XVR-10168-20 Arista 100GBASE-BIDI Transceiver Up To 70m Over Qsfp Optical

Arista XVR-10168-20 100GBASE-BIDI Transceiver Overview

The Arista XVR-10168-20 100GBASE-BIDI QSFP optical transceiver is a cutting-edge networking module designed for high-speed data transmission across short-reach multimode fiber (MMF) infrastructures. This compact transceiver enables 100 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity over OM3 and OM4 fiber optic cables, supporting distances of up to 70 meters over OM3 and 100 meters over OM4. Engineered to meet the high-performance demands of data centers and enterprise core networks, the XVR-10168-20 leverages Bi-Directional (BiDi) optics to minimize fiber count and infrastructure complexity while optimizing transmission performance and network scalability.

100GBASE-BIDI Technology and Its Benefits

100GBASE-BIDI technology is designed to simplify high-speed network deployments by enabling duplex communication over a single pair of multimode fibers using two wavelengths. Unlike traditional transceivers requiring multiple fiber strands, the BiDi approach uses advanced wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) to transmit and receive signals simultaneously on different wavelengths. This innovation greatly reduces fiber infrastructure costs and streamlines cabling for dense switch-to-switch and switch-to-server connections.

Fiber Utilization Efficiency

With BiDi optics, the Arista XVR-10168-20 allows data centers to double their fiber capacity without the need for additional physical cabling. This efficiency is particularly beneficial in environments where retrofitting or expanding fiber infrastructure would be costly or logistically challenging. Network administrators can maintain existing OM3/OM4 fiber deployments while significantly increasing bandwidth density.

Reduced Cabling Complexity

Traditional 100G connections typically require multiple parallel fibers using MPO connectors. In contrast, the XVR-10168-20 operates using LC duplex connectors, simplifying installation, reducing space usage in cable trays and panels, and improving airflow in rack enclosures. This reduced cabling complexity translates to faster deployment times and fewer potential points of failure.

Compatibility and Standards

The Arista XVR-10168-20 complies with MSA (Multi-Source Agreement) specifications for QSFP transceivers and is designed for full interoperability with other MSA-compliant equipment. This ensures seamless integration with a wide range of networking hardware in multi-vendor environments. The module supports standard 100G Ethernet protocols and is optimized for deployment in high-performance networks using OM3 or OM4 multimode fiber.

Interoperability with Arista Networks Equipment

While MSA compliance guarantees broad compatibility, the XVR-10168-20 is specifically optimized for use with Arista's suite of 100G-capable switching platforms. This includes data center and core switching models like the Arista 7050X, 7260X, and 7280R series. When deployed within an Arista ecosystem, users benefit from enhanced performance tuning, diagnostics, and management capabilities via Arista EOS (Extensible Operating System).

Standard Compliance

• IEEE 802.3bm 100GBASE-SR4 standard
• QSFP28 MSA (Multi-Source Agreement)
• RoHS Compliant
• Class 1 Laser IEC 60825-1

Technical Specifications of the XVR-10168-20

The Arista XVR-10168-20 is designed to meet stringent data center and enterprise network performance standards. It delivers 100Gbps data rates with minimal latency and power consumption, all within a compact, hot-swappable QSFP28 form factor.

Key Technical Attributes

• Form Factor: QSFP28
• Max Data Rate: 103.1 Gbps
• Reach: Up to 70m over OM3, 100m over OM4
• Connector Type: LC Duplex
• Wavelengths: 850nm BiDi (WDM-based)
• Operating Temperature: 0°C to 70°C
• Power Consumption: < 3.5 Watts
• Hot Swappable: Yes

Performance Optimization

This transceiver is designed with low-latency architecture for time-sensitive applications such as high-frequency trading, cloud computing, and real-time analytics. Advanced signal conditioning and forward error correction (FEC) mechanisms ensure minimal packet loss and enhanced link reliability.

Use Cases in Modern Networking

Organizations deploying the Arista XVR-10168-20 are often looking to scale their core and spine-leaf topologies with efficient, high-speed, short-reach interconnects. It is widely used in cloud data centers, enterprise campus backbones, high-performance computing (HPC) clusters, and virtualization environments.

Spine-to-Leaf Connectivity

In leaf-spine architectures, the need for rapid east-west data flows is critical. The XVR-10168-20 transceiver offers optimal link reliability and bandwidth scalability for short-reach connections between leaf switches and spine switches using OM4 fiber.

