Cisco DS-SFP-4X32G-SW
4X 32G Optic SFP+ for Ethernet to Fibre Channel connectivity, Original Cisco
Product Highlights
As SAN fabrics scale to support virtualization, flash storage arrays, and mission-critical databases, every link in the chain must deliver consistent, low-latency throughput. The Cisco DS-SFP-4X32G-SW is a 128-Gbps Fibre Channel QSFP transceiver that provides Ethernet-to-Fibre Channel connectivity through four independent 32G lanes over shortwave 850nm multimode fiber.
Designed for the Cisco MDS 9000 Series switching platform and the Cisco UCS 6536 Fabric Interconnect, this QSFP28 module uses an MPO connector and supports link distances up to 100 meters on OM4 fiber — comfortably spanning intra-data-center runs between SAN switches, storage arrays, and compute nodes. Its compliance with QSFP28 MSA, 128GFC (ANSI T.11), and IEEE 802.3bm CAUI-4 specifications ensures broad interoperability across standards-based Fibre Channel environments.
The hot-swappable plug-in form factor allows field replacement without powering down the host switch, while integrated Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM) gives network engineers real-time telemetry on optical power levels and temperature — simplifying troubleshooting and proactive maintenance. Whether you are building a new 128G SAN fabric or upgrading existing 32G links to higher-density QSFP connectivity, the DS-SFP-4X32G-SW delivers the performance and reliability Cisco SAN environments demand.
Features & Benefits
128 Gbps Fibre Channel Performance
With four independent 32G Fibre Channel lanes aggregated into a single QSFP28 module, the DS-SFP-4X32G-SW delivers 128 Gbps of total bandwidth. This high-density approach reduces the number of physical ports and cables required, lowering both cost and cabling complexity in demanding SAN environments.
Shortwave 850nm Multimode Fiber
Operating at 850nm, this shortwave transceiver is optimized for multimode fiber — the most cost-effective cabling option for intra-data-center distances. It supports reaches up to 100m on OM4 fiber and up to 70m on OM3, covering the vast majority of in-building SAN deployments without the premium of single-mode optics.
Hot-Swappable QSFP28 Form Factor
The compact QSFP28 plug-in module can be installed or replaced without shutting down the host switch or fabric interconnect. This hot-swap capability minimizes maintenance windows and supports the high-availability requirements of production SAN fabrics.
Standards Compliance & Interoperability
Compliant with QSFP28 MSA, 128GFC (ANSI T.11), and IEEE 802.3bm CAUI-4 specifications, this transceiver integrates seamlessly into standards-based Fibre Channel and converged Ethernet/FC environments. Cisco-coded identification ensures plug-and-play operation on supported platforms.
Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM)
Built-in DOM provides real-time monitoring of key optical parameters including transmit/receive power, temperature, and bias current. Network engineers can proactively identify degrading links before they impact production traffic, reducing unplanned downtime.
Deployment Scenarios
High-Performance SAN Fabric Core
Deploy the DS-SFP-4X32G-SW in Cisco MDS 9000 Series director-class switches to build 128G Fibre Channel ISL trunks between SAN core switches. The 4x32G aggregate bandwidth supports large-scale virtualized environments and all-flash storage arrays that demand consistent, low-latency block storage I/O.
Cisco UCS Fabric Interconnect to SAN Connectivity
Use this QSFP transceiver in the Cisco UCS 6536 Fabric Interconnect to connect compute infrastructure directly to SAN switches or storage arrays at 32G Fibre Channel speeds via MPO-to-LC breakout cables. This simplifies cabling while delivering the bandwidth modern UCS blade and rack servers require.
Data Center SAN Refresh & Migration
Organizations migrating from 16G to 32G Fibre Channel can leverage the DS-SFP-4X32G-SW to consolidate four 32G links into a single QSFP28 port. This reduces port consumption on high-value director switches and streamlines the physical cabling plant during phased SAN upgrades.
General
Performance
Physical
Environmental
Compliance
Compatibility Notes
Supported Platforms (verified):
- Cisco MDS 9000 Series Multilayer Switches (128-Gbps Fibre Channel QSFP ports)
- Cisco UCS 6536 Fabric Interconnect (HCI-FI-6536, UCS-FI-6536-U, UCSX-FI-6536-D-U, and related PIDs)
Cabling Requirements:
- MPO multi-mode connector
- OM4 multimode fiber: up to 100m maximum distance
- OM3 multimode fiber: up to 70m maximum distance
- Minimum cable distance: 2 meters (6.5 ft)
- MPO-to-LC breakout cables supported for connectivity to 32G SFP+ FC ports on SAN switches or storage arrays
Note: Always verify transceiver compatibility against the Cisco MDS 9000 Series Compatibility Matrix and applicable NX-OS release notes for your specific switch model and software version.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| DS-SFP-FC32G-SW | Cisco 32G FC SFP+ Shortwave | Single-lane 32G FC SFP+ transceiver with LC connector — use when you need individual 32G ports rather than 4x32G QSFP density. |
| DS-SFP-4X32G-SW= | Cisco DS-SFP-4X32G-SW (Spare/Orderable) | Same transceiver sold as a standalone spare (= suffix). Functionally identical to DS-SFP-4X32G-SW bundled with a platform. |
| DS-SFP-4X32G-SW-RF | Cisco DS-SFP-4X32G-SW Remanufactured | Cisco-certified remanufactured version of the same 128G FC QSFP — lower cost option with Cisco-tested quality. |
| DS-SFP-FC16G-SW | Cisco 16G FC SFP+ Shortwave | Previous-generation 16G Fibre Channel SFP+ — suitable for legacy 16G SAN ports but one-quarter the per-lane bandwidth. |