Cisco QSFP-100G-DR-S
100G QSFP28 Transceiver 100GBASE-DR, 500m SMF, duplex, LC, Original Cisco
Product Highlights
As data center and enterprise networks scale to 100G and beyond, choosing the right optic can mean the difference between a seamless upgrade and a costly re-architecture. The Cisco QSFP-100G-DR-S is a 100GBASE-DR QSFP28 transceiver module that delivers 100 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity over a single 1310nm wavelength across up to 500 meters of G.652 single-mode fiber using a simple duplex LC interface.
Unlike legacy 100G optics that require parallel multi-fiber ribbons or multiple wavelengths, the QSFP-100G-DR-S uses single-lambda PAM4 modulation with onboard forward error correction (FEC), carrying the full 100GbE signal on just two fibers. This dramatically reduces cabling cost and simplifies fiber management in structured cabling environments. The module is fully compliant with IEEE 802.3cd 100GBASE-DR requirements and the QSFP28 MSA.
A key advantage of the QSFP-100G-DR-S is its ability to interoperate with 400GBASE-DR4 transceivers — such as Cisco's QDD-400G-DR4-S — via fiber breakout cables. This makes it an essential building block for organizations migrating from 100G to 400G infrastructure, allowing mixed-speed deployments without sacrificing port bandwidth. With built-in digital optical monitoring (DOM) and a commercial operating temperature range of 0°C to 70°C, this original Cisco transceiver is engineered for reliable, high-density deployment in data centers, enterprise cores, and service provider networks.
Features & Benefits
Single-Lambda 100G Architecture
The QSFP-100G-DR-S carries the full 100 Gigabit Ethernet signal over a single 1310nm wavelength using PAM4 modulation at 53.125 Gbaud. This eliminates the need for multi-wavelength multiplexing or parallel fiber ribbons, reducing both optic and cabling costs while simplifying troubleshooting and sparing.
Forward Error Correction (FEC)
Onboard FEC is integrated directly into the transceiver's DSP, detecting and correcting bit errors before they reach the host system. This ensures robust link integrity over the full 500m reach, even in environments with marginal optical budgets or connector losses.
400G Migration Path
The QSFP-100G-DR-S interoperates with IEEE 400GBASE-DR4 transceivers — such as Cisco's QSFP-400G-DR4-S — via fiber breakout cables. This allows you to upgrade one end of a link to 400G while keeping the other at 100G, enabling a phased, non-disruptive network migration.
Duplex LC / Two-Fiber Simplicity
Using a standard duplex LC connector over just two single-mode fibers, the QSFP-100G-DR-S avoids the 8- or 12-fiber MPO cables required by PSM4 or SR4 optics. This reduces structured cabling costs and makes patching and fiber management significantly easier in high-density environments.
Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM)
Built-in DOM capabilities provide real-time access to critical operating parameters including optical TX/RX power, module temperature, laser bias current, and supply voltage. This enables proactive monitoring and faster fault isolation without external test equipment.
Deployment Scenarios
Data Center Interconnect (Intra-Campus)
Connect top-of-rack or spine switches across buildings within a campus data center environment. The 500m SMF reach and duplex LC interface make the QSFP-100G-DR-S ideal for inter-building links where parallel fiber is impractical or cost-prohibitive.
100G-to-400G Breakout Migration
Deploy alongside 400GBASE-DR4 transceivers to create 4×100G breakout connections from a single 400G port. This enables a phased upgrade strategy, connecting new 400G spine switches to existing 100G leaf infrastructure without forklift replacements.
Enterprise Core / Distribution Layer
Provide high-bandwidth uplinks between core routers and distribution switches in large enterprise networks. The single-lambda design simplifies fiber planning and reduces the number of fiber strands consumed per 100G link.
Service Provider Aggregation
Aggregate multiple 10G/25G access links into 100G uplinks at the service provider edge. The QSFP-100G-DR-S delivers the bandwidth density needed for subscriber growth while maintaining compatibility with standard SMF plant.
General
Performance
Physical
Power
Environmental
Compliance
Compatibility Notes
The Cisco QSFP-100G-DR-S is supported on a wide range of Cisco switches and routers equipped with QSFP28 ports. For a complete and current list of supported platforms and minimum software versions, refer to the Cisco 100 Gigabit Ethernet Transceiver Modules Compatibility Matrix.
Key interoperability notes:
- Interoperates with IEEE 400GBASE-DR4 compliant transceivers (e.g., Cisco QSFP-400G-DR4-S / QDD-400G-DR4-S) via fiber breakout cables.
- Does not interoperate with legacy 100GBASE-LR4, 100GBASE-PSM4, or 100GBASE-CWDM4 transceivers (different modulation and/or wavelength schemes).
- Requires host-side RS-FEC support on the connected platform port.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| QSFP-100G-FR-S | Cisco 100GBASE-FR QSFP28 | Extends reach to 2km over SMF (vs. 500m for DR-S); also single-lambda PAM4 with duplex LC — ideal when longer intra-campus distances are needed. |
| QSFP-100G-CWDM4-S | Cisco 100GBASE-CWDM4 QSFP28 | Uses four CWDM wavelengths over duplex LC for 2km reach; does not interoperate with 400GBASE-DR4 breakout — suited for legacy 100G-only deployments. |
| QSFP-100G-PSM4-S | Cisco 100GBASE-PSM4 QSFP28 | Parallel single-mode over 12-fiber MPO for 500m; requires more fiber strands than DR-S's duplex LC approach. |
| QSFP-100G-SM-SR | Cisco 100G QSFP28 SM-SR | Four-wavelength design over duplex LC for up to 2km on SMF; uses NRZ modulation rather than PAM4 and does not support 400G DR4 breakout. |