HPE 100G QSFP28 LC ER4L 40km SMF Tansceiver

Designed for demanding optical networks and high-performance data centers, the HPE 100G QSFP28 LC ER4L 40km SMF transceiver delivers reliable, scalable connectivity for 100 Gigabit Ethernet deployments. This QSFP28 module is engineered to optimize long-haul links with single-mode fiber, enabling robust interconnection between data centers, campuses, and core network infrastructure. The ER4L designation indicates four 25G Ethernet lanes carried over SMF, providing a cost-efficient path to higher bandwidth while preserving signal integrity over extended distances. With an LC duplex connector and a compact form factor, this transceiver integrates seamlessly into HPE networking gear and compatible 100G-capable devices, helping enterprises accelerate data throughput, reduce latency, and simplify uplink scalability. Whether you are building a dense spine-and-leaf fabric, upgrading data center interconnects, or extending backbone networks, the HPE ER4L transceiver offers dependable performance, consistent link quality, and straightforward deployment in a typical 40-kilometer SMF link.

• High-capacity 100G QSFP28 module: The transceiver leverages the QSFP28 form factor to deliver 100 Gigabit Ethernet by aggregating four 25G lanes (ER4L), enabling dense port counts and simplified cable plant in modern data centers. Its design focuses on maximizing throughput while minimizing space, power, and fiber usage, making it ideal for high-bandwidth server uplinks, network core connections, and inter-data-center links. The ER4L technology supports parallel transmission over single-mode fiber, ensuring efficient traffic handling for bandwidth-intensive applications such as virtualization, real-time analytics, and AI workloads.
• Extended reach over single-mode fiber (SMF) up to 40km: This ER4L module is engineered for long-distance links, delivering reliable performance across campus networks and data-center interconnects. By using high-quality optics and precise dispersion management, it maintains signal integrity over extended distances, reducing the need for intermediate regeneration. The 40km reach enables cost-effective interconnects between buildings or facilities while maintaining low error rates and stable performance for latency-sensitive applications.
• LC duplex optical interface for robust fiber connections: The LC connector provides a compact, industry-standard fiber termination that supports tight coupling and low insertion loss. This makes installation straightforward and reliable, with minimal risk of fiber damage during terminations. The LC interface is widely supported in data center racks and SFP/QSFP-compatible patch panels, ensuring compatibility with a broad range of fiber patching configurations and enabling easy upgrades to 100G networking on existing SMF infrastructure.
• Designed for optical and data networking environments: Targeted at optical networking and data networking use cases, this transceiver is optimized for switch-to-switch, server-to-switch, and router-to-router uplinks within enterprise and service provider networks. It supports high-throughput, low-latency communication essential for modern workloads, including cloud services, virtual desktop infrastructure, and streaming media. The module’s robust engineering emphasizes dependable operation, environmental tolerance, and compatibility with HPE networking ecosystems to minimize compatibility concerns and deployment risk.
• Reliable, plug-and-play deployment with HPE ecosystem compatibility: Built to integrate smoothly with HPE switches, routers, and servers that support 100GBase-ER4L QSFP28 modules, this transceiver offers a straightforward, hot-plug-friendly upgrade path. Its design emphasizes long-term reliability, with consistent performance across operating temperatures and network loads. For IT teams, the transceiver reduces total cost of ownership by delivering consistent throughput, predictable behavior, and simplified lifecycle management when used within supported HPE platforms and configurations.

Technical Details of HPE 100G QSFP28 LC ER4L 40km SMF Tansceiver

• Form Factor: QSFP28
• Interface: 1 x LC duplex optic; 100GBase-ER4L network interface
• Fiber Type: Single-mode fiber (SMF)
• Distance: Up to 40 kilometers on SMF
• Data Rate: 100 Gigabit Ethernet (100GBase-ER4L)
• Application: Optical networking, data networking, data center interconnects
• Connector: LC duplex
• Wavelength: Designed for ER4L operation over SMF channels (specifications standard for 100G-ER4L modules)
• Compatibility: Designed for use with HPE networking hardware that supports 100GBase-ER4L QSFP28 modules

how to install HPE 100G QSFP28 LC ER4L 40km SMF Tansceiver

• Prepare the working area by using ESD protection and ensuring power is off when installing into the switch or network device.
• Identify a compatible QSFP28 slot in the device that supports 100GBase-ER4L modules and confirm the device’s firmware or driver version supports the transceiver type.
• Gently insert the transceiver into the QSFP28 socket until it seats with a click, taking care not to force the module or bend the fiber connector.
• Connect the LC duplex fiber pair to the corresponding transceiver ports using appropriate SMF cables, ensuring correct transmit/receive polarity and proper fiber orientation.
• Power on the device and verify link status via the device management interface, ensuring the port negotiates to 100G speed and shows a healthy SB/Link LED state.
• Run a basic connectivity test (e.g., ping or traceroute for interconnect segments, basic throughput test) to confirm stable operation across the 40km link.
• If necessary, update the device firmware to the latest supported release to optimize ER4L performance and compatibility with the transceiver.
• Maintain proper fiber cleanliness during installation and routine maintenance to prevent insertion loss and ensure long-term link reliability.
• Document the installation details (location, port, patch panel, fiber type, length, and date) for future reference and maintenance planning.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the primary use case for the HPE 100G QSFP28 LC ER4L 40km SMF transceiver? It is designed for long-haul, high-bandwidth 100G connections in optical networks and data centers, enabling reliable interconnects between data centers or core network segments over single-mode fiber with LC connectors.
• What distance can I expect with this ER4L module? The transceiver supports up to 40 kilometers on single-mode fiber, making it suitable for data center interconnects and campus-scale deployments.
• Which devices are compatible with this transceiver? It is designed for HPE networking hardware that supports 100GBase-ER4L QSFP28 modules. Compatibility with non-HPE devices may vary and should be validated per vendor compatibility guides.
• What connector type is used? The module uses an LC duplex fiber connector, a standard choice for single-mode fiber installations in data centers and enterprise networks.
• Is it hot-swappable or easy to install? Yes. The transceiver is designed for hot-swappable insertion into compatible QSFP28 slots, allowing non-disruptive upgrades in active networks, provided proper handling and ESD precautions are observed.