S3N88A-BCC | Aruba Compatible 100G Single-Mode 500m (100GBASE-DR)

Q: Will this work in place of the Aruba S3N88A?
A: Yes. The S3N88A-BCC is engineered to the same IEEE 802.3cd 100GBASE-DR specification as the OEM module, with matching QSFP28 form factor, 100G data rate, 1310nm wavelength, and LC duplex interface. It is plug-and-play compatible with any Aruba switch or router port that accepts the S3N88A.

Q: Which Aruba platforms support this transceiver?
A: This module is compatible with Aruba switches and routers featuring QSFP28 ports that support 100GBASE-DR, including platforms in the CX switching family such as the CX 8325 series. Consult the Aruba CX Operating System Transceiver Guide for minimum software versions and any platform-specific limitations.

Q: What fibre type and reach can I expect with this module?
A: The S3N88A-BCC requires OS2 single-mode fibre and is specified to 500m at 1310nm under 100GBASE-DR. The 500m reach assumes compliant SMF with dispersion and attenuation within IEEE 802.3cd limits. Longer distances may be possible depending on fibre quality and link budget, but 500m is the guaranteed specification.

Q: Does this transceiver require host-side FEC to be enabled?
A: No. The module includes onboard FEC as part of the PAM4 signal processing performed by the internal Broadcom DSP. The host sends standard 4x25G NRZ electrical signals via the QSFP28 interface; the transceiver handles NRZ-to-PAM4 conversion and FEC encoding internally. Host-side FEC configuration is not required for 100GBASE-DR operation.

Q: Can I use this module for 40G signaling or breakout applications?
A: No. The S3N88A-BCC is a dedicated 100GBASE-DR single-rate module optimized for 100G over single-mode fibre using a single 1310nm wavelength. It does not support 40G Ethernet modes or breakout to 4x25G, as the internal architecture converts the four electrical lanes into one optical signal. For breakout, use a 100G SR4 or PSM4 transceiver with appropriate breakout cabling.