Cisco QSFP-100G-SR4-S
100GBASE SR4 QSFP Transceiver, MPO, 100m over OM4 MMF, Original Cisco
Product Highlights
As data center fabrics scale to meet ever-growing bandwidth demands, every transceiver slot counts. The Cisco QSFP-100G-SR4-S is an original Cisco 100GBASE-SR4 QSFP28 transceiver module purpose-built for high-density, short-reach 100 Gigabit Ethernet links over multimode fiber.
The module transmits 100G across four parallel 850nm VCSEL lanes at 25 Gbps each, terminated on an industry-standard MPO-12 connector. It supports link lengths of up to 70m over OM3 and 100m over OM4 multimode fiber, making it the go-to optic for top-of-rack, end-of-row, and spine-to-leaf connections inside the data center. With a maximum power draw of just 3.5W and full digital diagnostics monitoring (DDM/DOM), the QSFP-100G-SR4-S delivers the performance network teams need while keeping thermal budgets in check.
Compliant with IEEE 802.3bm and the QSFP28 MSA, this transceiver is certified and tested on Cisco QSFP-100G ports for superior performance, quality, and reliability. It is hot-swappable, enabling non-disruptive maintenance in production environments. Whether you are building a new leaf-spine fabric or expanding an existing 100G infrastructure, the QSFP-100G-SR4-S provides a proven, cost-effective optical foundation.
Features & Benefits
100G Parallel Optics over Multimode Fiber
The QSFP-100G-SR4-S uses four independent 25 Gbps transmit and receive channels operating at 850nm to deliver an aggregate 100 Gbps data rate. By leveraging parallel optics over widely deployed OM3/OM4 multimode fiber, it eliminates the need for expensive single-mode infrastructure on short-reach links — reducing both cabling cost and deployment complexity.
Low Power, High Density
With a maximum power consumption of just 3.5W, this module keeps thermal output low even when every QSFP28 port on a high-density switch is populated. Lower per-port power translates directly into reduced cooling requirements and operating expense — a critical advantage in dense leaf-spine architectures where dozens of 100G optics share a single line card.
Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM/DOM)
Built-in digital diagnostics via the I2C interface provide real-time monitoring of optical TX/RX power, module temperature, laser bias current, and supply voltage. Operations teams can proactively identify degrading links before they impact traffic, reducing mean time to repair and improving overall network availability.
Hot-Swappable & Standards-Compliant
The module is fully hot-swappable, allowing field replacement without shutting down the host platform. It complies with IEEE 802.3bm 100GBASE-SR4 and the QSFP28 Multi-Source Agreement (MSA), ensuring interoperability with other IEEE-compliant 100GBASE-SR4 interfaces across the network.
Breakout Capability to 4×25G
The QSFP-100G-SR4-S supports breakout to four independent 25GBASE-SR SFP28 links using an MPO-to-LC breakout cable. This flexibility lets you connect a single 100G uplink port to four 25G server or access ports, maximizing port utilization and simplifying migration from 10G/25G to 100G.
Deployment Scenarios
Data Center Leaf-Spine Fabric
Deploy the QSFP-100G-SR4-S on spine and leaf switches to build a high-bandwidth, low-latency fabric. With up to 100m reach on OM4 fiber, it comfortably spans intra-row and end-of-row distances typical of modern data center designs while keeping per-port optics cost low.
Top-of-Rack to Aggregation Uplinks
Use the module to connect top-of-rack switches to aggregation or distribution-layer platforms over short multimode runs. The 100G capacity provides ample headroom for aggregated 10G/25G server traffic, and the hot-swap capability ensures zero-downtime maintenance.
High-Performance Computing (HPC) Clusters
In HPC environments where low latency and high throughput between compute nodes are paramount, the QSFP-100G-SR4-S delivers 100G connectivity over parallel multimode fiber with minimal power overhead — ideal for tightly packed rack clusters interconnected within a single machine room.
4×25G Breakout to Server NICs
Leverage the SR4 module's breakout capability with an MPO-to-LC harness cable to fan out a single 100G switch port into four 25G connections to individual server NICs. This maximizes switch port density and simplifies cabling in environments transitioning from 10G to 25G server connectivity.
General
Performance
Optical
Distance
Physical
Power
Environmental
Compliance & Standards
Compatibility Notes
The Cisco QSFP-100G-SR4-S is designed for Cisco platforms with QSFP28 100G ports. It is commonly deployed in the Cisco Nexus 9000 Series, Catalyst 9500 and 9600 Series, and NCS (Network Convergence System) Series switches and routers. Compatibility can depend on the specific switch model, line card, and software version — always verify against the Cisco Transceiver Compatibility Matrix before ordering.
Fiber Requirements: Laser-optimized OM3 (up to 70m) or OM4 (up to 100m) multimode fiber with MPO-12 connectors. For breakout applications, use an MPO-12 to 4×LC duplex breakout cable.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| QSFP-100G-CWDM4-S | Cisco 100GBASE CWDM4 QSFP28 | Uses CWDM over single-mode fiber with duplex LC connector for up to 2 km reach — ideal when distances exceed 100m |
| QSFP-100G-PSM4-S | Cisco 100GBASE PSM4 QSFP28 | Parallel single-mode optics with MPO connector for up to 500m over SMF — bridges the gap between SR4 and LR4 |
| QSFP-100G-LR4-S | Cisco 100GBASE LR4 QSFP28 | Long-reach 100G over single-mode fiber up to 10 km with duplex LC — for campus or data center interconnect links |
| QSFP-40G-SR4 | Cisco 40GBASE-SR4 QSFP+ | 40G predecessor using the same MPO/MMF infrastructure — common upgrade path to 100G by swapping to QSFP-100G-SR4-S |
