data communication technology, 100G IR4 plays a crucial role in ensuring high-speed and stable data transmission in the network. As an ideal solution for medium and long distance interconnections, it stands out for its low power consumption, suitable transmission distance, and controllable cost. In this article, we will take you to understand in detail what is 100G IR4 module and its applications and main advantages.

What is QSFP28 100G IR4?

100G QSFP28 IR4 module is an optical module based on coarse wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology, with a transmission rate of 100Gbps, complying with the QSFP28 MSA standard, and a transmission distance of 2km. 100G QSFP28 IR4 module occupies a place in high-density transmission environments by virtue of its small form factor.QSFP28 IR4 differs from the traditional single-wavelength transmission method, which uses four different wavelengths for laser transmission, each wavelength interval is 20nm, and each channel transmits 25Gbps data. Each channel transmits 25Gbps of data at a wavelength interval of 20nm and achieves a total rate of 100Gbps on a single-mode fiber through optical multiplexing.

How Does 100G IR4 Work?

The core of IR4 module lies in its 4-wavelength parallel transmission and reception mechanism, where the transmitter divides the 100Gbps data into four 25Gbps sub-channels, each mapped to a different wavelength, and then combines them into a beam of optical signals through CWDM multiplexer and transmits them through LC single-mode fiber. Immediately after the receiving end receives the composite optical signal, it is separated into four wavelengths using a CWDM demultiplexer, and then restored to the original data by the corresponding module.

What Are the Advantages of 100G IR4 Modules?

100G IR4 modules are cost-effective because they can be deployed using existing LC duplex patch cords without the need to replace patch cords, which saves on cabling costs, avoids the need to use MTP/MPO patch cords for transmission, provides greater flexibility, facilitates maintenance, and simplifies cabling. 100G IR4s typically utilize lower-cost EML or DFB lasers and simpler optical devices, reducing overall deployment costs.

The QSFP28 IR4 also has a moderate transmission distance, as its 2km transmission distance is between the 100G SR4 and 100G LR4, which is just enough to satisfy most data centers, enterprise networks, and campus networks, and avoid the waste of resources caused by long transmission distance.

The IR4 module also supports DDM function, which allows real-time monitoring of module parameters, including optical power, temperature and voltage. These parameters include optical power, temperature and voltage. By monitoring these parameters, it is possible to understand the working status of the module and enable network administrators to proactively manage and troubleshoot the network to improve the overall stability and reliability of the network.

Applications of 100G IR4

100G IR4 modules can be used for data center interconnections, such as medium-distance connections across buildings or server rooms, in links with transmission distances ranging from 500 meters to 2km. The use of IR4 not only meets the growing demand for data transmission in data centers, but also supports fast data exchange and storage to ensure the operation of applications and services. It also reduces overall deployment costs and is more cost-effective.

The QSFP28 IR4 module can also be used in enterprise networks, especially those with limited budgets but requiring high bandwidth. It can use existing cabling for data transmission at a lower price than 100G LR4, and also has a power consumption of ≤3.5W, which effectively reduces the overall operating cost of the data center, and also ensures efficient data transmission within the organization.

100G IR4 can also be used for cloud computing, where it plays a key role in connecting data centers and ensuring seamless data transfer between users and cloud services. The high transmission rate as well as the DDM feature ensures user experience and guarantees network stability.

Conclusion

The 100G QSFP28 IR4 module benefits from a balance of performance, deployment cost, and cabling complexity, making it the preferred medium-haul solution for data center, enterprise, and cloud computing environments. It not only meets organizational needs for bandwidth expansion, but also reduces deployment costs and complexity, and will undoubtedly play an important role as network architectures flatten, speed up, and consume less power.