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40GBASE-LR4 QSFP+
Transceiver Links:
CWDM and PSM
As we all know, 40GBASE-SR4 QSFP+ transceivers usually use a parallel multimode fiber (MMF) link
to achieve 40G. It offers 4 independent transmit and receive channels, each capable of 10G
operation for an aggregate data rate of 40G over 100 meters of OM3 MMF or 150 meters of OM4
MMF. However, for 40GBASE-LR4 QSFP+ transceivers, there are two kinds of links. One is coarse
wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) and the other is parallel single-mode fiber (PSM). Whats
the difference between them? In this article, I will show their working principles to you respectively.

40GBASE-LR4 CWDM QSFP+ Transceiver

QSFP-40G-LR4The 40GBASE-LR4 CWDM QSFP+ transceiver,
such as QSFP-40GE-LR4, is compliant to 40GBASE-LR4 of the
IEEE P802.3ba standard. It contains a duplex LC connector for
the optical interface. The maximum transmission distance of
this transceiver is 10km. To minimize the optical dispersion in
the long-haul system, single-mode fiber (SMF) has to be used.
This transceiver converts 4 inputs channels of 10G electrical
data to 4 CWDM optical signals by a driven 4-wavelength
distributed feedback (DFB) laser array, and then multiplexes them into a single channel for 40G
optical transmission, propagating out of the transmitter module from the SMF. Reversely, the
receiver module accepts the 40G CWDM optical signals input, and demultiplexes it into 4 individual
10G channels with different wavelengths. The central wavelengths of the 4 CWDM channels are
1271, 1291, 1311 and 1331 nm as members of the CWDM wavelength grid defined in ITU-T G694.2.
Each wavelength channel is collected by a discrete photo diode and output as electric data after
being amplified by a transimpedance amplifier (TIA).

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40GBASE-LR4 PSM QSFP+ Transceiver

Unlike CWDM QSFP+ transceiver which uses a LC connector,
PSM QSFP+ is a parallel single-mode optical transceiver with
an MTP/MPO fiber ribbon connector. It also offers 4
independent transmit and receive channels, each capable
of 10G operation for an aggregate data rate of 40G on 10km
of single-mode fiber. Proper alignment is ensured by the
guide pins inside the receptacle. The cable usually cannot
be twisted for proper channel to channel alignment. In terms of a PSM QSFP+, the transmitter
module accepts electrical input signals compatible with common mode logic (CML) levels. All input
data signals are differential and internally terminated. The receiver module converts parallel optical
input signals via a photo detector array into parallel electrical output signals. The receiver module
outputs electrical signals are also voltage compatible with CML levels. All data signals are
differential and support a data rates up to 10.3G per channel.

Whats the Difference?

From an optical transceiver module structure viewpoint, PSM seems more cost effective because it
uses a single uncooled CW laser which splits its output power into four integrated silicon
modulators. Besides, its array-fiber coupling to an MTP connector is relatively simple. However,
from an infrastructure viewpoint, PSM would be more expensive when the link distance is long,
mainly due to the fact that PSM uses 8 optical single-mode fibers while CWDM uses only 2 optical
single-mode fibers. A summary table comparing the key differences between CWDM and PSM is
shown below:

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In addition, the caveat is that the entire optical fiber infrastructure within a data center, including
patch panels, has to be changed to accommodate MTP connectors and ribbon cables, which are
more expensive than conventional LC connectors and regular SMF cables. Whats more, cleaning
MTP connectors is not a straightforward task. Therefore, CWDM is a more profitable and popular
40G QSFP link.

Conclusion
For 40GBASE-LR4 QSFP+ transceivers, either CWDM link or PSM link, the maximum transmission
distance is both 10km. 40GBASE-LR4 CWDM QSFP+ transceivers use a duplex LC connector via 2
optical single-mode fibers to achieve 40G. However, 40GBASE-LR4 PSM QSFP+ transceivers use an
MTP/MPO fiber ribbon connector via 8 optical single-mode fibers to reach 40G. Therefore, CWDM
QSFP+ enables data center operators to upgrade to 40G connectivity without making any changes
to the previous 10G fiber cable plant, which is more cost-effective and widely used by people.
Fiberstore provides wide brand compatible 40G CWDM QSFP+ transceivers, such as Juniper
compatible JNP-QSFP-40G-LR4 and HP compatible JG661A. In Fiberstore, each fiber optic
transceiver has been tested to ensure its compatibility and interoperability. Please rest assured to
buy. For more information or quotation, please contact us via sales@fs.com.

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Technology Park, No.6, Keyuan Road,
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China
Tel: +86 (755) 8300 3611
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Email: sales@fs.com

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Notice: This document is for informational purposes only and does not set forth any warranty, expressed or
implied, concerning any equipment, equipment features, or service offered or to be offered by Fiberstore.
Fiberstore reserves the right to make changes to this document at any time, without notice, and assumes no
responsibility for its use. This information document describes features that may not be currently available.
Contact a Fiberstore sales team for information on feature and product availability.

Fiberstore (FS.COM) | 40GBASE-LR4 QSFP+ Transceiver Links: CWDM and PSM