Cisco QSFP28 100G ZR High TX Power Coherent Optics Module Data Sheet

Data Sheet

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Updated:August 12, 2026

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Updated:August 12, 2026
 

 

Cisco® QSFP28 100G ZR High TX Power coherent optics help operators extend 100 Gigabit Ethernet (100G) connectivity into access, aggregation, campus, and legacy Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer (ROADM)-based networks by delivering up to 0 dBm transmit power within a 6W QSFP28 power profile. Built as a vertically integrated product, the module combines Cisco Digital Signal Processor (DSP), photonics, firmware, and pluggable module design to bring tunable 100G Dense Wavelength-Division Multiplexing (DWDM) transmission to widely deployed QSFP28 ports. The compact QSFP28 pluggable form factor replaces legacy transponder shelves in traditional access and aggregation architectures, driving CapEx and OpEx savings. Support for both Staircase Forward Error Correction (SC-FEC) and Generic Forward Error Correction (GFEC) enables interoperability with modern coherent links and legacy Optical Transport Network (OTN) transponders, while dual management capability based on the Storage Networking Industry Association (SNIA) Short-Device Form Factor (SFF) specification and Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) Common Management Interface Specification (CMIS) gives operators deployment flexibility across installed routers, switches, and newer host platforms.

Product overview

The Cisco QSFP28 100G ZR High TX Power Coherent Optics Module is a 100G DWDM pluggable module designed for edge, access, aggregation, enterprise/campus, cable/fiber deep, 5G wireless x-haul, and legacy ROADM-based network applications. It combines a tunable C-band laser, dual-polarization Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) coherent modulation, intradyne coherent detection, advanced electronic link equalization, and up to 0 dBm transmit power in an industry-standard QSFP28 form factor with a 6W high-power operating profile.

The module is designed to make coherent transmission practical in 100G network segments where customers need greater reach and higher fiber efficiency. It enables simplified IP over DWDM deployments in Cisco Routed Optical Networking architectures while preserving compatibility with existing optical infrastructure. Its 0 dBm high-transmit-power capability helps support engineered deployments through legacy ROADM paths and other higher-loss DWDM environments. SC-FEC support enables high-performance 100ZR operation, and GFEC support provides interoperability with legacy OTN transponders. The module also supports both SFF-based management for installed-base routers and switches and CMIS-based management for platforms adopting the latest module management standard. Actual reach depends on fiber type, optical path loss, Optical Signal-to-Noise Ratio (OSNR), dispersion, channel plan, ROADM cascade, and other link engineering conditions.

The Cisco QSFP28 100G ZR High TX Power Coherent Optics Module is intended for engineered optical links. Link design should account for transmit power, receiver input power, optical path loss, OSNR, chromatic dispersion, polarization effects, connector loss, amplifier noise figure, filter narrowing, and channel loading. Reach values are representative of supported application spaces and are not a substitute for optical path engineering.

Features and benefits

Table 1.        Features and benefits

Feature

Benefit

QSFP28 coherent pluggable form factor

Enables 100G coherent DWDM connectivity in widely deployed QSFP28 ports and helps preserve existing platform investment.

Tunable C-band operation

Simplifies sparing and supports flexible DWDM channel planning across the C-band.

0 dBm transmit power within a 6W profile

Helps support engineered deployments across legacy ROADM-based networks and higher-loss DWDM dark fibers while staying within a compact QSFP28 power envelope.

Integrated SC-FEC and GFEC options

Supports high-performance 100ZR operation and interoperability with legacy OTN transponders.

SFF-based and CMIS-based management

Supports familiar management for installed-base routers and switches while also supporting newer CMIS-based host platforms.

Cisco platform validation

Cisco host platforms qualification for performance, and for reliability and robustness.

Extended temperature

Supports an extended temperature range that enables operation in harsh outdoor environments

Prominent feature

The Cisco QSFP28 100G ZR High TX Power Coherent Optics Module supports up to 0 dBm high TX power with less than 6W power consumption in extended temperature conditions. Built as a vertically integrated product, the module combines Cisco DSP, photonics, firmware, and pluggable module design to bring tunable 100G DWDM transmission to widely deployed QSFP28 ports. The compact QSFP28 pluggable form factor replaces legacy transponder shelves in traditional access and aggregation architectures. The module can be managed using legacy SNIA SFF management as well as OIF CMIS management specifications.

