QSFP-40G-SR4-BCC | Cisco Compatible 40GB Multi-Mode 150m (40GBASE-SR4)

Q: Will this work in place of the Cisco QSFP-40G-SR4?
A: Yes. The QSFP-40G-SR4-BCC is a plug-and-play drop-in replacement for the Cisco QSFP-40G-SR4. It conforms to the same IEEE 802.3ba 40GBASE-SR4 standard, uses the same QSFP+ form factor with MPO/MTP connector, operates at the same 850nm wavelength over four parallel lanes, and delivers identical 40 Gbps data rate and reach specifications (100m on OM3, 150m on OM4/OM5).

Q: Which Cisco platforms support this transceiver?
A: This transceiver is compatible with Cisco switches, routers, and other network equipment featuring QSFP+ ports that support 40GBASE-SR4 optics. It operates in any Cisco platform with a standard QSFP+ cage and multi-mode fiber infrastructure. The module also supports 4x10G breakout configurations when the host platform firmware enables lane breakout functionality.

Q: Can I use this module in 4x10G breakout mode to connect to 10GBASE-SR ports?
A: Yes. This transceiver supports 4x10G breakout mode using an external 12-fiber parallel-to-duplex fiber breakout cable. Each of the four 10 Gbps lanes can connect to a separate 10GBASE-SR SFP+ port over duplex multi-mode fiber, reaching 100 meters on OM3 or 150 meters on OM4. The transmit and receive optical characteristics are optimized to prevent receiver overload and alarm triggering on standard 10GBASE-SR interfaces while maintaining full 40GBASE-SR4 interoperability.

Q: What is the difference in reach between OM3 and OM4 fiber for this module?
A: The module reaches 100 meters over OM3 fiber and extends to 150 meters over OM4 or OM5 fiber. This difference is due to the lower modal bandwidth and higher attenuation of OM3 compared to OM4/OM5 at the 850nm wavelength. Both reach specifications assume a 1.9 dB link budget and account for fiber attenuation, connector losses, and splice losses per IEEE 802.3ba. Using OM4 or OM5 provides 50 percent additional reach for the same 40GBASE-SR4 application.

Q: Does this transceiver support per-lane optical power monitoring?
A: Yes. The module provides per-lane digital diagnostic monitoring (DOM) accessible via the I2C interface as defined by the QSFP+ MSA SFF-8436 specification. You can monitor transmit optical power, receive optical power, laser bias current, temperature, and supply voltage independently for each of the four optical lanes. This allows granular visibility into individual lane performance and simplifies troubleshooting when diagnosing asymmetric link issues or identifying degraded lanes in parallel optical links.