Cisco QSFP-100G-ERL-S
100G QSFP28 Transceiver 100G ER-Lite, 25km SMF, duplex, LC, Original Cisco
Product Highlights
Extending 100 Gigabit Ethernet beyond the data center floor — across a campus, between buildings, or through a metro ring — demands an optic that combines reach, reliability, and operational simplicity. The Cisco QSFP-100G-ERL-S is a 100G QSFP28 ER-Lite transceiver module engineered to deliver exactly that.
The QSFP-100G-ERL-S supports link lengths of up to 25 km over a standard pair of G.652 single-mode fiber using duplex LC connectors. Rather than multiplexing across four wavelengths, this module carries the full 100 Gigabit Ethernet signal over a single 1310 nm wavelength using onboard PAM4 modulation and forward error correction (FEC), simplifying the optical path and reducing component complexity. It complies with the 100G LR1-20 standard and interoperates with other transceivers meeting that standard at distances up to 20 km.
As a hot-swappable QSFP28 module with full digital optical monitoring (DOM), the QSFP-100G-ERL-S integrates seamlessly into Cisco switches and routers equipped with QSFP28 ports. Whether you are building out a metro aggregation ring, connecting distributed campus buildings, or linking co-location facilities, this original Cisco transceiver provides the extended reach, standards compliance, and operational visibility that enterprise and service-provider networks require.
Features & Benefits
Extended 25 km Single-Mode Reach
The QSFP-100G-ERL-S supports link lengths of up to 25 km over standard G.652 single-mode fiber with duplex LC connectors. This extended reach makes it an excellent fit for metro aggregation, campus backbone, and inter-building connections where distances exceed the 10 km ceiling of standard LR optics.
Single-Lambda PAM4 with Onboard FEC
Unlike four-wavelength CWDM designs, the QSFP-100G-ERL-S carries the full 100G signal on a single 1310 nm wavelength using PAM4 modulation. Onboard forward error correction (FEC) ensures link integrity over the full distance. This single-lambda architecture reduces internal component complexity and power consumption.
Standards-Based Interoperability
The module complies with the 100G LR1-20 standard and interoperates with other transceivers meeting that specification at distances up to 20 km. This standards-based approach protects your investment and provides flexibility when connecting to third-party or multi-vendor environments.
Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM)
Built-in DOM exposes real-time operating parameters — including transmit and receive optical power, module temperature, laser bias current, and supply voltage — via the standard I2C/QSFP28 MSA management interface. Network operations teams can proactively monitor link health and troubleshoot issues before they impact traffic.
Hot-Swappable QSFP28 Design
The industry-standard QSFP28 form factor allows the transceiver to be installed or replaced without powering down the host device. This hot-swap capability minimizes maintenance windows and keeps your network available during upgrades or replacements.
Deployment Scenarios
Metro Aggregation & Service Provider Edge
Service providers and large enterprises can use the QSFP-100G-ERL-S to build 100G aggregation rings or point-to-point links spanning up to 25 km between central offices, POPs, or peering facilities over existing single-mode fiber plant.
Campus Backbone & Inter-Building Links
For large university, hospital, or corporate campuses where buildings are separated by several kilometers, the QSFP-100G-ERL-S provides a single-optic solution for 100G backbone connectivity without requiring intermediate amplification or regeneration.
Data Center Interconnect (DCI) — Short Metro
Organizations operating multiple data center or co-location facilities within a metro area can leverage the 25 km reach of the QSFP-100G-ERL-S for high-bandwidth DCI links supporting replication, disaster recovery, and workload mobility.
General
Optical / Performance
Standards & Compliance
Environmental
Physical
Compatibility Notes
The Cisco QSFP-100G-ERL-S is supported on Cisco switches and routers with QSFP28 100G ports. For a definitive list of supported platforms and minimum software versions, consult the Cisco 100 Gigabit Ethernet Transceiver Modules Compatibility Matrix.
- Fiber type: G.652 Single-Mode Fiber (SMF)
- Connector: Duplex LC
- Interoperability: Compliant with 100G LR1-20 standard; interoperates with other LR1-20-compliant transceivers up to 20 km
- FEC: Onboard FEC is used; verify that the host platform supports the required FEC mode
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| QSFP-100G-LR-S | Cisco 100G QSFP28 LR | Single-lambda PAM4 design for up to 10 km — choose when shorter reach is sufficient and cost savings are desired |
| QSFP-100G-ER4L-S | Cisco 100G QSFP28 ER4-Lite | Four-wavelength CWDM design for up to 40 km — choose when you need extended reach beyond 25 km |
| QSFP-100G-LR4-S | Cisco 100G QSFP28 LR4 | IEEE 100GBASE-LR4 compliant, four-wavelength design for up to 10 km without FEC — standards-based alternative for shorter links |
| QSFP-100G-CWDM4-S | Cisco 100G QSFP28 CWDM4 | Four-wavelength CWDM design for up to 2 km — cost-effective option for intra-campus or short inter-building links |
