OSFP-400G-SR8 Arista 400GB OSFP UP To 100M Octal Small Formfactor Pluggable Over Parallel OM4 MMF Transceiver

Arista 400GB OSFP 100M Transceiver

The Arista OSFP-400G-SR8 is a high-performance 400 Gigabit OSFP transceiver engineered for short-reach data center connectivity. Designed with advanced optical technology, it ensures reliable transmission over parallel OM4 multimode fiber.

General Details

• Manufacturer: Arista Networks
• Part Number: OSFP-400G-SR8
• Device Category: Optical Transceiver

Technical Specifications

Form Factor

• OSFP: Octal Small Form Factor Pluggable design

Performance Metrics

• Data Throughput: 400 Gbps aggregate (8 lanes × 50 Gbps PAM4)
• Central Wavelength: 850 nm
• Up to 100 meters over OM4 multimode fiber
• Up to 70 meters over OM3 multimode fiber

Connector Type

• MTP/MPO-16 (APC): Ensures efficient parallel fiber connectivity

Signal Modulation

• PAM4: Pulse Amplitude Modulation with 4 levels for higher bandwidth efficiency

Power Usage

• Typical Consumption: ≤10W
• Maximum Variant: Up to 12W

Optical Components

Transmitter

• VCSEL: Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser for stable optical output

Receiver

• PIN Photodiode: High sensitivity for accurate signal detection

Environmental Conditions

Operating Temperature

• Range: 0°C to 70°C (Commercial Standard)

OSFP-400G-SR8 400GB OSFP Pluggable Transceiver Overview

The Arista OSFP-400G-SR8 400GB OSFP Up To 100M Octal Small Formfactor Pluggable Over Parallel OM4 MMF Transceiver represents a critical advancement in high-speed optical networking. Designed to meet the performance demands of hyperscale data centers, enterprise core networks, and high-performance computing environments, this 400G transceiver module delivers ultra-high bandwidth, low latency, and reliable optical connectivity over multimode fiber infrastructure. Built to align with modern 400 Gigabit Ethernet standards and optimized for OM4 multimode fiber deployments, this OSFP transceiver supports transmission distances up to 100 meters, enabling scalable and cost-effective short-reach data center interconnects.

As data centers continue transitioning from 100G and 200G architectures toward 400G network fabrics, the need for robust and efficient optical modules becomes essential. The Arista OSFP-400G-SR8 module is engineered to integrate seamlessly with compatible Arista switching platforms, including high-density 400G switches within the Arista ecosystem. It delivers exceptional performance in leaf-spine architectures, spine-core interconnects, and aggregation layers where high throughput and reliable connectivity are mandatory.

Understanding the OSFP Form Factor in 400G Networking

The Octal Small Form-factor Pluggable (OSFP) standard was developed to address the growing need for higher bandwidth density and improved thermal performance in next-generation networking equipment. The OSFP-400G-SR8 transceiver leverages this advanced form factor to support eight parallel optical lanes, each operating at 50Gbps PAM4 signaling, resulting in an aggregate throughput of 400Gbps. Compared to legacy QSFP28 or QSFP56 modules, OSFP offers improved thermal handling, power efficiency, and scalability.

Advantages of the OSFP Design

OSFP modules are physically larger than QSFP modules, allowing for improved heat dissipation and higher power budgets. This makes them particularly suitable for 400G applications that require advanced modulation schemes and precise signal integrity. The enhanced thermal envelope supports sustained high-speed operation without performance degradation, even in dense switch deployments.

Another advantage is forward compatibility with future 800G developments. The OSFP ecosystem was designed with scalability in mind, allowing network architects to invest in platforms that support both current 400G deployments and future bandwidth expansion.

Parallel Optics Architecture for SR8

The SR8 designation indicates short-reach multimode operation using eight parallel fiber pairs. The Arista OSFP-400G-SR8 module transmits over parallel OM4 multimode fiber using MPO-16 connectors, enabling efficient lane distribution and high aggregate data rates. Each of the eight lanes operates independently, enhancing fault tolerance and maintaining consistent link stability.

Electrical Interface and Host Compatibility

On the electrical side, the transceiver interfaces with the host switch via eight 50Gbps PAM4 electrical lanes. This configuration aligns with modern switch ASIC designs used in 400G platforms from Arista. The module adheres to OSFP Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) specifications, ensuring standardized mechanical and electrical compliance.

Compatibility with Arista Switching Platforms

The OSFP-400G-SR8 module is engineered for seamless integration with compatible 400G switches from  These switches are widely deployed in hyperscale data centers and enterprise core networks due to their high port density, low latency, and programmable network capabilities. The module is commonly used in conjunction with platforms such as the Arista 7800R3 Series and the Arista 7060X4 Series, both of which support 400G OSFP interfaces.

By maintaining strict firmware validation and hardware compatibility, Arista ensures optimal performance and seamless recognition of OSFP modules within EOS-powered devices. This reduces the risk of interoperability issues and simplifies deployment processes within mission-critical infrastructures.

Integration with Arista EOS

The transceiver works natively with Arista’s Extensible Operating System (EOS), allowing administrators to monitor real-time optical parameters such as transmit power, receive power, temperature, and voltage. These diagnostics facilitate proactive maintenance and help prevent unexpected link failures.

High-Performance Computing

High-performance computing clusters demand rapid data exchange between compute nodes. The 400G SR8 module provides low-latency, high-bandwidth interconnects necessary for real-time data processing, AI workloads, and large-scale analytics.

Enterprise Core and Aggregation Layers

Enterprises upgrading their core networks to 400G benefit from the scalability and reliability of OSFP-based solutions. The SR8 variant is particularly effective for short-reach aggregation where multimode fiber infrastructure is already deployed.

OM4 Multimode Fiber Optimization

OM4 multimode fiber is optimized for high-speed short-reach optical transmission. The Arista OSFP-400G-SR8 leverages OM4’s enhanced modal bandwidth to achieve 100-meter transmission at 400Gbps. This allows organizations to reuse existing fiber cabling while upgrading switching infrastructure to 400G speeds.

OM4 fiber’s improved performance over OM3 makes it suitable for PAM4-based transmission. The SR8 module’s design ensures minimal dispersion and signal loss, delivering consistent high-speed connectivity within rack-to-rack or row-to-row deployments.

Compliance and Industry Standards

The module complies with IEEE 802.3cm 400GBASE-SR8 specifications and adheres to OSFP MSA mechanical standards. This compliance ensures interoperability with other standardized networking equipment while maintaining consistent signal performance.

Additionally, digital diagnostic monitoring (DDM) capabilities provide visibility into module health, enhancing network management and maintenance workflows.