PAN-QSFP-40GBASE-BIDI-BCC | Palo Alto Compatible 40GB Multi-Mode BiDi - 100m (40GBASE-SR-BD)

Q: Will this work in place of the Palo Alto PAN-QSFP-40GBASE-BIDI?
A: Yes. This transceiver is a direct replacement for the PAN-QSFP-40GBASE-BIDI. It conforms to the same IEEE 802.3ba 40GBASE-SR-BD standard, uses the same QSFP+ form factor, and operates at the same 40 Gbps data rate over 832-918nm bidirectional wavelengths. The module is plug-and-play compatible with Palo Alto platforms that list the PAN-QSFP-40GBASE-BIDI as a supported transceiver.

Q: Which Palo Alto platforms support this transceiver?
A: This module is compatible with any Palo Alto firewall or network platform featuring QSFP+ ports that support 40GBASE-SR-BD BiDi operation. Compatibility depends on the port supporting IEEE 802.3ba 40 Gigabit Ethernet with bidirectional multi-mode fiber transceivers. Consult your platform hardware compatibility list or contact Blue Cable Co to confirm support for your specific model.

Q: What fiber type is required and why does the BiDi architecture matter?
A: This transceiver requires laser-optimized OM3 or OM4 multi-mode duplex fiber with LC connectors. The BiDi design uses two wavelengths in the 832-918nm range, with each fiber carrying bidirectional traffic via wavelength division multiplexing. This allows 40G transmission over a standard two-fiber duplex cable instead of the eight fibers required by 40GBASE-SR4 with MPO connectors, enabling reuse of existing 10G fiber infrastructure.

Q: Does this module require a matched pair at both ends of the link?
A: Yes. BiDi transceivers operate in complementary pairs. One transceiver transmits at the lower wavelength and receives at the upper wavelength, while the opposite end does the inverse. Both ends must be 40GBASE-SR-BD BiDi modules with matched wavelength pairs in the 832-918nm range. Mixing BiDi with SR4 or other 40G optics on the same link will result in link failure.

Q: What is the optical power budget and can I use patch panels?
A: 40GBASE-SR-BD BiDi modules typically provide a 2 dB minimum optical power budget, supporting 100m on OM3 and 150m on OM4 under controlled conditions. This budget accounts for fiber attenuation and a limited number of mated LC connector pairs. Adding patch panels increases insertion loss and may reduce effective reach. For links approaching maximum distance or using multiple patch points, verify total link loss remains within the module power budget using an optical loss test set.