Top-of-Rack (ToR) to End-of-Row (EoR) Links

When used in ToR switch configurations, this module provides fast uplinks to EoR or aggregation switches, ensuring low-latency performance across topologically flattened network architectures. Its duplex LC interface simplifies integration with fiber patch panels in structured cabling systems.

Data Center Interconnects

For high-density deployments within single data center environments, especially in hyperscale and colocation facilities, the Arista XVR-10168-20 facilitates dense, low-cost 100G connections, ensuring future-ready scalability with existing fiber infrastructure.

Advantages Over Traditional 100G Transceivers

Compared to SR4 or LR4 modules, the Arista XVR-10168-20 offers several unique advantages centered around cost-efficiency, ease of deployment, and physical infrastructure optimization.

Simplified Migration from 10G/40G

Because BiDi technology uses standard duplex LC connectors and is compatible with existing OM3/OM4 cabling, organizations can upgrade from legacy 10G or 40G networks to 100G with minimal disruption or infrastructure changes.

Cost and Power Efficiency

By reducing the number of optical fibers required, the XVR-10168-20 decreases overall cabling costs. Furthermore, its lower power draw—compared to multi-lane optical modules—helps reduce energy consumption per port, which is a critical factor in large-scale data center environments.

Physical and Environmental Considerations

The module is designed to operate reliably in controlled, rack-mounted environments commonly found in enterprise and service provider data centers.

Thermal Performance

With a maximum power dissipation of less than 3.5W, the Arista XVR-10168-20 operates within a standard temperature range, reducing heat load in dense switch environments and maintaining thermal headroom for rack equipment.

Form Factor Compactness

As a QSFP28 module, the transceiver offers high port density and is fully compatible with Arista switch line cards and breakout panels. The compact design allows for up to 32 100G ports in a single 1U switch chassis.

Lifecycle and Maintenance

Arista transceivers, including the XVR-10168-20, are backed by rigorous QA testing and feature advanced telemetry and monitoring capabilities that allow administrators to proactively manage hardware lifecycle and troubleshoot fiber health in real time.

Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM)

The module supports real-time monitoring of key parameters including temperature, voltage, laser bias current, and received optical power. This feature enables predictive maintenance and minimizes network downtime.

Hot Swappability

The hot-swappable nature of QSFP modules ensures rapid replacement or upgrades without affecting neighboring connections or requiring switch reboots—critical for continuous uptime in mission-critical deployments.

Environmental Compliance and Reliability

The Arista XVR-10168-20 meets global regulatory standards for safety, environmental impact, and quality assurance. The design ensures electromagnetic compatibility and eye safety in accordance with global telecom and optical standards.

RoHS and Laser Safety Compliance

Fully RoHS-compliant, the transceiver meets environmental standards for hazardous substances. Its Class 1 laser certification ensures safe operation in managed environments under IEC 60825-1.

Applications in Enterprise and Cloud Infrastructure

From hyperscale data centers to hybrid cloud enterprise backbones, the XVR-10168-20 finds utility in diverse environments due to its blend of performance, compatibility, and cost-efficiency.

Hyperscale Cloud Deployments

Major cloud providers utilize BiDi transceivers in server-to-switch and switch-to-core interconnects to facilitate massive east-west traffic. The LC duplex interface minimizes port blocking and cable management challenges at hyperscale.

Hybrid IT Environments

Enterprises leveraging hybrid cloud architectures can benefit from the XVR-10168-20’s interoperability and low-latency performance, which supports fast data replication, workload migration, and seamless network extension between on-premises and cloud nodes.

Procurement and Deployment Recommendations

Organizations planning to implement 100G networking via BiDi transceivers should evaluate current fiber infrastructure, port density requirements, and switch platform compatibility. The Arista XVR-10168-20 offers high ROI when deployed in environments with existing OM3 or OM4 cabling and LC patch panels.

Recommended Fiber Type and Connector Setup

To achieve the stated reach (70m over OM3 and 100m over OM4), it is essential to verify fiber quality and cleanliness. Use of precision LC connectors and properly polished fiber end faces ensures optimal signal integrity.

Integration with Arista Switches

While the XVR-10168-20 can be used across a range of MSA-compliant platforms, pairing it with Arista’s 7000 series switches enables full integration with EOS features like network automation, traffic engineering, and telemetry.

Conclusion-Free Extended Insight

As the networking landscape shifts towards ever-greater bandwidth and port efficiency, BiDi optics such as the Arista XVR-10168-20 play a pivotal role. Their combination of cost-effectiveness, high-speed performance, and ease of integration makes them a go-to solution for high-density short-reach 100G deployments in both legacy and next-gen fiber infrastructures.