100G Optic Pluggables

Knowledge Base - FAQ

What are the differences between the various 100G fiber optic pluggables (i.e. CFP, CFP2, CFP4 and QSFP28)?
NOTE: Physical fiber connection type (LC fibers versus MPO) is not specific to an individual type of optic and connection type can vary based on the interface type that the optic was designed for (ex: 100GBASE-SR10 is MPO-24 MMF versus 100GBASE-SR4 which is MPO-12 MMF). CFP is the larger (and older) optics format. It transmits 10 electrical lanes of 10G traffic to achieve the 100G rate. CFP was used with the 100G TM6 transport module on the 8000E. It is not used with the CSAM; it is too large. CFP2 is smaller than CFP. It can transmit 4 electrical lanes of 25G traffic or 10 electrical lanes of 10G traffic to achieve the 100G rate. The choice of electrical bus depends on the interface type. CPF2 is used on the CSAM and it supports both electrical bus types. CFP4 is smaller than CFP2. It transmits 4 electrical lanes of 25G traffic to achieve the 100G rate. It can be used in the CSAM via adapter part 3076/92.92. CFP4 is supported in the 5800-100G QSFP28 is a small form factor optics. It transmits 4 electrical lanes of 25G traffic to achieve the 100G rate. QSFP28 is a supported interface in the 5800-100. It can be used in the CSAM via adapter part number 3076/92.93. This form factor is the main form factor for the new shorter reach optics.