QSFP and QSFP28 modules
QSFP is a compact transceiver with four transmission channels providing 40G (QSFP+) and 100G (QSFP28) speeds for data center and carrier backbone links.
Contents
- What is QSFP
- How it works and where it is used
- How to choose QSFP
- Where "QSFP and QSFP28" is used
- What to consider when choosing
- Supply and KTRU codes
- Detailed description and purpose
- Technical characteristics worth paying attention to
- Typical use cases
- Supply and project implementation stages
- Requirements for the customer's infrastructure
- Documents, certificates and regulatory compliance
- Common errors when choosing
- What is included in standard supply
- Related services of Fintech JSC
- Why Fintech JSC
What is QSFP
QSFP (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable) is a transceiver with four independent data transmission channels. The QSFP+ version delivers a total of 40 Gbit/s (4×10G), and QSFP28 — 100 Gbit/s (4×25G).
In simple terms, QSFP is like a four-lane highway instead of a single lane: data travels in parallel along four lanes, and the total throughput grows by multiples. It is the standard for trunk lines between top-tier switches and the network core.
How it works and where it is used
QSFP28 uses SR4 optics (multi-mode, up to 100 m), LR4 (single-mode, up to 10 km) or PSM4/CWDM4. It is used in the data center core, carrier networks, high-performance computing clusters and when building 100G backbones.
How to choose QSFP
Define the target speed (40G or 100G), the optics type and the distance. Breakout cables QSFP28-to-4×SFP28 are often used to connect one 100G port to four 25G devices. Check the switch's supported speed.
Where "QSFP and QSFP28" is used
QSFP and QSFP28 are in demand when building and operating network and engineering infrastructure: in data centers, communication nodes, workplaces, at critical information infrastructure (CII) facilities, in banks and state corporations, as well as in the circuits of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the FSB and other law enforcement agencies.
What to consider when choosing
When preparing a technical specification, rely on the workload profile, required interfaces and standards, operating conditions and information security requirements, including CII protection and the use of cryptographic information protection tools. Fintech JSC helps to form correct requirements and select a solution.
Supply and KTRU codes
Within state and corporate procurement, QSFP/QSFP28 modules are supplied under Federal Law 44-FZ and 223-FZ. Items are selected by KTRU codes:
- 43291210000 — Communication equipment expansion modules (QSFP+ 40G, QSFP28 100G transceivers)
- 43291200000 — High-speed communication equipment for data transmission
Fintech JSC arranges delivery with compatibility certificates and warranty obligations.
Detailed description and purpose
QSFP and QSFP28 are a profile solution for equipping and developing a company's infrastructure. Depending on the task, it acts as an element of the network, a computing circuit or an engineering system, and ensures stable operation of services where continuity, data protection and regulatory compliance matter. Fintech JSC selects a QSFP and QSFP28 configuration for the customer's specific technical specification rather than "one size fits all", so the result is a working solution rather than just a box.
Technical characteristics worth paying attention to
When forming requirements for QSFP and QSFP28, focus on the workload profile, operating conditions and industry constraints. There are no universal "best" parameters — what matters is how well they fit your infrastructure.
- Standards and protocols. Clarify the supported standards and exchange protocols — they determine compatibility with the equipment already deployed.
- Interfaces and performance. Check the set of ports and interfaces and build in a performance margin for 2–3 years of growth.
- Operating conditions. For data centers, communication nodes and industrial sites, temperature range, dust and moisture protection and power redundancy are critical.
- Information security. For CII and government sites, information security tools, FSTEC/FSB certificates and import-substitution requirements must be considered.
- Manageability and monitoring. Centralized management and logging capabilities simplify operation and audit.
Typical use cases
QSFP and QSFP28 are in demand in various environments: in banks and state corporations, at critical information infrastructure (CII) facilities, in data centers and communication nodes, at employees' workplaces, and in departmental networks (Ministry of Internal Affairs, FSB and other law enforcement agencies). Each scenario has its own level of protection and redundancy.
Supply and project implementation stages
- Audit and TOR. We study the current infrastructure, regulatory requirements and budget; we form a correct technical specification.
- Selection and design. We propose a QSFP and QSFP28 configuration compatible with your environment.
- Approval under 44-FZ / 223-FZ. We prepare documentation, a technical and commercial proposal and a budget estimate.
- Supply. We assemble equipment with passports, certificates and protocols.
- Installation and commissioning. Fintech JSC engineers perform installation, configuration and integration into the existing environment.
- Training and acceptance. We train the customer's staff, hand over documentation and put the facility into operation.
- Support. Warranty and service support, consultations on infrastructure development.
Requirements for the customer's infrastructure
Before starting the supply it is useful to prepare: a diagram of the current network or circuit, a list of compatible equipment, information security requirements (if any), and a placement and power supply plan. The more accurate the input data, the faster and more predictable the project.
Documents, certificates and regulatory compliance
Fintech JSC supplies QSFP and QSFP28 with a full package: passports, certificates (including FSTEC and FSB where applicable), protocols and warranty obligations. We take into account the requirements of 44-FZ and 223-FZ, import substitution and CII protection. Where needed, we select certified information security tools.
Common errors when choosing
Typical mistakes: choosing "by minimum price" without considering compatibility, ignoring information security requirements for CII, lack of performance margin and refusal of service support. They lead to rework, downtime and risks — we help to avoid them already at the TOR stage.
What is included in standard supply
| Item | Purpose |
|---|---|
| QSFP and QSFP28 | Main equipment per TOR parameters |
| Passports and certificates | Conformity confirmation and commissioning |
| Set of cables and mounting hardware | Installation and connection |
| Documentation and warranty | Operation and support |
Related services of Fintech JSC
Besides QSFP and QSFP28 supply, we perform design, installation, commissioning, certification and support — a turnkey project for the government sector, banks and CII.
Why Fintech JSC
34 years on the system integration market, partner status with leading vendors (including D-Link), our own service centers and warranty support. We take responsibility for the result — from design to support.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between QSFP and QSFP28?
QSFP+ provides 40 Gbit/s (4×10G), while QSFP28 provides 100 Gbit/s (4×25G). QSFP28 ports usually accept QSFP+ modules too, but at a reduced speed.
What optics types are used for 100G?
SR4 (multi-mode, up to 100 m), LR4 (single-mode, up to 10 km), PSM4/CWDM4. The choice depends on the distance and the switch's supported interfaces.
What is a breakout cable for?
A QSFP28-to-4×SFP28 breakout cable connects one 100G port to four 25G devices — convenient when the number of high-speed ports is limited.
Where are QSFP modules used?
In the core of data centers, carrier networks, high-performance computing clusters and for building 100G backbones between data processing facilities.
QSFP and QSFP28: what to choose for the task?
The choice of QSFP and QSFP28 depends on the workload profile, security requirements and scale. Fintech JSC helps to select a solution for your TOR and supplies equipment under 44-FZ and 223-FZ.
Can I get a demo stand or a pilot of QSFP and QSFP28?
Yes, by agreement a pilot project or a demonstration of the solution on your circuit is possible before scaling the supply.
What warranty periods for QSFP and QSFP28?
Standard warranty — from 12 months; for turnkey projects extended service support is possible; exact terms are fixed in the contract.
Do you supply QSFP and QSFP28 with staff training?
Yes, as part of a complex project we provide operation training and hand over documentation to the customer.
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