The relentless demand for higher bandwidth pushes data centers towards 100G infrastructure. While QSFP28 100G SR4 (using parallel MMF with 8 fibers) is common, its significant fiber consumption poses challenges, especially in upgrade scenarios. Enter the QSFP28 100G SWDM4 optical transceiver – a brilliant solution engineered for cost efficiency and maximizing existing fiber plant. A 100G SWDM4 transceiver moves data very fast. It uses four different light wavelengths. SWDM4 technology mixes these wavelengths together. This lets the transceiver send 100G over one pair of multimode fiber cables. Network professionals use SWMD4 for quick connections. They need less fiber and spend less money.
▎ 📢 SWDM4 helps networks work better. One 100G SWDM4 transceiver can move data quickly and safely in busy places.
📝 What is SWDM4 & How Does it Solve the Fiber Crunch?
SWDM4 stands for Short Wavelength Division Multiplexing with 4 lanes. Unlike SR4 requiring 4 distinct fiber pairs (8 fibers total) for Tx and Rx, SWDM4 achieves 100G over just two strands of standard OM3/OM4 multimode fiber (MMF). How? Magic? Not quite. Clever physics!
Multiplexing: The transmitter combines four different "short" wavelengths (typically around 850nm, 880nm, 910nm, 940nm) onto a single fiber strand.
Transmission: This multiplexed signal travels down one fiber strand.
Demultiplexing: At the receiver end, the combined signal is split back into its four individual wavelengths.
Bi-Directionality: A second fiber strand handles transmission in the opposite direction using the same principle.
Result: 100Gbps full-duplex transmission using only 2 fibers instead of 8! This translates directly to massive fiber savings and simplified cabling.
📝 Key Advantages of QSFP28 100G SWDM4 Modules:
Dramatic Fiber Savings: Utilize 75% less fiber compared to SR4 deployments. This is crucial for:
Data Center Upgrades: Leverage existing MMF infrastructure built for 10G/40G without costly re-cabling.
High-Density Environments: Free up precious conduit space and patch panel ports.
Cost-Effective Migration: Significantly lower the barrier to adopting 100G by avoiding new fiber runs. Reduce both CAPEX and OPEX.
Proven Performance: Delivers reliable 100Gbps data rates over OM3 MMF up to 70m and OM4 MMF up to 100m, covering most intra-rack and inter-rack links.
Standard Compliance: Conforms to SWDM4 MSA (Multi-Source Agreement) specifications, ensuring interoperability.
QSFP28 Form Factor: Hot-pluggable, industry-standard form factor ensures compatibility with a vast range of switches, routers, and transport equipment.
📝 SWDM4 vs. SR4: Choosing the Right 100G Solution
Let's break down the key differences to help you decide:
Feature | QSFP28 100G SWDM4 | QSFP28 100G SR4 | Winner for... |
|---|---|---|---|
Fiber Type | OM3 / OM4 MMF | OM3 / OM4 MMF | - |
Fibers | 2 | 8 | Fiber Savings (SWDM4) |
Max Distance | 70m (OM3), 100m (OM4) | 70m (OM3), 100m (OM4) | - |
Wavelengths | 4 WDM lanes (e.g., 850,880,910,940nm) | 4 Parallel lanes (~850nm) | - |
Primary Use | Upgrading existing MMF plants, fiber scarcity | New builds, highest density | Existing Fiber / Cost (SWDM4) |
Cost (Rel.) | $$ (Lower Fiber Cost Impact) | $$$ (Higher Fiber Consumption) | TCO (SWDM4) |
The Verdict: If you have existing OM3/OM4 cabling and need to deploy 100G within 100m, SWDM4 is often the most economical and practical choice, preserving your fiber investment. SR4 remains ideal for brand-new, ultra-high-density deployments where fiber count isn't the primary constraint.
📝 Optimize Your 100G with LINK-PP SWDM4 Solutions
For reliable, high-performance, and cost-effective SWDM4 transceivers, trust LINK-PP. Our QSFP28 100G SWDM4 modules LQ-SW100-SR4C are rigorously tested for:
Superior Compatibility: Seamless operation with major OEM switches and routers.
Stable Performance: Guaranteed to meet or exceed SWDM4 MSA specifications for distance and data integrity over OM3/OM4.
Extended Temperature Support: Reliable operation in demanding environments.
Industry-Leading Value: Delivering enterprise-grade quality without the premium price tag.
Ready to Stretch Your Fiber Budget Further? 💰➡️🚀
The QSFP28 100G SWDM4 transceiver is a smart, strategic choice for data centers looking to harness 100G speeds without the burden of massive fiber overhauls. By maximizing your existing infrastructure, it delivers significant cost savings and operational simplicity.
Upgrade Smarter, Not Harder!
Explore LINK-PP's range of high-quality, compatible QSFP28 100G SWDM4 optical modules today and discover the true potential of your existing fiber plant.
🔍 Find the Perfect LINK-PP LQ-SW100-SR4C for Your Needs ➔ [Product Page]
📚 Learn More About Optimizing Data Center Fiber ➔ [LINK-PP Community]
📝 FAQs: Your QSFP28 100G SWDM4 Questions Answered!
Quick insights to power your decision-making.
❓ Q1: What makes SWDM4 different from traditional SR4 transceivers?
✅ A: While both deliver 100G over MMF, SWDM4 uses Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) to transmit 4 wavelengths over a single fiber pair (2 strands). SR4 requires 4 parallel fiber pairs (8 strands). SWDM4 reduces fiber consumption by 75%, making it ideal for upgrading legacy cabling.
❓ Q2: Can I use SWDM4 modules with my existing OM3/OM4 cabling?
✅ A: Absolutely! This is SWDM4’s core advantage. LINK-PP's QSFP28 100G SWDM4 modules are designed to work seamlessly over installed OM3 (70m) and OM4 (100m) multimode fiber, eliminating costly re-cabling for 100G upgrades.
❓ Q3: Are SWDM4 transceivers compatible with Cisco/Juniper/Arista switches?
✅ A: Yes, with proper configuration. LINK-PP LQ-SW100-SR4C transceiver comply with SWDM4 MSA standards and support vendor-agnostic compatibility. They work with major OEMs when coded appropriately (always verify compatibility for your specific switch model).
❓ Q4: What wavelengths does SWDM4 use?
✅ A: SWDM4 leverages four "short" wavelengths in the ~850–940nm range (e.g., 850nm, 880nm, 910nm, 940nm), multiplexed onto one fiber strand. This enables high-capacity transmission over MMF.
❓ Q5: Is SWDM4 or SR4 better for new data center builds?
✅ A: It depends on your fiber strategy.
Choose SR4 if:
You prioritize maximum port density.
Fiber count/cost isn’t a constraint.
Choose SWDM4 if:
You want future-proof fiber efficiency (using 2 fibers instead of 8).
You plan for higher future speeds (e.g., 400G-SWDM8 uses the same fiber base).
❓ Q6: Why choose LINK-PP for SWDM4 transceivers?
✅ A: LINK-PP delivers:
✅ Guaranteed MSA Compliance: Reliable performance up to 100m on OM4.
✅ Rigorous Testing: 48hr+ burn-in & full diagnostics.
✅ Lifetime Warranty: Risk-free investment.
✅ 24/7 Tech Support: Expert assistance for seamless integration.
▎ Explore our best-seller: LINK-PP LQ-SW100-SR4C – Optimized for TCO savings!
