Сравнение модулей QSFP28 100G CWDM4 и LR4 для развертывания в одномодовом волокне

How to choose between QSFP28 100G CWDM4 and LR4 modules for your data center? These two dominant Оптический трансивер 100 Гбит/с standards look similar but have critical differences impacting cost, reach, and infrastructure. This guide cuts through the complexity, empowering you to make the идеального, экономически выгодным выбором for your high-speed links.

➤ Ключевые выводы

Выбор 100G CWDM4 modules for short or medium distances до 2 км. These modules help you save money and use less power. They still give good performance.
Использовать 100G LR4 modules for long distances до 10 км
. These modules give strong and reliable signals. You need to spend more for them.
Check if your network equipment works with the modules before you buy. Make sure the modules fit your switches and routers.
Think about how far your network needs to go and your budget. Pick the module that matches your needs now and in the future.
Know that CWDM4 uses direct modulation lasers and needs error correction. LR4 uses external modulation lasers for longer reach and may not always need error correction.

➤ Understanding the Core Technologies

Оба QSFP28 CWDM4 и QSFP28 LR4 are hot-pluggable, 100GBase transceivers using four 25Gbps lanes. Their core divergence lies in волновое мультиплексирование и бюджет линии:

QSFP28 100G CWDM4 Transceiver (100GBase-CWDM4):
- Длины волн: Uses four wavelengths within the Мультиплексирование с грубым разделением по длинам волн
  (CWDM)
  grid: approximately 1271nm, 1291nm, 1311nm, and 1331nm.
- Дальность действия: Оптимизирован для up to 2 km over standard Одномодовое волокно (одномодовое волокно).
- Основное преимущество: Экономическая эффективность. Leverages wider channel spacing, allowing simpler (cheaper) lasers and optics. Crucial for высокоплотном датацентре
  deployments where потребление энергии и optic module price имеют первостепенное значение.
- Fiber Usage: Использует dual single-mode fiber (SMF) strands (one for Tx, one for Rx) – a pair of fibers.
QSFP28 100G LR4 Transceiver (100GBase-LR4):
- Длины волн: Uses four tightly packed wavelengths around the 1310nm window (1295.56nm, 1300.05nm, 1304.58nm, 1309.14nm) based on LAN-WDM технология.
- Дальность действия: Designed for longer distances, supporting до 10 км
  over standard одномодовому волокну (SMF).
- Key Advantage: Reach. Essential for connecting кампусных сетях, городских сетей Ethernet,, or linking disaggregated data center buildings.
- Fiber Usage: Also uses dual single-mode fiber (SMF) strands (one for Tx, one for Rx).

➤ Head-to-Head Comparison: CWDM4 vs LR4

Here’s a clear breakdown of the critical differences:

Характеристика	QSFP28 100G CWDM4	QSFP28 100G LR4
Стандарт	100GBase-CWDM4 (IEEE) / MSA	100GBase-LR4 (IEEE 802.3bm Clause 88)
Wavelength Grid	CWDM (~1271, 1291, 1311, 1331 nm)	LAN-WDM (~1295, 1300, 1304, 1309 nm)
Максимальная дальность	2 км	10 км
Тип волокна	Одномодовое оптоволокно (SMF)	Одномодовое оптоволокно (SMF)
Количество волокон	2 Волокна (1 Tx pair, 1 Rx pair) ✅	2 Волокна (1 Tx pair, 1 Rx pair)
Типовая стоимость	Ниже (Simpler lasers & optics) 💰	Выше (Tighter tolerances & reach)
Потребляемая мощность	Обычно Ниже (< 3.5W) 🔋	Обычно Немного выше (≤ 3.5W)
Основная сфера применения	Short-Reach Data Center Interconnects (DCI), Top-of-Rack (ToR) to Leaf	Longer-Reach DCI, Metro, Campus Links, Leaf to Spine/Core
Соответствие MSA	CWDM4 MSA	IEEE 802.3bm
Совместимость	Not directly interoperable with LR4 ❌	Not directly interoperable with CWDM4 ❌
Ключевой драйвер	Cost Optimization, Power Efficiency	Reach Requirement

➤ Why the Reach Difference Matters (And When Cost Wins)

Корпус 2km reach of CWDM4 transceiver is often perfect within modern гипермасштабируемых центрах обработки данных. If your links connect racks within a row or adjacent rows in the same hall, CWDM4 delivers significant savings на optic module cost without sacrificing performance. This makes it the go-to choice for high-volume data center deployments prioritizing общую стоимость владения (TCO). LINK-PP’s LQ-CW100-FR4C is a market leader here, offering reliability at an optimal price point.

Корпус 10km reach of LR4 module is indispensable when connecting across buildings, to a central office, or within a городскую сеть. While the optic module price is higher due to more precise laser requirements, it eliminates the need for potentially expensive reach extenders or additional network hops for these longer distances. For robust, future-proofed long distance fiber optic transmission, LINK-PP’s LQ-LW100-LR4C provides the necessary performance.

✅ Key Takeaways & Which One to Choose

Need ≤ 2km within a data center? Choose CWDM4. It’s the экономичное, power-efficient workhorse for облачной инфраструктуры, webscale networking, и enterprise data center spine-leaf architectures. Maximize your budget without compromise.
Need up to 10km (campus, metro, inter-building)? Choose LR4. Its longer reach is non-negotiable for these scenarios, justifying the higher optic module price. Необходим для telecom applications и extended data center interconnects.
Взаимодействуемость: CWDM4 and LR4 modules are NOT plug-and-play compatible. Ensure both ends of a link use the тот же technology (CWDM4-CWDM4 or LR4-LR4).
Инфраструктура волоконно-оптической линии связи: Both require standard single-mode fiber patch cables. The choice doesn’t impact your underlying fiber plant type, only the reach it enables.

➤ LINK-PP: Your Partner for High-Performance 100G Optics

Whether you need the cost-optimized efficiency . Он определяет рамки для: CWDM4 for massive data center scaling or the расширенной дальности . Он определяет рамки для: LR4 в metro connectivity, ССЫЛКА-PP delivers reliable, high-quality QSFP28 solutions. Our 100G CWDM4
и 100G LR4 modules are rigorously tested for seamless 100g qsfp28 integration and performance.

Ready to Optimize Your 100G Network? ✉️
Consult with LINK-PP experts today! We’ll help you select the perfect 100g transceiver – whether it’s CWDM4, LR4, or other cutting-edge оптическими модулями – ensuring maximum performance, reliability, and value for your specific соединения центров обработки данных потребностей. Get a quote or request samples now ➞

➤ Часто задаваемые вопросы (FAQ)

What is the main difference between 100G CWDM4 and 100G LR4?

You will find that CWDM4 works best for short to medium distances, up to 2km. LR4 supports longer distances, up to 10km. LR4 uses stronger lasers and costs more.

Do I need special equipment for CWDM4 or LR4 modules?

Most modern switches and routers support CWDM4. LR4 sometimes needs special gear for long distances. Always check your device’s compatibility before you buy.

Why does CWDM4 require FEC?

CWDM4 needs Исправление ошибок в прямом направлении (FEC) to fix errors during data transmission. FEC helps keep your data safe and reliable, especially over longer links.

Can I use CWDM4 and LR4 modules together in one network?

You can use both types in the same network if your equipment supports them. Make sure each link uses the right module for its distance and requirements.

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