Cisco 400 Gigabit DP04QSDD-LLH-A1 Transceiver

Modern optical networking is undergoing a major shift toward IP-over-DWDM (IPoDWDM) architectures. By embedding coherent optics directly into routing and switching platforms, network operators can significantly simplify their transport infrastructure, lower power consumption, and reduce operational costs.

Cisco’s high-power coherent optical modules address the traditional challenges of combining routing and optical layers. These modules deliver the high transmit power necessary to interface directly with existing optical line systems and ROADM networks without requiring separate external transponder equipment or booster amplifiers.

Product Overview

The Cisco 400G QSFP-DD coherent transceiver portfolio includes distinct product models tailored for various network reach requirements and system architectures. Among these, the QDD-400G-ZRE-S and QDD-400G-OPN-ZR stand out as high-power "bright" optic modules. They deliver a transmit output power of -2 dBm (and up to 0 dBm in specific modes), allowing direct deployment over complex ROADM links and brownfield optical networks that traditionally required standalone transponders.

Additionally, the standard QDD-400G-ZR-S module caters to point-to-point router-to-router interconnects based on the OIF 400ZR standard, ideal for unamplified or simple amplified data center interconnect (DCI) applications. Together, these modules support multi-rate capabilities—including 100G, 200G, 300G, and 400G transport speeds—all within the compact and standardized QSFP-DD form factor.

Features and Benefits

• High Output Transmit Power: High-power variants deliver up to -2 dBm / 0 dBm output power, enabling direct integration into ROADM-based optical networks without extra amplification.
• IPoDWDM Architecture Enablement: Plugs directly into Cisco routers and switches, eliminating the need for dedicated transponder chassis, reducing footprint, and lowering overall capital and operational costs.
• Standards-Based Interoperability: Fully compliant with industry specifications including OIF 400ZR, OpenZR+, and OpenROADM standards to ensure seamless multi-vendor interoperability.
• Flexible Speed and Modulation: Supports selectable operating rates (100G, 200G, 300G, and 400G) using DP-QPSK and DP-16QAM modulations to optimize reach and capacity based on network conditions.
• Advanced Error Correction: Incorporates Open Forward Error Correction (oFEC) and C-FEC to maximize reach performance and maintain signal integrity over long distances.
• Energy and Space Efficiency: Utilizes the high-density QSFP-DD form factor, significantly lowering power consumption per bit compared to traditional optical transport hardware.