BlueOptics QSFP28 BiDi transceiver 100GBASE-ER1-BX-D 40km

High-density data centers often struggle to balance the demand for 100G connectivity with the scarcity of fiber infrastructure. Running new fiber pairs is costly and disruptive, yet single-fiber solutions frequently sacrifice reach or reliability. The BlueOptics QSFP28 BiDi transceiver resolves this tension by delivering full 100G throughput over a single strand of single-mode fiber up to 40 kilometers, effectively doubling the capacity of existing fiber plants without compromising performance.

Who is it for

This transceiver is built for network architects, data center operators, and service providers who need to maximize 100G link density while minimizing fiber usage. It is particularly valuable in campus and metro networks where dark fiber is limited, as well as in enterprise backbones that require long-reach connectivity between facilities. Any organization looking to defer or avoid costly fiber trenching will find this BiDi module an economical and practical choice.

Main features

• 100GBASE-ER1-BX standard for 100G Ethernet over a single fiber
• QSFP28 hot-pluggable form factor for high port density
• Bi-directional transmission on one LC simplex single-mode fiber
• Transmit wavelength 1330 nm, receive wavelength 1270 nm
• Maximum link distance of 40 km over OS2 single-mode fiber
• Digital diagnostics monitoring (DDM/DOM) for real-time health checks
• Low power consumption under 4.5 W for energy-efficient operation
• Commercial temperature range 0°C to 70°C
• Compliant with MSA and IEEE 802.3cu standards
• DFB laser transmitter and PIN photodetector for reliable optics

Specifications

• Form Factor: QSFP28
• Data Rate: 100 Gbps
• Ethernet Standard: 100GBASE-ER1-BX
• Max Transmission Distance: 40 km
• Fiber Type: Single-Mode Fiber (SMF)
• Connector Type: LC Simplex
• Wavelength (Tx): 1330 nm
• Wavelength (Rx): 1270 nm
• DDM/DOM Support: Yes
• Power Consumption: < 4.5 W
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 70°C
• Protocol: Ethernet
• Compliance: MSA Compliant, IEEE 802.3cu
• Bi-directional (BiDi): Yes
• Optical Components: DFB Laser (Tx), PIN Photo Detector (Rx)
• Electrical Interface: 4x25G NRZ
• Hot-Pluggable: Yes

Tips

When deploying BiDi transceivers, always pair this 1330/1270 nm module with its opposite counterpart (1270/1330 nm) on the far end to ensure proper wavelength matching. Use OS2 single-mode fiber with LC simplex connectors and verify link budget to account for splices and patch panels. Enable digital diagnostics on your switch to monitor temperature, voltage, and optical power for proactive maintenance.