How to Choose 100G Optical Modules: Ultimate Guide by QSFP28, LR4, ER4 Type Description: Struggling to choose between 100G SR4, LR4, ER4 optical modules? This guide compares QSFP28 vs CFP, transmission distance, modulation tech, fiber types, and special. How to Choose 100G Optical Modules: Ultimate Guide by QSFP28, LR4, ER4 Type Description: Struggling to choose between 100G SR4, LR4, ER4 optical modules? This guide compares QSFP28 vs CFP, transmission distance, modulation tech, fiber types, and special. When you pick a 100G QSFP28 transceiver, think about what your network needs. Check important things like compatibility, how far data must travel, fiber type, connector type, where you will use it, and if it will work in the future. Choosing QSFP28 optical transceivers that fit your system helps. The Cisco 100GBASE Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable (QSFP) portfolio offers customers a wide variety of high-density and low-power 100 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity options for data center, high-performance computing networks, enterprise core and distribution layers, and service provider. This shift has accelerated the adoption of SFP-DD (Small Form Factor Pluggable Double-Density) and DSFP (Dual Small Form Factor Pluggable)—two 100G form factors designed to fit within the classic SFP footprint. While both form factors deliver 2 × 50G PAM4 electrical signaling and support 100G. Faced with a variety of models such as SR4/LR4/ER4, how should engineers choose? This article uses 5 major classification dimensions + practical selection solutions to help you overcome the selection difficulties! 1. Packaging Determines Performance Boundaries: 100G QSFP28 VS CFP ▶ QSFP28 -. Among the earliest solutions enabling 100G transmission, the CFP optical module remains a critical technology in many telecom and long-haul network deployments. What is a CFP optical module? Is it still relevant in 2026? And when should you choose it over newer alternatives? This guide is designed. If you're upgrading leaf–spine fabrics, stitching campus buildings, or extending metro/edge links, a reliable Optical Transceiver Module at 100 Gbps is table stakes.