Cisco QDD-8X100G-FR
QSFP-DD, 8x 100G-FR breakout, dual MPO-12 SMF, 2km, Original Cisco
Product Highlights
As data centers scale to support AI workloads, cloud computing, and hyperscale architectures, the demand for high-density 100G connectivity from a single port has never been greater. The Cisco QDD-8X100G-FR is a QSFP-DD transceiver module that delivers eight independent 100GbE lanes over parallel single-mode fiber, providing up to 800 Gbps of aggregate bandwidth from a single port.
This module uses 1310 nm PAM4 optics across eight fiber pairs and terminates with dual MPO-12 APC connectors, supporting link lengths of up to 2 km on OS2 single-mode fiber. It is compliant with IEEE 802.3cu for 100GBASE-FR1, ensuring standards-based interoperability in multi-vendor data center environments. The QDD-8X100G-FR can break out to QSFP28 modules including 100G-DR (up to 500 m), 100G-FR (up to 2 km), and 100G-LR (up to 2 km), and can also function as two independent 400GBASE-DR4 transceivers in a single port — giving network architects exceptional deployment flexibility.
Ideal for leaf-to-server connectivity in AI compute clusters, spine-leaf fabrics, and high-performance computing environments, the QDD-8X100G-FR consolidates cabling and maximizes port utilization. Forward error correction (FEC) is performed on the host platform, keeping the module design efficient and power-conscious. This is an original Cisco transceiver backed by Cisco's quality assurance and TAC support eligibility.
Features & Benefits
8x 100G Breakout Density
The QDD-8X100G-FR delivers eight 100GbE links from a single QSFP-DD port, dramatically increasing port utilization. This reduces the number of switch ports and optics required to connect 100G endpoints such as server NICs, storage arrays, and AI accelerators — lowering both CapEx and rack space consumption.
Flexible Multi-Mode Operation
Beyond 8x100G breakout, this module can also operate as two independent 400GBASE-DR4 transceivers in a single port. This dual-personality capability lets you adapt the same optic to different network tiers — 100G at the access layer or 400G at the aggregation layer — without swapping hardware.
Standards-Based Interoperability
Compliant with IEEE 802.3cu for 100GBASE-FR1, the QDD-8X100G-FR interoperates with standards-compliant 100G transceivers from Cisco and other vendors. It supports breakout to QSFP28 100G-DR, 100G-FR, and 100G-LR modules, providing a clear migration path and multi-vendor flexibility.
2 km Single-Mode Fiber Reach
With a maximum reach of 2 km over OS2 single-mode fiber at 1310 nm, this transceiver covers intra-campus and cross-building data center interconnects. Dual MPO-12 APC connectors ensure low-reflection, high-performance optical connections suitable for structured cabling environments.
Host-Based FEC for Efficiency
Forward error correction is performed on the host platform rather than inside the module. This design choice keeps module power consumption efficient while leveraging the host ASIC's processing capability for robust error correction across all eight lanes.
Deployment Scenarios
AI / GPU Cluster Leaf-to-Server Connectivity
Connect up to eight 100G AI server NICs to a single 800G leaf switch port. The QDD-8X100G-FR maximizes port density on AI leaf switches, reducing cabling complexity and enabling low-latency, high-throughput interconnects for machine learning training and inference workloads.
Hyperscale Data Center Spine-Leaf Fabrics
Deploy in spine or leaf switches to break out 800G ports into 100G links for top-of-rack connectivity. The 2 km SMF reach supports end-of-row and middle-of-row architectures, while the dual 400G DR4 mode provides flexibility for aggregation-tier links.
High-Performance Computing (HPC) Interconnects
Provide high-density 100G connectivity between compute nodes, storage controllers, and network switches in HPC clusters. The eight-lane breakout consolidates cabling and reduces the number of switch ports needed, simplifying fabric management at scale.
Migration from 400G to 800G Infrastructure
Leverage the dual 400GBASE-DR4 operating mode to bridge existing 400G infrastructure with next-generation 800G-capable switches. As your network evolves, the same optic transitions seamlessly from 2x400G to 8x100G breakout without hardware replacement.
General
Performance
Optical
Power
Compliance
Interoperability
Compatibility Notes
Platform Support:
- Supported on Cisco Nexus 9000 Series switches with QSFP-DD800 ports (e.g., Cisco Nexus 93C64E-SG2-Q, beginning with NX-OS Release 10.5(3)F).
- Cisco QSFP-DD800 modules are supported on select Cisco switches and routers — consult the Cisco Transceiver Module Group (TMG) Compatibility Matrix for your specific platform and software release.
Breakout Interoperability:
- 8x100G breakout to QSFP28 100G-DR (up to 500 m), 100G-FR (up to 2 km), and 100G-LR (up to 2 km)
- 2x 400GBASE-DR4 mode in a single port
Cabling Requirements:
- Requires MPO-12 APC patch cords over OS2 single-mode fiber
- All cables must comply with IEEE 802.3cu standards
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| QDD-2X400G-FR4 | Cisco QSFP-DD 2x400G-FR4 | Uses CWDM wavelengths over dual LC connectors for 2x 400G — ideal for 400G backbone links rather than 100G breakout |
| QDD-4X100G-FR-S | Cisco QSFP-DD 4x100G-FR-S | 400G module with 4x100G breakout over single MPO-12 — half the breakout density at 400G aggregate |
| QDD-400G-DR4-S | Cisco QSFP-DD 400G-DR4-S | 400G single-rate DR4 transceiver over MPO-12 APC — choose when you need a dedicated 400G link, not 100G breakout |
| OSFP-800G-DR8 | 800G OSFP DR8 | OSFP form factor with 8x100G DR over single MPO-16 — alternative for platforms with OSFP ports instead of QSFP-DD |