800g Optical Module Classification

800G optical modules are categorized by single-channel rates (100G or 200G) and form factors, primarily QSFP-DD and OSFP, with various standards like DR8, PSM8, FR, and LR for different distances and applications. Classification by Single-Channel Rate800G modules can be divided into two main types based on the single-channel rate: 100G Single-Channel Modules: Easier to implement, typically using 8 lanes of 100G PAM4, requiring 16 optical fibers. Commonly used in data centers for 800G-to-800G, 800G-to-400G, and 800G-to-100G interconnections (e.g., 800G DR8) with transmission distances up to 500 meters over single-mode fiber.

200G Single-Channel Modules: Require more advanced optical components and a gearbox for conversion due to the 112Gbps PAM4 electrical interface limit. These modules are suitable for high-performance applications where higher per-lane rates are needed. Form FactorsQSFP-DD (Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable Double Density): Supports 8 channels, backward compatible with QSFP+/QSFP28/QSFP56, and ideal for high-speed data transmission in dense deployments.

It uses dual-row connectors and can handle multiple interface rates.

OSF

P (Octal Small Form-Factor Pluggable): Slightly larger than QSFP-DD, supports 8 lanes, and is designed for high-performance data centers and AI applications.

OSF

P modules like Cisco OSFP-800G-VR8 support 8x100G, 4x200G, and 2x400G breakouts with MPO connectors. Transmission Standards and DistancesDR8 (Direct Reach 8): Uses 8-channel single-mode parallel technology with 100G PAM4, supporting distances up to 500 meters. Suitable for intra-data center interconnections.

PSM8 (Parallel Single-Mode 8): Employs CWDM with 8 optical channels at 100G each, supporting up to 100 meters, ideal for long-distance transmission and fiber resource sharing.

F

R (Fixed Reach) and LR (Long Reach): Designed for fixed or extended transmission distances, typically for metro or enterprise networks. 2DR4: Provides two 400G-DR4 links from a single 800G transceiver using MPO-12 connectors, facilitating data center upgrades without optical breakout cables.

Breakout Options800

G modules can be logically divided into multiple lower-speed ports: 1x800G: Single 800G port. 2x400G: Two separate 400G ports. 8x100G: Eight separate 100G ports, providing flexibility for network design.

Modulation and TechnologyPAM4 (Pulse Amplitude Modulation 4-level): Used in most 800G modules to double data transmission per lane.

VCSE

L (Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser): Common in short-reach multi-mode modules like SR8 for distances under 100 meters.

Single-

Mode Fiber: Used in DR8, PSM8, FR, and LR modules for longer distances.

Applications800

G optical modules are widely used in: High-speed data centers for server-to-switch and switch-to-switch interconnections.

A

I and high-performance computing networks. Enterprise core and distribution layers. Service provider networks requiring high-density, high-throughput solutions.

In summary, 800G optical modules offer flexibility in form factor, channel rate, and transmission distance, with QSFP-DD and OSFP being the primary packaging types, and standards like DR8, PSM8, FR, and LR addressing different deployment scenarios.