Cisco 100 Gigabit Transceiver DP01QSDD-ZT5-A1

The Cisco 100GBASE QSFP-DD 100G ZR optical module represents a major shift in optical networking efficiency. By incorporating coherent technology into a compact QSFP-DD form factor, this solution allows routers and switches to connect directly over dense wavelength-division multiplexing (DWDM) networks.

This approach eliminates the requirement for separate, standalone transponder hardware, offering a streamlined architectural model for edge Data Center Interconnect (DCI), enterprise, campus, and service provider access networks. It combines high performance with operational simplicity to help operators manage rising traffic demands.

Product overview

The primary product detailed in this specification is the Cisco 100GBASE QSFP-DD 100G ZR module (Product ID: QDD-100G-ZR-S). Built for 100 Gigabit Ethernet connections, this pluggable optical transceiver utilizes Digital Coherent Optics (DCO) to send data across long-distance DWDM links without requiring intermediate optical-to-electrical conversions.

The QDD-100G-ZR-S operates within the C-band optical spectrum and supports point-to-point links up to 80 kilometers over standard single-mode fiber (SMF) in unamplified environments, with extended reach possibilities when deployed over amplified optical networks. This allows operators to maximize fiber capacity by multiplexing numerous 100G wavelengths over a single pair of fibers.

Designed to align with industry standards, including OIF 100G ZR and OpenZR+ frameworks, this module ensures interoperability with compatible third-party equipment. It integrates across a wide array of optical-capable Cisco routing and switching platforms—including the Cisco NCS 5500 Series, NCS 5700 Series, ASR 9000 Series, Cisco 8000 Series, Nexus 9000 Series, and Catalyst enterprise platforms—enabling a modern IP-over-DWDM (IPoDWDM) architecture.

Features and benefits

• IP-over-DWDM Architecture: Plugs directly into compatible host switches and routers, removing the need for external transponder boxes and significantly lowering capital and operational expenses.
• Standard QSFP-DD Form Factor: Delivers high-density port availability, helping operators conserve space and maximize throughput within existing rack infrastructure.
• Extended Reach Performance: Supports unamplified point-to-point DWDM connections up to 80 km, as well as longer reach capability across amplified line systems.
• Standards-Based Interoperability: Complies with OIF 100G ZR and OpenZR+ optical standards, ensuring reliable operation in multi-vendor optical environments.
• Advanced Coherent DSP: Built-in Digital Signal Processor (DSP) with Forward Error Correction (FEC) maintains strong signal integrity and low latency over long distances.
• Power and Cost Efficiency: Consumes significantly less power per gigabit than traditional transponder-based solutions, resulting in lower total cost of ownership (TCO).
• Simplified Operations: Streamlines deployment and maintenance by unifying the IP and transport network layers under a single management framework.