Which 400G Optical Module Should Choose? Understand Core Differences In 1 Minute!--ETU-LINK

Which 400G Optical Module Should Choose? Understand Core Differences In 1 Minute!

April 21. 2026

When customers inquire about "400G optical module requirements," are you also confused about the differences between QSFP-DD, OSFP, and QSFP112?

Different packages differ significantly in channel count, heat dissipation, power consumption, and application scenarios. Choosing the wrong package can affect project schedule and cost!

Below is a simplified comparison table and key conclusions to help you quickly match customer needs:

Comprehensive Comparison of 400G Optical Module Packaging

Comparison Dimensions	QSFP-DD	OSFP	QSFP112
Number of Channels	8 Channels (dual-density design)	8 Channels	4 Channels (double the speed of a single channel)

Single Channel Rate	25G NRZ / 50G PAM4 (400G aggregated)	50G PAM4 (some solutions support 100G PAM4 )	112G PAM4 (nominal speed 106.25Gbps )

Size	Width increased by 18.35 mm, depth increased by approximately 5.9 mm.	Width 22.58mm , Depth 100.4mm (Largest Volume)	Same as QSFP28 (width 18.35 mm , depth 72.4 mm )

Heat Dissipation Capacity	Dependent on device fan, heat capacity 12W	Integrated metal heat sink top cover, supports high power consumption modules >15W	Low power consumption( <10W ), relies on external heat dissipation
Compatibility	Compatible with QSFP+/QSFP28 slots(adapter required)	Requires a dedicated OSFP slot and is not compatible with the QSFP ecosystem.	Only supports 400G/800G devices, no backward compatibility.

Typical Power Consumption	8-12W	12-15W (High-power modules can reach 20W+ )	<10W (significant advantage in low power consumption)

Core Application Cenarios	Data center internal interconnect (Spine/Leaf), 5G bearer network	AI cluster interconnection, high-performance computing, and telecommunications core networks	Edge computing, direct server connection, DPU/ NIC
Technological Evolution Direction	Compatibility is a priority, supporting a smooth transition from 400G to 800G.	Targeting 800G/1.6T, enhanced heat dissipation and power supply.	Focusing on 400G short-range transmission, optimizing space and power consumption.
Cost Advantage	Mature ecosystem, low upgrade costs	The module is costly (due to its complex heat dissipation design).	The compact design reduces material costs, but requires new equipment support.

Core Conclusions of Customer Selection

1.Need compatibility with existing QSFP+ networks? → Select QSFP-DD

It has strong compatibility, supports a smooth transition from 400G to 800G, and is suitable for data center interconnection and 5G bearer networks.

2.Looking for optical modules with high thermal dissipation and high power consumption (e.g., coherent optical modules)? → Choose OSFP

It has the strongest heat dissipation capacity and is suitable for scenarios such as AI clusters and high-performance computing where all ports are running at full load.

3.Limited space or need for low power consumption and low latency? → Choose QSFP112

With its compact design and minimal latency, it is ideal for short-range transmissions such as edge computing, direct server connections, and DPUs/NICs.

Welcome to discuss this further!

Selecting a 400G optical module requires considering factors such as network architecture, power consumption budget, and future evolution.

If you have specific project needs, please feel free to contact ETU-Link Technology Co., Ltd. for customized solutions and sample testing to help you implement your project efficiently!

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