OSFP-400-2FR4-LC Arista 400GBASE-FR4 Transceiver

OSFP-400-2FR4-LC 400GBASE-FR4 Transceiver Overview

The Arista OSFP-400-2FR4-LC 400GBASE-FR4 Transceiver represents a high-performance optical networking solution designed for next-generation data centers, cloud-scale environments, and high-capacity enterprise backbones. Built to support 400 Gigabit Ethernet over single-mode fiber, this optical module is engineered to deliver exceptional bandwidth density, low power consumption, and long-reach connectivity in demanding hyperscale infrastructures. As data center traffic continues to grow exponentially due to virtualization, AI workloads, streaming, and cloud computing, 400G optical transceivers have become foundational components of modern network architectures.

This category focuses specifically on the OSFP-400-2FR4-LC variant, which utilizes the OSFP form factor and supports 400GBASE-FR4 transmission over single-mode fiber using duplex LC connectors. Designed to interoperate with compatible Arista switches and high-speed networking platforms, this transceiver provides reliable performance across extended distances while maintaining compliance with IEEE 802.3bs standards. The FR4 optical standard enables efficient wavelength multiplexing over a single fiber pair, making it an ideal choice for spine-leaf architectures and high-speed aggregation layers.

Architecture and Optical Design

OSFP Form Factor and Mechanical Design

The OSFP (Octal Small Form-factor Pluggable) form factor is specifically designed for 400G networking environments, offering improved thermal performance and electrical signaling compared to earlier QSFP-based designs. The Arista OSFP-400-2FR4-LC leverages this advanced mechanical structure to support higher power budgets and enhanced heat dissipation. The OSFP cage design ensures secure insertion and removal while maintaining optimal electrical contact and signal integrity.

The mechanical robustness of the OSFP form factor allows network operators to deploy high-density 400G ports in top-of-rack and spine switches without compromising airflow or cooling efficiency. This is particularly important in hyperscale environments where port density and thermal management are critical operational considerations.

400GBASE-FR4 Optical Technology

The 400GBASE-FR4 standard is defined under IEEE 802.3bs and enables 400 Gigabit Ethernet transmission over single-mode fiber using four wavelength channels. Each channel operates at 100G PAM4 signaling, multiplexed using CWDM technology onto a duplex fiber pair. The FR4 specification typically supports transmission distances up to 2 kilometers, making it suitable for inter-building connections and extended campus networks.

The Arista OSFP-400-2FR4-LC utilizes advanced modulation and forward error correction to ensure reliable high-speed data transmission even in environments with minimal signal margin. PAM4 encoding doubles the data rate per lane compared to NRZ signaling, enabling 400G throughput while maintaining manageable optical complexity.

LC Duplex Connector Interface

The LC duplex connector interface provides a familiar and widely adopted fiber connectivity option for data center and enterprise network deployments. Unlike MPO-based 400G modules that require multi-fiber cabling, the FR4 LC-based design simplifies cabling infrastructure by using only two fibers for bidirectional communication. This reduces cable bulk and simplifies installation in structured cabling environments.

LC connectivity ensures compatibility with existing single-mode fiber deployments, making the OSFP-400-2FR4-LC a practical solution for upgrading networks from 100G or 200G to 400G without requiring complete fiber plant replacement.

Performance Specifications and Operational Capabilities

Data Rate and Bandwidth Capacity

The 400G data rate supported by the Arista OSFP-400-2FR4-LC enables high-throughput switching and routing applications. With aggregate bandwidth of 400 Gigabits per second, this transceiver is optimized for data-intensive environments such as hyperscale cloud providers, large-scale enterprise data centers, and carrier aggregation networks. The ability to support multiple 400G ports per switch significantly enhances overall switching fabric capacity.

Transmission Distance and Fiber Compatibility

The FR4 optical specification allows transmission over single-mode fiber up to approximately 2 kilometers. This makes the module suitable for data center interconnects, campus backbone links, and metropolitan access networks where moderate-distance connectivity is required without resorting to more complex long-reach optical technologies.

Single-mode fiber compatibility ensures lower attenuation and improved signal integrity over distance, supporting stable high-speed performance even in demanding network topologies.

Power Efficiency and Thermal Optimization

High-speed optical modules require careful power management. The OSFP-400-2FR4-LC is engineered to operate within defined power consumption parameters while maintaining optimal performance. Efficient laser design, integrated DSP technology, and enhanced heat dissipation mechanisms contribute to stable long-term operation.

The OSFP form factor's larger thermal envelope compared to earlier pluggable designs allows this module to handle the higher power requirements associated with 400G PAM4 signaling while preserving reliability.

Compatibility with Arista Switching Platforms

Integration with Arista 400G Switches

The Arista OSFP-400-2FR4-LC is specifically designed for seamless integration with Arista networking platforms that support OSFP 400G ports. Arista switches deployed in spine-leaf architectures benefit from native compatibility, ensuring full digital diagnostics monitoring and optimized performance. The module integrates with Arista EOS operating systems for advanced telemetry, monitoring, and automation capabilities.

Digital Optical Monitoring and Diagnostics

Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM) features provide real-time visibility into key parameters such as optical transmit power, receive power, module temperature, and voltage levels. This visibility enables proactive network management and predictive maintenance strategies. Operators can detect anomalies before they result in link failure, improving uptime and reliability.

Advanced diagnostics also simplify troubleshooting by providing granular insights into optical performance, helping network administrators maintain optimal link health across large-scale infrastructures.

Enterprise Core and Aggregation Layers

Large enterprises with high-bandwidth requirements benefit from 400G uplinks between aggregation switches and core routers. The module supports network consolidation initiatives, enabling organizations to reduce the number of physical links while increasing throughput. This consolidation leads to improved efficiency, simplified management, and reduced operational costs.

Service Provider and Carrier Networks

Telecommunications providers deploy 400G optical modules to handle growing customer bandwidth demands, 5G backhaul traffic, and broadband aggregation. The FR4 standard provides an optimal balance between reach and cost, making it suitable for metro edge and regional aggregation networks.