The optical module is an important component of the optical fiber communication system, which is used to realize the transmission and reception of optical signals. The speed of the optical module used in the data center ranges from 1G before 2010 to the commonly used 10G and 40G now.

Since most of the equipment distance in medium and large data centers is within 500 meters, the interconnection between equipment generally uses multi-mode fiber (OM3, OM4), the light source of the multi-mode optical module uses VCSEL laser as the emitting light source, and PIN as the optical receiver.

At present, the optical interconnection between the server and the access switch in the access layer mainly adopts 10G SFP+ optical modules, and the switch interconnection between the access layer and the aggregation layer/core layer mainly adopts 40G QSFP+ optical modules.

Next, ETU-LINK will introduce several common 10G SFP+ optical modules and 40G QSFP+ optical modules in data centers.

1、Main 10G SFP+ Dual‑Fiber Optical Module Types For Data Centers

2、Main 40G QSFP+ Optical Module Types For Data Centers

3、What Is 40G QSFP+ Breakout Networking Mode?
40G QSFP+ supports breakout function: by using MPO‑to‑4×LC multimode breakout fiber or QSFP+‑to‑4×SFP+ AOC active optical cable, one 40G QSFP+ port can be split into four independent 10G SFP+ channels.
Typical usage: One 40G uplink port on spine switch fan‑out connects four leaf‑switch 10G downlink ports.

Prerequisite: The host switch firmware must enable breakout mode, otherwise the split lanes cannot work normally.

4、Fiber Selection & Comprehensive‑Cost Analysis For Data‑Center Optical Interconnection

The interconnection between data center network elements and equipment mostly uses multi-mode fiber. Although the price of multi-mode fiber is more expensive than single-mode fiber, the transmission bandwidth is not as high as single-mode fiber, and the attenuation is greater than single-mode fiber. However, because the price of multi-mode optical modules is relatively cheaper than single-mode optical modules, indoor multi-mode optical fiber communication systems have a great comprehensive cost advantage over single-mode optical fiber systems.

5、ETU‑LINK Supporting Accessories And Compatibility Notes
ETU‑LINK full‑range 10G SFP+ and 40G QSFP+ transceivers are compatible with mainstream switches. Commercial temperature (0‑70℃) and industrial wide‑temperature (-40~85℃) versions are optional.
Matching accessories: OM3/OM4 LC‑LC / MPO‑12 multimode patch cords, OS2 single‑mode duplex LC cables, 40G breakout fiber / AOC active optical cables, fiber cleaning kits. All modules support DDM monitoring for real‑time link‑status inspection.

Why Choose ETU-Link Optical Transceiver?
As a professional manufacturer with more than 12 years of deep presence in the ‌optical communication industry‌, ETU-LINK specializes in full-series 10G/25G/100G/400G/800G optical modules and supporting optical communication devices. All our products have Compliant with FCC, CE and RoHS certifications, and are fully compatible with mainstream brand network equipment in the market.
We also support flexible OEM/ODM customization services to match diverse project requirements, with a leading 3-year warranty policy and fast order delivery.

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Last updated: Sept. 20 2026