57-0000090-01 Brocade FC SWL QSFP 50M Transceiver

Overview of Brocade 57-0000090-0116G FC SWL Transceiver  

The Brocade 57-0000090-01 4X16G FC SWL QSFP 50M Transceiver is engineered to provide high-performance Fibre Channel connectivity for modern storage area networks (SANs). Designed for short-wave optical communication, this compact QSFP module delivers reliable data transmission while supporting demanding enterprise storage environments.

Built for high-speed Fibre Channel deployments, this optical transceiver enables seamless communication between storage switches, servers, and data center infrastructure. Its advanced optical technology ensures low latency, excellent signal integrity, and consistent network performance.

General Specifications 

• Manufacturer: Brocade
• Part Number: 57-0000090-01
• Device Type: QSFP Transceiver 

Core Product Characteristics

• Original Brocade Fibre Channel transceiver module
• Supports 4x16G Fibre Channel connectivity
• QSFP (Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable) interface
• Short Wave Laser (SWL) optical technology
• Designed for distances up to 50 meters
• Optimized for SAN and enterprise storage networks
• Hot-pluggable installation capability
• Low power consumption design
• High-density optical connectivity solution

Benefits for High-Speed Storage Networks

• Reduced network bottlenecks
• Enhanced storage throughput
• Consistent Fibre Channel connectivity
• Improved SAN scalability
• Reliable data transmission performance
• Support for mission-critical workloads
• Optimized storage traffic management

Space-Saving Design Benefits

• Higher switch port density
• Reduced rack space requirements
• Simplified cable organization
• Enhanced airflow management
• Improved equipment accessibility
• Optimized data center layouts

Advantages of SWL Optical Communication

• High-speed optical transmission
• Stable network connectivity
• Excellent signal quality
• Reduced electromagnetic interference
• Lower error rates
• Improved overall network efficiency

Common SAN Applications

• Enterprise storage arrays
• Backup and recovery systems
• Virtualized server environments
• Cloud storage infrastructure
• Database platforms
• Disaster recovery networks
• Business continuity solutions

Installation Advantages

• Quick deployment process
• Hot-swappable functionality
• Minimal network disruption
• Simplified maintenance procedures
• Reduced downtime during upgrades
• Easy replacement capability

Industries That Benefit from Fibre Channel Connectivity

• Financial institutions
• Healthcare organizations
• Government agencies
• Telecommunications providers
• Educational institutions
• Cloud service providers
• Manufacturing enterprises

Key Reliability Benefits

• Consistent optical performance
• Durable construction quality
• Stable Fibre Channel communication
• Reduced transmission errors
• Dependable long-term operation
• Improved network availability

Outline of Brocade 57-0000090-01 SWL QSFP 50m Transceiver  

The Brocade 57-0000090-01 4x16G FC SWL QSFP 50m Transceiver represents a highly specialized optical networking component engineered for high-performance Fibre Channel storage area networks (SANs). It is designed to support dense, high-speed data transmission requirements in enterprise data centers where reliability, bandwidth efficiency, and low latency are essential. As data workloads continue to expand due to virtualization, cloud computing, big data analytics, and mission-critical applications, the demand for advanced optical transceivers like this model has increased significantly across global IT infrastructures.

This transceiver module operates as a Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP) device, supporting four independent 16G Fibre Channel lanes, which together deliver aggregated throughput suitable for high-density SAN deployments. Its Short Wavelength Laser (SWL) technology ensures optimized performance over multi-mode fiber (MMF) infrastructure, making it suitable for short-range interconnects within data center racks or adjacent networking enclosures. The 50-meter reach specification further highlights its role in intra-facility connectivity where high-speed communication between switches, storage arrays, and servers must remain uninterrupted.

Core Architecture of Brocade 4x16G Fibre Channel QSFP Technology

QSFP Design and High-Density Connectivity

The QSFP form factor is a compact, hot-pluggable interface designed to maximize port density while maintaining high data throughput. In the case of the Brocade 57-0000090-01 module, the QSFP architecture enables four independent Fibre Channel channels within a single optical interface. This design reduces physical port consumption on switches and director-class devices, allowing data centers to scale more efficiently without increasing rack space requirements.

The integration of four 16G channels within one module significantly reduces cable clutter and simplifies cable management in complex SAN environments. This becomes particularly important in enterprise data centers where hundreds or thousands of interconnects may be deployed simultaneously, requiring structured airflow and organized physical layout to maintain thermal efficiency and operational stability.

16G Fibre Channel Performance Capabilities

The 16G Fibre Channel standard provides a substantial performance improvement over previous generations such as 8G and 4G Fibre Channel technologies. Each channel within this transceiver supports up to 14.025 Gbps of usable data throughput, enabling efficient storage traffic flow between servers and storage arrays. When aggregated across four lanes, the total effective bandwidth meets the demands of high-performance computing environments and enterprise storage clusters.

This level of throughput is essential for workloads such as real-time analytics, virtualization clustering, database replication, and disaster recovery systems. The Brocade 57-0000090-01 ensures that latency-sensitive operations are handled with minimal delay, thereby improving application responsiveness and maintaining data consistency across distributed systems.

Optical Performance and Short Wavelength Laser Implementation

Short Wavelength Laser (SWL) Technology

The Short Wavelength Laser technology integrated into this transceiver utilizes 850nm wavelength optics optimized for multi-mode fiber environments. SWL is widely adopted in short-range data center connectivity due to its balance between cost efficiency and high data transmission capability. The Brocade 57-0000090-01 leverages this technology to provide stable signal integrity across short distances, typically within 50 meters, depending on fiber quality and network conditions.

