Cisco 100 Gigabit Transceiver DP01QS28-E20

In today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, enterprise and service provider networks require efficient, scalable, and cost-effective solutions to keep up with growing bandwidth demands. As networks expand across metro regions, data center interconnects (DCI), and edge deployments, traditional direct-detect optical modules struggle to reach longer distances without costly external amplification and dispersion compensation equipment.

To address these operational challenges, Cisco brought coherent optical technology directly into standard pluggable form factors. The Cisco 100G ZR QSFP28 Coherent Optical Module represents a major advancement in optical networking, providing high-density, long-reach 100 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity in a compact design.

This innovation empowers network operators to simplify their operational architecture. By integrating digital signal processing directly into the transceiver, Cisco enables direct router-to-router transmission, significantly cutting capital expenses, operational complexity, and overall power consumption.

Product overview

The Cisco 100G ZR QSFP28 Coherent Optical Module, represented by product part number QSFP-100G-ZR-S, is built to simplify long-reach transport. Built on the standard Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable 28 (QSFP28) form factor, this module delivers 100 Gigabit Ethernet links up to 80 kilometers over standard Single-Mode Fiber (SMF) without requiring optical amplification or dispersion compensation.

At the core of this module is Dual-Polarization Quadrature Phase-Shift Keying (DP-DQPSK) modulation, combined with an onboard Coherent Digital Signal Processor (C-DSP). This design delivers exceptional receiver sensitivity and strong dispersion tolerance across challenging optical paths.

The QSFP-100G-ZR-S connects into standard QSFP28 ports across Cisco platforms, including the Cisco NCS 5500, ASR 9000, and Catalyst series switches. Operating at under 6W, it allows high port density across network chassis without overheating or excessive power draw.

Whether used for 5G backhaul, metro aggregation, or DCI, the QSFP-100G-ZR-S offers an affordable pathway to better performance without complex optical line systems.

Features and benefits

• Extended Reach: Transmits 100G data up to 80km over unamplified SMF, removing distance limits in metro networks.

• Standard QSFP28 Form Factor: Plugs into standard QSFP28 ports on routers and switches without extra transponder hardware.

• Coherent DP-DQPSK Modulation: Built-in DSP manages chromatic dispersion and polarization mode dispersion for clear signal quality.

• Low Power Consumption: Operates under 6 watts, helping operators maximize port density while lowering energy costs.

• Cost Savings: Eliminates the need for external amplifiers and dispersion modules on 80km links, reducing CAPEX and OPEX.

• Broad Cisco Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Cisco NCS 5500, ASR 9000, and Catalyst platforms for simplified deployment.

• Real-Time Monitoring: Features digital optical monitoring (DOM) for proactive tracking of temperature and signal health.

• Versatile Applications: Ideal for Data Center Interconnects (DCI), metro networks, enterprise WANs, and 5G backhaul.