BlueOptics QSFP28 Bidi transceiver 100GBASE-ER1-BX-U 40KM

Deliver 100 Gigabit Ethernet over a single strand of single-mode fibre for distances up to 40 km with the BlueOptics QSFP28 Bidi Transceiver. This hot-pluggable module uses PAM4 modulation and a DFB laser to transmit at 1271 nm and receive at 1331 nm, all through a simplex LC connector. With a power draw under 4.5 W and an operating range of 0°C to 70°C, it is built for dense data centre interconnects and carrier-class links that demand high throughput without sacrificing reliability.

Overview

The BlueOptics QSFP28 Bidi Transceiver 100GBASE-ER1-BX-U is engineered for 100GBASE-ER1-BX Ethernet applications. It leverages bi-directional (Bidi) technology to send and receive data on a single fibre, effectively doubling the capacity of existing fibre infrastructure. The module complies with the QSFP28 MSA and IEEE 802.3cu standards, ensuring seamless interoperability with a wide range of networking equipment. Digital diagnostics monitoring (DDM/DOM) provides real-time visibility into key parameters such as optical power, temperature, and voltage, simplifying network management and troubleshooting.

What stands out

• 100 Gbps data rate over a single LC simplex fibre connection
• 40 km reach on OS2 single-mode fibre, ideal for metro and campus backbones
• Bi-directional design with 1271 nm transmit and 1331 nm receive wavelengths
• Low power consumption (< 4.5 W) reduces cooling requirements and operational costs
• Commercial temperature range (0°C to 70°C) suits standard data centre environments
• Hot-pluggable QSFP28 form factor enables quick installation and replacement without downtime
• Supports DDM/DOM for proactive monitoring of link health

Technical details

• Form factor: QSFP28
• Data rate: 100 Gbps
• Ethernet standard: 100GBASE-ER1-BX
• Wavelength (transmit): 1271 nm
• Wavelength (receive): 1331 nm
• Maximum distance: 40 km
• Fibre type: Single-mode (SMF), OS2 recommended
• Connector: LC simplex
• Duplex mode: Simplex (bi-directional)
• Modulation: PAM4
• Optical component: DFB laser
• Electrical interface: CAUI-4
• Power consumption: < 4.5 W
• Supply voltage: 3.3 V
• Operating temperature: 0°C to 70°C
• Compliance: MSA, IEEE 802.3cu, RoHS
• Hot-pluggable: Yes
• DDM/DOM support: Yes

Our verdict

The BlueOptics QSFP28 Bidi Transceiver is a high-performance, cost-effective solution for 100G connectivity over existing single-fibre infrastructure. Its 40 km reach and low power consumption make it a standout choice for data centre interconnects and enterprise campus networks. With full MSA compliance and robust diagnostics, it delivers the reliability and manageability that modern networks demand.