Cisco QSFP-100G-FR-W
100G QSFP28 Transceiver 100G-FR, 2km SMF, duplex, LC, Wide/Industrial, Original Cisco
Product Highlights
Deploying 100 Gigabit Ethernet links in environments with extreme temperatures — outdoor enclosures, industrial facilities, or uncontrolled telecom shelters — demands optics built to endure. The Cisco QSFP-100G-FR-W is a genuine Cisco 100G QSFP28 transceiver module rated for wide/industrial temperature operation, delivering 100G-FR connectivity over up to 2 km of standard single-mode fiber (SMF) through a duplex LC interface.
Unlike the standard commercial-temperature QSFP-100G-FR-S, the QSFP-100G-FR-W is engineered for extended operating conditions, making it ideal for 5G fronthaul, outdoor aggregation points, industrial automation networks, and any deployment where temperature-controlled environments are not guaranteed. The module uses single-lambda PAM4 modulation technology to carry the full 100 Gigabit Ethernet signal over one wavelength, reducing optical complexity compared to legacy four-lane CWDM4 approaches.
As part of Cisco's single-lambda 100G optics portfolio, the QSFP-100G-FR-W provides a future-proof investment. Its single-lambda architecture is compatible with the 400G-DR4 breakout paradigm, allowing operators to upgrade one end of a link to 400G while maintaining 100G connectivity at the other — minimizing downtime and protecting existing infrastructure investments.
Features & Benefits
Wide/Industrial Temperature Operation
The QSFP-100G-FR-W is rated for wide/industrial temperature operation, extending its usability far beyond standard commercial-rated transceivers (typically 0–70°C). This makes it the right choice for outdoor cabinets, roadside telecom shelters, industrial plants, and 5G fronthaul deployments where ambient temperatures can swing to extremes.
Single-Lambda 100G PAM4 Technology
By carrying the full 100G signal on a single wavelength using PAM4 (four-level pulse amplitude modulation) and onboard FEC, the QSFP-100G-FR-W eliminates the need for multi-wavelength muxing and demuxing components found in CWDM4 designs. Fewer internal components mean lower power consumption, improved reliability, and a simpler optical path.
2 km Reach over Standard SMF
With a maximum link length of 2 km over G.652 single-mode fiber, the QSFP-100G-FR-W is purpose-built for inter-building data center connections, campus backbone links, and co-location facility interconnects. The duplex LC connector interface ensures compatibility with widely deployed fiber patch panels and structured cabling.
400G-Ready Architecture
Single-lambda 100G optics align with the IEEE 400GBASE-DR4 breakout model. This means you can upgrade one site to 400G equipment and connect it back to existing 100G sites via fiber breakout cables — without sacrificing per-port bandwidth. The QSFP-100G-FR-W protects your investment as you plan your 400G migration.
Genuine Cisco Quality
As an original Cisco transceiver, the QSFP-100G-FR-W is fully validated on Cisco platforms and backed by Cisco's standard transceiver warranty. Genuine optics ensure seamless integration, DOM (Digital Optical Monitoring) support, and eligibility for Cisco SMARTnet service contracts.
Deployment Scenarios
5G Fronthaul & Outdoor Deployments
5G cell-site equipment often resides in outdoor enclosures or street-level cabinets with no climate control. The QSFP-100G-FR-W's wide/industrial temperature rating ensures reliable 100G fronthaul connectivity between remote radio units and centralized baseband processing, even in extreme heat or cold.
Data Center Interconnect (DCI) — Inter-Building Links
Connect buildings within a campus or between adjacent data center facilities over distances up to 2 km. The 100G-FR specification over duplex SMF with LC connectors integrates seamlessly with standard structured cabling, and the wide temperature rating accommodates meet-me rooms or outdoor fiber runs.
Industrial & Utility Networks
Manufacturing plants, power substations, and transportation infrastructure often expose networking equipment to temperature extremes. The QSFP-100G-FR-W delivers enterprise-grade 100G connectivity in these harsh environments without requiring expensive environmental enclosures.
Co-Location Facility Interconnects
Link your equipment cages across a co-location campus with high-bandwidth 100G connections. The 2 km reach covers typical co-lo distances, and the wide temperature rating handles the variable thermal conditions found in shared facility environments.
General
Performance
Optical
Environmental
Compatibility Notes
The Cisco QSFP-100G-FR-W is supported on Cisco switches and routers with QSFP28 ports. For the definitive list of compatible platforms and required software versions, consult the Cisco 100 Gigabit Ethernet Transceiver Modules Compatibility Matrix. For module-to-module interoperability details, refer to the Cisco 100 Gigabit Ethernet Transceiver Modules Interoperability Matrix. As a wide/industrial temperature variant, this module also operates in platforms rated for commercial temperature ranges.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| QSFP-100G-FR-S | Cisco 100G-FR QSFP28 (Commercial Temp) | Standard commercial temperature range (0–70°C); same 100G-FR 2km SMF specification but not rated for extreme environments. |
| QSFP-100G-CWDM4-S | Cisco 100G CWDM4 QSFP28 | Uses four wavelengths (CWDM4) instead of single-lambda PAM4; same 2km reach but higher component complexity. |
| QSFP-100G-DR-S | Cisco 100G-DR QSFP28 | Single-lambda PAM4 like the FR-W but limited to 500m reach; uses MPO-12 connector instead of duplex LC. |
| QSFP-100G-LR-S | Cisco 100G-LR QSFP28 | Single-lambda PAM4 with extended 10km reach over SMF; for longer-distance links beyond the FR's 2km range. |