800G Optical Transceiver Q&A Collection (Part 1)

What are the application advantages of 800G optical module technology?

As a disruptive force in data-center and high-performance-computing environments, 800 Gb/s optical-module technology is steering the industry toward higher bandwidth, lower cost, and reduced power consumption. The key benefits are:

Dramatic increase in switching bandwidth: Compared with 400 Gb/s-port systems, 800G technology doubles the aggregate bandwidth. Upgrading from a 32-port 400 Gb/s system to a 32-port 800 Gb/s system raises the density from 12.8 T/RU to 25.6 T/RU, greatly boosting data-transport capacity.
Seamless aggregation of 400 Gb/s links: The dual-port design of 800G modules allows two 400 Gb/s links to be combined with a standard duplex LC or MPO connection, simplifying cabling and network architecture.
High- and ultra-high-density port configurations: A 1 RU 800G system with 32 ports can deliver 64×400 GE or 256 × 100 GE ports in a single rack unit. The fiber supports 2 × 400 GE and 8 × 100 GE splits, interoperating seamlessly with existing 400G and 100G optics and protecting prior investments.

What form factors are available for 800G optical modules?

To maintain backward compatibility, 800G modules reuse the same mechanical dimensions as 400G modules, adopting two primary packages:

OSFP (Octal Small Form-factor Pluggable): An eight-lane electrical interface in which each lane runs at 100 Gb/s PAM4 modulation, yielding an aggregate 800 Gb/s.
QSFP-DD (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable-Double Density): Adds a second row of electrical contacts to the classic QSFP, increasing the number of high-speed lanes from four to eight. Each lane operates at 100 Gb/s PAM4 to reach 800 Gb/s.

Which 800G optical modules are available from TARLUZ?

Are OSFP and QSFP-DD 800G Modules Interchangeable?

OSFP and QSFP-DD modules are mechanically distinct form factors; their ports are not compatible, so the modules cannot be swapped directly.

Can an 800G OSFP module communicate with an 800G QSFP-DD module?

Yes. Although the physical packages differ, the signaling rate is identical. As long as both ends operate at the same rate and wavelength and are connected with the appropriate fiber, they will interoperate.

Taking an 800G SR8 optical module as an example, an 800G QSFP-DD/OSFP SR8 module can be connected to another 800G QSFP-DD/OSFP SR8 module at the far end via two MPO/MTP-12 fiber jumpers.