Introduction to 400G Networking Evolution
In modern data centers, bandwidth demand has been continuously pushed by artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, 5G, and edge applications. To meet these requirements, 400g transceivers have been widely deployed, offering scalable and cost-effective solutions. Among them, the 400G QSFP112 DR4 has gained significant attention thanks to its balance of high performance and compatibility with existing infrastructures.
This article provides a comprehensive look at 400G QSFP112 DR4, compares different 400g optical transceiver types, and helps decision-makers understand why these modules have become the backbone of next-generation networking.
What is 400G QSFP112 DR4?
The 400G QSFP112 DR4 is a high-speed optical transceiver designed for 400 Gigabit Ethernet (400GbE) applications. It follows the QSFP112 MSA (Multi-Source Agreement) standard, offering a compact form factor with enhanced signal integrity.
Key Features of 400G QSFP112 DR4
Form factor: QSFP112, backward compatible with QSFP-DD cages in many cases.
Reach: 500m on single-mode fiber (SMF).
Wavelength: 1310nm.
Connector: MPO-12/APC.
Data rate: 4 x 100Gbps lanes using PAM4 modulation.
Power consumption: Typically 12W or less.
The 400G QSFP112 DR4 is primarily used in short-reach data center interconnects, spine-leaf architectures, and cloud service providers’ backbone networks.
400GBASE-SR4 QSFP112 PAM4 850nm 50m DOM MPO-12/APC MMF Optical Transceiver Module
Price range: NT$699 through NT$799
400GBASE-DR4 QSFP112 PAM4 1310nm 500m DOM MPO-12/APC SMF Optical Transceiver Module
Price range: NT$669 through NT$799
400GBASE-SR4 OSFP 850nm 50m DOM MPO-12/APC MMF Optical Transceiver Module
Price range: NT$499 through NT$898
Why 400g Transceivers Are Reshaping the Industry
The demand for 400g transceivers is not only driven by capacity but also by efficiency. Traditional 100G and 200G solutions are becoming insufficient for large-scale data centers. As more workloads are migrated to the cloud, 400g optical transceiver deployments are reshaping connectivity.
Benefits of 400g Transceivers
High density: Enables more bandwidth per rack unit.
Lower cost per bit: Reduces total cost of ownership.
Energy efficiency: Power per gigabit is optimized.
Scalability: Future-proof for 800G and beyond.
Comparison of 400G Optical Transceiver Types
A wide variety of 400g optical transceiver modules exist, optimized for different distances and use cases.
| Module Type | Reach | Connector | Fiber Type | Application |
| 400G QSFP112 DR4 | 500m | MPO-12 | SMF | Data center interconnect |
| 400G QSFP-DD FR4 | 2km | Duplex LC | SMF | Metro/edge networks |
| 400G OSFP DR8 | 500m | MPO-16 | SMF | AI/ML clusters |
| 400G QSFP-DD LR4 | 10km | Duplex LC | SMF | Long-haul data centers |
| 400G AOC/DAC | ≤5m | Direct attach | Copper/Fiber | Short rack links |
The 400G QSFP112 DR4 is often preferred when high density and relatively short distances are required.
400G QSFP112 DR4 vs Other 400g Transceivers
Although 400G QSFP112 DR4 is widely used, it is not the only option. When compared to 400g transceivers like FR4 or LR4, DR4 is more cost-effective for shorter distances but not suitable for metro or long-haul networks.
| Feature | 400G QSFP112 DR4 | 400G QSFP-DD FR4 | 400G QSFP-DD LR4 |
| Distance | 500m | 2km | 10km |
| Connector | MPO-12 | Duplex LC | Duplex LC |
| Fiber Requirement | SMF | SMF | SMF |
| Power Consumption | ≤12W | ~14W | ~16W |
| Best Use Case | Data centers | Edge networks | Metro/Backbone |
By selecting the right module, operators can optimize cost and performance simultaneously.
Applications of 400G Optical Transceiver Technology
The 400g optical transceiver family, including QSFP112 DR4, has been widely adopted in:
Cloud computing: High bandwidth between servers and switches.
AI training clusters: Latency-sensitive high-throughput links.
5G transport networks: Reliable and scalable fronthaul/backhaul.
Hyperscale data centers: Cost-efficient scaling to meet exponential traffic growth.
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Technical Specifications of 400G QSFP112 DR4
To better understand its place among 400g transceivers, here’s a detailed breakdown:
| Specification | Value |
| Form Factor | QSFP112 |
| Line Rate | 4 x 106.25Gbps PAM4 |
| Modulation | PAM4 |
| Reach | Up to 500m |
| Fiber Type | Single-Mode Fiber (SMF) |
| Connector Interface | MPO-12/APC |
| Power Consumption | Typically ≤12W |
| Standard Compliance | IEEE 802.3cu, QSFP112 MSA |
It can be observed that QSFP112 DR4 provides the optimal balance of cost, density, and interoperability.
Market Trends for 400g Transceivers
The global market for 400g transceivers has expanded rapidly. Analysts project a CAGR exceeding 30% through 2030. Adoption is being accelerated by hyperscalers such as AWS, Google Cloud, and Microsoft Azure.
A key factor is that 400g optical transceiver solutions like QSFP112 DR4 and FR4 reduce cost per gigabit while meeting ever-growing traffic demands.
Conclusion – Why 400G QSFP112 DR4 Matters
The 400G QSFP112 DR4 stands out among 400g transceivers for its compact design, cost efficiency, and reliable performance for up to 500m applications. While not suitable for long-haul transport, it has become an essential component of data centers worldwide.
By deploying 400g optical transceiver solutions, enterprises and service providers can future-proof their networks for AI-driven and 5G-enabled applications.
FAQs About 400G QSFP112 DR4 and 400g Transceivers
Q1: What is a 400G QSFP112 DR4 module?
A 400G QSFP112 DR4 is a high-speed 400g optical transceiver designed for 500m transmission using single-mode fiber.
Q2: How does 400G QSFP112 DR4 differ from other 400g transceivers?
Unlike FR4 or LR4, the DR4 is optimized for short-reach applications within data centers, making it more cost-effective.
Q3: Can 400g transceivers be used for AI workloads?
Yes, many AI/ML clusters deploy 400g optical transceiver modules, especially DR4 and DR8, due to their low latency and high throughput.
Q4: What fiber is required for 400G QSFP112 DR4?
It requires single-mode fiber (SMF) with MPO-12/APC connectors for 500m reach.
Q5: Why are 400g transceivers important for the future?
They provide the bandwidth, scalability, and efficiency necessary for cloud, AI, and 5G-driven networks.