SWL-based transmission ensures minimal signal degradation and reduced latency across intra-data center links. This is particularly beneficial in environments where storage arrays and switching fabrics are located in close proximity, enabling high-speed communication without the need for long-haul optical solutions.

50-Meter Transmission Distance Optimization

The 50-meter reach specification of the Brocade QSFP module is optimized for structured cabling within data center environments. This range is ideal for connecting top-of-rack switches to storage arrays, or interconnecting blade chassis systems within the same server room. The limitation to short-range transmission allows the module to maintain high signal integrity while reducing the cost and complexity associated with long-range optical components.

This controlled transmission distance also enhances energy efficiency, as SWL modules typically consume less power compared to long-wavelength alternatives. The result is a more sustainable and cost-effective networking infrastructure that aligns with modern energy-conscious data center design principles.

Enterprise Storage Networking Applications

Storage Area Network Integration

The Brocade 57-0000090-01 transceiver is primarily deployed within Storage Area Network environments where high-speed connectivity between storage arrays and servers is critical. SAN architectures depend heavily on Fibre Channel technology due to its deterministic performance and lossless transmission characteristics. This transceiver ensures that multiple storage paths can operate concurrently without bottlenecks or packet loss.

In enterprise SAN deployments, redundancy and high availability are essential design principles. The multi-lane architecture of this QSFP module supports path diversity and failover mechanisms, allowing continuous data flow even in the event of a single channel degradation. This contributes to improved system resilience and reduced downtime in mission-critical environments.

Virtualized Infrastructure Support

Modern virtualization platforms require high-speed backend storage connectivity to support virtual machine migration, snapshot operations, and distributed storage systems. The Brocade 57-0000090-01 plays a crucial role in ensuring that virtualized environments maintain consistent performance under heavy workloads.

By providing four simultaneous 16G channels, the transceiver enables efficient distribution of virtual machine I/O traffic across multiple storage paths. This reduces congestion and enhances the scalability of virtualization clusters, making it suitable for private cloud infrastructures and hybrid cloud deployments.

Compatibility and Brocade Ecosystem Integration

Brocade Switching Platforms

The transceiver is designed for seamless integration with Brocade Fibre Channel switches and directors, ensuring full compatibility with enterprise-grade SAN fabrics. It aligns with Brocade’s hardware and firmware ecosystem, allowing administrators to deploy it without extensive configuration or compatibility concerns.

Brocade switching platforms are widely used in enterprise environments due to their robust performance, scalability, and advanced fabric services. The 57-0000090-01 module enhances these capabilities by providing high-density optical connectivity that complements the switching architecture.

Interoperability with Multi-Mode Fiber Infrastructure

This QSFP module is optimized for multi-mode fiber cabling, which is commonly deployed in data center environments due to its cost efficiency and ease of installation. Multi-mode fiber allows for multiple light paths, making it suitable for short-range, high-bandwidth communication scenarios.

The interoperability of the Brocade 57-0000090-01 with standard OM3 and OM4 fiber types ensures that organizations can integrate it into existing infrastructure without requiring major upgrades. This flexibility reduces deployment costs and simplifies network expansion strategies.

Performance Optimization in High-Density Data Centers

Bandwidth Aggregation and Traffic Efficiency

One of the key advantages of the Brocade 4x16G QSFP module is its ability to aggregate multiple high-speed channels into a single compact interface. This aggregation improves traffic distribution across SAN fabrics and reduces the likelihood of congestion during peak workloads.

In high-density environments, efficient bandwidth utilization is critical for maintaining application performance. The transceiver ensures that storage traffic is evenly distributed, preventing bottlenecks and ensuring consistent throughput across all connected devices.

Physical Design, Power Efficiency, and Reliability

Compact Form Factor Engineering

The QSFP form factor used in this transceiver is engineered for compactness and scalability. By consolidating multiple channels into a single module, it reduces physical space requirements on switching hardware, allowing data centers to maximize port density without compromising performance.

This compact design also contributes to improved airflow within networking racks, which is essential for maintaining optimal operating temperatures and preventing hardware overheating in high-density installations.

Energy Efficiency and Thermal Management

Energy efficiency is a critical consideration in modern data center design. The Brocade 57-0000090-01 is optimized for low power consumption while maintaining high performance. SWL-based optics typically consume less energy than long-range optical solutions, contributing to reduced operational costs.

Effective thermal management ensures that the transceiver operates within safe temperature thresholds even under sustained heavy workloads. This reliability is essential for maintaining continuous uptime in enterprise environments where system interruptions are not acceptable.

Deployment Scenarios and Infrastructure Use Cases

Enterprise Data Center Fabric Connectivity

In enterprise data centers, the Brocade 57-0000090-01 is commonly used to connect core switching fabrics with storage arrays and compute clusters. Its high bandwidth and multi-lane architecture make it ideal for backbone connectivity within SAN environments.

This ensures that data flows efficiently between critical infrastructure components, supporting large-scale business applications and cloud services without degradation in performance.

High Availability and Redundant Network Design

Redundancy is a core principle in enterprise network design. The use of multiple transceiver modules across parallel paths ensures that data transmission continues even if one link experiences failure. The Brocade QSFP module supports such architectures by enabling multiple high-speed connections within a compact footprint.

This redundancy enhances system resilience and ensures continuous availability of storage resources, which is essential for business continuity and disaster recovery strategies.