Intel® Ethernet QSFP+ SR Optics

Experience ultra-fast, reliable 40 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity with the Intel® Ethernet QSFP+ SR Optics. Engineered for data centers and enterprise networks that demand high bandwidth, low latency, and scalable deployment, these optics are designed to accelerate content distribution, virtualization workloads, network appliances, and Applications Delivery Controllers (ACD). The SR short-reach transceiver delivers robust performance across multi-mode fiber (MMF), enabling efficient, green, and dense 40GbE deployments that power modern IT infrastructures—from dense server racks to cloud-enabled virtual environments. Whether you are upgrading from 10GbE to 40GbE, expanding fabric capacity, or optimizing a multi-CPU virtualization strategy, Intel® QSFP+ SR optics provide proven reliability, plug-and-play simplicity, and compatibility with Intel Ethernet ecosystems for a seamless upgrade path.

• Blazing 40GbE bandwidth for demanding data-center workloads — The Intel® QSFP+ SR optics are purpose-built to deliver high-throughput 40GbE connectivity over MMF, enabling applications that require simultaneous, multi-stream traffic, such as media-rich content distribution, virtualized data centers, and high-performance computing environments. By aggregating four 10GbE lanes into a single QSFP+ link, these optics unlock significantly improved aggregate bandwidth and more efficient server-to-network traffic patterns, reducing bottlenecks in core-to-access paths and enabling rapid data replication, backup, and disaster recovery operations.
• Reliability and compatibility across Intel Ethernet products — Built to complement Intel Ethernet adapters, switches, and orchestration stacks, these SR optics deliver reliable, industry-standard performance within Intel-supported ecosystems. They are designed for hot-plug operation in compatible servers and switch environments, helping administrators minimize downtime during maintenance or upgrades. With Intel craftsmanship behind every component, you gain consistent performance, long-term availability, and streamlined vendor support for mixed-hardware deployments in heterogeneous data centers.
• Flexibility with MMF, MPO/MTP connectors, and multi-rate versatility — SR optics are optimized for short-reach MMF networks using MPO/MTP connectors, enabling dense cabling in data-center enclosures. The SR designation indicates short-range operation with 850 nm VCSEL lasers, supporting typical OM3/OM4 multimode fiber. This configuration provides cost-effective, high-density connectivity suitable for rack-to-rack or cabinet-to-cabinet links within data centers, campus networks, and enterprise deployments, while maintaining compatibility with existing MMF infrastructure and fiber management practices.
• Energy efficiency, cooling advantages, and operational simplicity — In modern data centers, power and cooling budgets are as critical as raw throughput. Intel® QSFP+ SR Optics are designed to deliver the required bandwidth with efficient optical transmission, helping to reduce energy per transmitted bit. Their compact transceiver form factor also minimizes space consumption, enabling tighter server and switch densities. The optical module’s design supports straightforward replacement and maintenance, which translates into reduced downtime and simpler lifecycle management for network upgrades and routine servicing.
• Future-proofing through virtualization-ready, scalable networking — As virtualization intensifies and multi-CPU workloads proliferate, the ability to scale network bandwidth without hardware overhauls becomes essential. Intel® QSFP+ SR Optics provide a future-proof path to higher networking tiers by delivering 40GbE with the capacity to support subsequent fabric refreshes and virtual network function acceleration. This makes them an excellent choice for content delivery networks, software-defined data centers, and enterprise environments pursuing performance gains, improved resource utilization, and streamlined network orchestration across hybrid cloud deployments.

Technical Details of Intel® Ethernet QSFP+ SR Optics

• Form Factor: QSFP+ transceiver module designed for close-system integration in servers, storage, and switches.
• Data Rate: 40 Gbps (SR4, four 10 Gbps lanes embedded within a single QSFP+ package).
• Optical Interface: Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF) capable of short-reach operation with 850 nm VCSEL technology.
• Wavelength: 850 nm, optimized for short-range MMF links and high bandwidth density.
• Fiber Type: OM3/OM4 MMF commonly used in data-center fabrics for SR optics with MPO/MTP connectors.
• Connector: MPO/MTP interface compatible with standard MMF trunk and breakout cabling used in dense deployments.
• Distance (typical): Up to 100 meters on OM3 fiber; up to 150 meters on OM4 fiber, depending on fiber quality and link budget.
• Compatibility: Designed to integrate with Intel Ethernet NICs, switches, and ecosystem tools, enabling seamless deployment within Intel-based networks.
• Operating Conditions: Optimized for data-center environments with reliable performance across typical data-center temperature ranges and operational wear.
• Power and Thermal: Engineered for efficient power usage within standard transceiver envelopes, supporting dense rack deployments while maintaining thermal reliability.

