Cisco QSFP-100G-LR4-S
100GBASE LR4 QSFP Transceiver, LC, 10km over SMF, Original Cisco
Product Highlights
As data centers and enterprise networks scale to meet ever-growing bandwidth demands, reliable 100 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity over single-mode fiber becomes mission-critical. The Cisco QSFP-100G-LR4-S is a 100GBASE-LR4 QSFP28 transceiver module that delivers 100Gbps throughput over distances up to 10km on standard G.652 single-mode fiber using duplex LC connectors.
The module uses LAN Wavelength Division Multiplexing (LAN-WDM) technology, carrying the 100GbE signal across four wavelength channels at 1295.56nm, 1300.05nm, 1304.58nm, and 1309.14nm — each running at 25Gbps. Multiplexing and demultiplexing are handled entirely within the module, so only a standard two-fiber LC patch cord is required. This makes the QSFP-100G-LR4-S ideal for data center interconnects, campus backbone links, enterprise core-to-distribution uplinks, and service provider aggregation.
As an original Cisco transceiver, the QSFP-100G-LR4-S is hot-swappable, supports Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM) for real-time diagnostics, and is recognized natively on supported Cisco platforms without manual configuration overrides. It complies with the IEEE 100GBASE-LR4 specification and does not require Forward Error Correction (FEC), simplifying deployment and reducing latency.
Features & Benefits
100G LAN-WDM Optical Engine
The QSFP-100G-LR4-S transmits 100GbE across four LAN-WDM wavelength channels in the 1310nm window, each carrying 25Gbps. All multiplexing and demultiplexing occurs inside the module, so you only need a standard duplex LC fiber pair — no complex MPO/MTP cabling required.
10km Single-Mode Fiber Reach
With support for link lengths up to 10km over G.652 single-mode fiber, this transceiver bridges buildings, campus sites, and nearby data centers without intermediate amplification. It is the go-to choice for mid-range 100G links where short-reach multimode optics fall short.
Hot-Swappable QSFP28 Form Factor
The compact QSFP28 form factor allows field installation and replacement without powering down the host switch or router. This minimizes maintenance windows and supports non-disruptive network upgrades in production environments.
Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM)
Built-in DOM provides real-time access to key operating parameters including temperature, supply voltage, TX/RX optical power, and laser bias current via the I2C management interface. This enables proactive fault detection and simplifies troubleshooting.
IEEE Standards Compliance — No FEC Required
The module complies with the IEEE 100GBASE-LR4 specification and does not employ Forward Error Correction (FEC). This reduces latency and simplifies host-side configuration, making deployment straightforward on any compliant platform.
Energy-Efficient Design
With a typical power consumption of 3.5W, the QSFP-100G-LR4-S stays well within the QSFP28 thermal envelope. This allows full port population in high-density switches without triggering thermal throttling or requiring supplemental cooling.
Deployment Scenarios
Data Center Interconnect (DCI)
Connect co-located or nearby data center facilities over single-mode fiber at 100Gbps. The 10km reach covers typical metro DCI distances, enabling high-bandwidth east-west traffic between sites for replication, backup, and distributed workloads.
Enterprise Campus Backbone
Establish 100G uplinks between campus core and distribution switches across building-to-building fiber runs. The duplex LC interface integrates seamlessly with existing structured cabling plants, and the 10km reach accommodates even large campus footprints.
Service Provider Aggregation
Aggregate multiple 10G/25G access links into a 100G backbone for service provider metro and regional networks. The standards-based 100GBASE-LR4 interface ensures interoperability with multi-vendor aggregation routers and optical transport equipment.
High-Performance Computing (HPC) Clusters
Provide high-bandwidth, low-latency interconnects between compute nodes and storage arrays in HPC environments where single-mode fiber infrastructure is already deployed and distances exceed multimode limits.
General
Optical
Physical
Power
Environmental
Compliance
Compatibility Notes
The Cisco QSFP-100G-LR4-S is supported on a wide range of Cisco platforms with QSFP28 ports. Commonly verified platforms include:
- Cisco Nexus 9000 Series (e.g., N9K-C92160YC-X, N9K-C93180YC-EX, N9K-C9336C-FX2)
- Cisco Catalyst 9500 Series
- Cisco ASR 9000 Series
- Cisco NCS 5500 Series
Per-line-card and per-software-release support varies. Always cross-check the Cisco Transceiver Compatibility Matrix for your specific platform and IOS/NX-OS version before deployment.
Note: QSFP-100G-LR4-S (integration code) and QSFP-100G-LR4-S= (spare code) refer to the same module. The = suffix indicates standalone/spare ordering in Cisco's system.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| QSFP-100G-SR4-S | Cisco 100GBASE-SR4 QSFP28 | Short-reach multimode (100m on OM4 MMF, MPO connector) — lower cost for intra-data-center links under 100m |
| QSFP-100G-CWDM4-S | Cisco 100GBASE-CWDM4 QSFP28 | 2km reach over SMF with duplex LC — cost-effective mid-range option when 10km is not needed |
| QSFP-100G-ER4L-S | Cisco 100GBASE-ER4L QSFP28 | Extended reach up to 40km over SMF — for metro/regional links that exceed the LR4's 10km range |
| QSFP-100G-LR4-I | Cisco 100GBASE-LR4 QSFP28 (Industrial Temp) | Same 10km LR4 optics but rated for industrial temperature range — for harsh or outdoor environments |
