Cisco QSFP-100G-ZR4-S
100GBASE QSFP Transceiver, 80KM reach over SMF, Duplex LC, Original Cisco
Product Highlights
Extending 100 Gigabit Ethernet beyond the campus or metro area has traditionally required expensive coherent optics or bulky chassis-based solutions that consume significant power and rack space. The Cisco QSFP-100G-ZR4-S changes that equation by delivering 100GBASE-ZR4 connectivity up to 80km in a compact, hot-pluggable QSFP28 form factor.
This original Cisco transceiver multiplexes four 25G LAN WDM channels across a standard pair of G.652 single-mode fiber terminated with duplex LC connectors. Operating in the O-band optical spectrum where dispersion is minimal, the QSFP-100G-ZR4-S uses proven NRZ direct-detect technology paired with an integrated Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (SOA) on the receiver side to overcome the attenuation inherent in long-haul fiber runs. Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM) provides real-time diagnostics for proactive link management.
Ideal for data center interconnect (DCI), metro networking, enterprise core-to-core links, and service provider backhaul, the QSFP-100G-ZR4-S fits into any Cisco platform with a compatible QSFP28 port — no dedicated line card or external chassis required. Host-based RS-FEC (Reed Solomon Forward Error Correction) is required on the platform port. With a maximum power draw of 5.5W and a commercial operating temperature range of 0°C to 70°C, this transceiver delivers long-reach 100G performance with significantly lower cost and power than legacy alternatives.
Features & Benefits
80km Long-Reach in QSFP28 Form Factor
The QSFP-100G-ZR4-S supports link lengths of up to 80km over G.652 single-mode fiber — a reach previously achievable only with larger coherent modules or external chassis-based solutions. By fitting into a standard QSFP28 port, it dramatically reduces the cost, power, and space required for long-haul 100G connectivity.
LAN WDM 4-Channel Multiplexing
The module carries the 100 Gigabit Ethernet signal over four LAN WDM wavelengths (1295.56, 1300.05, 1304.58, and 1309.14 nm), each running at approximately 25 Gbps. Multiplexing and demultiplexing are handled entirely within the transceiver, so only a single duplex LC fiber pair is needed — simplifying cabling infrastructure and reducing fiber costs.
Integrated SOA for Long-Haul Reliability
A Semiconductor Optical Amplifier (SOA) on the receiver side boosts low-level optical signals after traversing long fiber spans. This integrated amplification eliminates the need for external optical amplifiers on many routes, keeping the solution compact and cost-effective while maintaining reliable signal integrity at distance.
Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM)
Built-in DOM provides real-time monitoring of critical transceiver parameters including optical power levels, voltage, and temperature. Network operations teams can use DOM data to detect degradation early, plan maintenance windows, and troubleshoot link issues without dispatching a technician to a remote site.
O-Band Direct-Detect Technology
By operating in the O-band where chromatic dispersion is minimal, the QSFP-100G-ZR4-S leverages mature, low-cost NRZ direct-detect transmitter and receiver technology. This avoids the complexity and expense of coherent DSP-based optics while still achieving 80km reach — delivering an optimal balance of performance and total cost of ownership.
Deployment Scenarios
Data Center Interconnect (DCI)
Connect geographically separated data centers up to 80km apart with 100G Ethernet over a single duplex fiber pair. The QSFP-100G-ZR4-S enables high-bandwidth replication, disaster recovery, and workload mobility between regional facilities without the cost of dedicated DWDM or coherent transport equipment.
Metro & Service Provider Backhaul
Service providers can use the QSFP-100G-ZR4-S to backhaul aggregated traffic from cell sites, remote POPs, or central offices to core routers over metro-distance single-mode fiber. The compact QSFP28 form factor maximizes port density on aggregation platforms while the 80km reach covers most metro ring distances.
Enterprise Core-to-Core Links
Large enterprises with campus buildings, headquarters, or branch offices spread across a metro area can establish dedicated 100G links between core switches or routers. The plug-and-play QSFP28 module simplifies deployment compared to chassis-based WDM solutions.
High-Performance Computing (HPC) Interconnect
HPC environments that span multiple buildings or facilities benefit from the low-latency, high-bandwidth 100G connectivity the QSFP-100G-ZR4-S provides. Direct-detect technology keeps latency predictable, which is critical for tightly coupled compute workloads.
General
Performance
Electrical / Power
Environmental
Compliance
Compatibility Notes
The QSFP-100G-ZR4-S is designed for Cisco platforms with QSFP28 ports that support the module's power and thermal requirements. Host-based RS-FEC (528,514) is always required on the platform port — the transceiver does not generate or decode FEC internally.
- Maximum power consumption: 5.5W (higher than standard 3.5W QSFP28 modules). Verify that the target platform's QSFP28 cage supports this power class.
- Cooling: The platform must cool the transceiver to a maximum case temperature of 70°C. Front-to-back airflow is typically recommended.
- Fiber type: G.652 single-mode fiber (SMF) with duplex UPC LC connectors.
- Interoperability: The QSFP-100G-ZR4-S does not interoperate with 100G coherent transceivers. It also does not interoperate with non-FEC transceivers such as QSFP-100G-LR4-S.
- Platform compatibility: Always verify support for your specific switch or router model and software version using the Cisco Optics-to-Device Compatibility Matrix before ordering.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| QSFP-100G-ER4L-S | Cisco 100GBASE-ER4 Lite QSFP28 | Reaches up to 40km — lower cost option when 80km is not required; similar LAN WDM architecture but without SOA. |
| QSFP-100G-LR4-S | Cisco 100GBASE-LR4 QSFP28 | Reaches up to 10km at lower power (~3.5W) and does not require RS-FEC — ideal for shorter campus or intra-metro links. |
| Q100-ZR4-S-EA | Cisco 100GBASE Q100-ZR4-S-EA QSFP28 | Cisco's latest-generation 80km ZR4 module — verify platform support and availability as a potential successor or alternative. |
| QSFP-100G-4W40-I | Cisco 100G 4WDM 40km Industrial Temp QSFP28 | Supports industrial temperature range and 40km reach — choose when extended operating temperatures are required over maximum distance. |