How to install Intel® Ethernet QSFP+ SR Optics

Preparing for installation

• Power down and unplug equipment — Before handling any transceiver or fiber cabling, ensure servers, switches, and related devices are powered down in accordance with your facility’s procedures. This minimizes the risk of ESD and accidental electrical input during the installation.
• Inspect components — Check the QSFP+ SR optic for any signs of damage or dust on the connector ferrule. If a dustcap is present, leave it in place until you are ready to connect fiber to prevent contamination.

Physical installation

• Insert into the compatible slot — Align the QSFP+ SR optically and mechanically with the server’s NIC, switch, or module slot. Gently push until the module seats with a secure click. Do not force the module, as misalignment can damage both the transceiver and the host connector.
• Attach fiber cabling — Use OM3 or OM4 MMF cables with MPO/MTP connectors. Ensure the fiber ends are clean and free of dust. Align the MPO/MTP connectors with the transceiver’s port and insert until the connectors fully seat. Keep the dust caps on unused ends and avoid bending fibers beyond recommended radii to maintain signal integrity.
• Check link indicators — Power up the equipment and observe the link status indicators on both ends. A solid link light typically indicates a stable connection. If a link is not established, verify fiber polarity, connector cleanliness, and cabling path for damage or excessive bend radius.
• Configure NIC and switch settings — Within the server OS and the connected switch, configure the 40GbE interface as required. Set MTU values, VLANs, flow-control, and any vendor-specific parameters to match your network policy and the fabric’s design.
• Test and validate — Run basic connectivity tests and throughput measurements to confirm the link’s performance. Tools like iPerf or throughput tests can help verify the expected 40GbE bandwidth, latency characteristics, and QoS behavior within your environment.

Maintenance and best practices

• Keep connectors clean — MMF fiber ends should be kept free of dust and debris. Use proper cleaning kits and avoid touching the connector ferrules with bare hands to prevent contamination that could degrade signal quality.
• Plan for redundancy — In data-center fabrics, integrate redundant optics and alternate paths to maintain availability in the event of a link or transceiver failure.
• Document configurations — Maintain up-to-date documentation of transceiver part numbers, fiber routing, and port mappings to simplify future upgrades and troubleshooting.
• Monitor performance — Regularly monitor link utilization, error rates, and fiber integrity to detect degradations early and schedule timely maintenance.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is Intel® Ethernet QSFP+ SR Optics used for?

  A: It is a short-reach 40GbE optical transceiver designed to accelerate data-center networks, enabling high-bandwidth connections for applications like content distribution, virtualization, network appliances, and ACDs in Intel-based infrastructures.

• Q: What type of fiber and connector does this module use?

  A: It uses multi-mode fiber (MMF) with an 850 nm wavelength and MPO/MTP connectors, optimized for SR (short-range) links within data-center fabrics such as OM3/OM4 fiber types.

• Q: How far can it reach?

  A: Typical reach is up to 100 meters on OM3 fiber and up to 150 meters on OM4 fiber, depending on fiber quality and link budget. Always verify the specific link length in your network design.

• Q: Is this transceiver hot-swappable?

  A: Yes. The Intel® QSFP+ SR Optics are designed for hot-swappable deployment in compatible servers, switches, and networking devices, enabling maintenance without powering down the entire system.

• Q: Are these optics compatible with non-Intel hardware?

  A: While these transceivers are designed for Intel Ethernet ecosystems, many are compatible with other OEM platforms that support the QSFP+SR optics standard. Always confirm compatibility with your switch or NIC vendor before purchase.