Platform support

Cisco QSFP28 100G ZR High TX Power Coherent Optics Modules are supported on Cisco switches and routers. For more details, refer to the Cisco Transceiver Modules Compatibility Matrix.

Product specifications

Table 2.        Detailed product specifications

Parameter

Specification

Line-side application

100ZR SC-FEC (IEEE 802.3ct / ITU-T G.709.2) and Optical Transport Unit level 4 (OTU4) GFEC (ITU-T G.709)

Client formats

100G OTU4

Host electrical interface

100GBASE-R: CAUI-4 RS-FEC and CAUI-4 without FEC

OTU4: Optical Transport Lane 4.4 (OTL4.4)

Modulation

Dual-polarization QPSK

Line bit rate

111.8 Gbps

Symbol rate

27.95 Gbaud

Wavelength range

Tunable C-band, 191.3 to 196.2 THz

Channel spacing

Supports flexible grid operation with 6.25 GHz tuning granularity; 50 GHz grid operation supported

Transmit power

Up to 0 dBm within a 6W high-power operating profile

Reach

Up to 160 km point-to-point unamplified links; up to 500 km amplified DWDM links; actual reach depends on link conditions

Receiver sensitivity

-32 dBm with SC-FEC

-28 dBm with G.709 FEC

Optical connector

Duplex LC

Fiber type

Single-mode fiber

Management interface

SFF-based I2C module management and CMIS-based module management

FEC support

IEEE 802.3ct / ITU-T G.709.2 SC-FEC; ITU-T G.709 GFEC/RS-FEC

Synchronous Ethernet (SyncE)

Supported

Operating case temperature

-20° to +80° C (-4° to 176° F)

Power consumption

Up to 6W in high-power operation

Supply voltage

3.3 V nominal

Ordering information

Table 3.        Ordering information

Part #

Product description

DP01QS28-MX1-A1

QSFP28 100G DCO -5 dBm o/p power C-Band Flex Grid Extended Temperature

DP01QS28-MX1-A1=

QSFP28 100G DCO -5 dBm o/p power C-Band Flex Grid Extended Temperature

QSFP100GMX1-2-BUN

Routed Optical Networking 2x100G C-Band MX1-A1 QSFP Bundle

QSFP100GMX1-20-BUN

Routed Optical Networking 20x100G C-Band MX1-A1 QSFP Bundle

DP01QS28-MX2-A1

QSFP28 100G DCO 0dBm o/p power C-Band Flex Grid Extended Temperature

DP01QS28-MX2-A1=

QSFP28 100G DCO 0dBm o/p power C-Band Flex Grid Extended Temperature

QSFP100GMX2-2-BUN

Routed Optical Networking 2x100G C-Band MX2-A1 QSFP Bundle

QSFP100GMX2-20-BUN

Routed Optical Networking 20x100G C-Band MX2-A1 QSFP Bundle

Warranty information

Product warranty terms and other information applicable to Cisco products are available at www.cisco.com/go/warranty.

Product sustainability

Information about Cisco’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives and performance is provided in Cisco’s CSR and sustainability reporting.

Table 4.        Cisco environmental sustainability information

Sustainability topic

Reference

General

Information on product-material-content laws and regulations

Materials

Information on electronic waste laws and regulations, including our products, batteries, and packaging

WEEE Compliance

Information on product takeback and reuse program

Cisco Takeback and Reuse Program

Sustainability inquiries

Contact: csr_inquiries@cisco.com

Material

Product packaging weight and materials

Contact: environment@cisco.com

Cisco and partner services

Services from Cisco and our certified partners can help you transform the WDM system setup experience and accelerate business innovation and growth. We have the depth and breadth of expertise to create a clear, replicable, optimized coherent transport footprint across technologies. Planning and design services align technology with business goals and can increase the accuracy, speed, and efficiency of your deployment. Technical services can help you improve operational efficiency, save money, and mitigate risk. Optimization services are designed to continuously improve performance and help your team succeed with new technologies. For more information, please visit www.cisco.com/go/services.

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For more information

For more information about Cisco QSFP28 100G ZR High TX Power Coherent Optical Modules, please visit the Cisco Product Information Matrix at https://copi.cisco.com/.

 

 

 

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