XVR-10318-41 Arista 400GBASE-FR4 Transceiver

Overview of the Transceiver

The ARISTA XVR-10318-41 is an advanced optical transceiver engineered for ultra-fast data transmission in modern network infrastructures. Built to support demanding enterprise and data center environments, this module enables stable, high-capacity connectivity across long distances using efficient optical signaling.

Manufacturer and Identification Details

• Part Number: XVR-10318-41
• Brand: Arista 
• Device Type: Optical Transceiver

Technical Advantages

• Enhanced network stability
• Energy-efficient optical design
• Supports scalable network expansion
• Large-scale data centers
• Cloud computing infrastructure
• High-performance enterprise networks
• Service provider backbone systems

400GBASE-FR4 Transceiver

The Arista XVR-10318-41 400GBASE-FR4 Transceiver belongs to a specialized category of high-speed optical networking components designed to deliver 400 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity over single-mode fiber. This category focuses on enabling scalable, energy-efficient, and high-density data transport for modern data center, cloud, enterprise core, and service provider environments. 400GBASE-FR4 transceivers are engineered to meet the growing demand for higher bandwidth while maintaining operational simplicity and compatibility with existing fiber infrastructure.

Within this category, FR4 optics are optimized for medium-reach applications, typically up to approximately 2 kilometers, using duplex single-mode fiber and wavelength division multiplexing. The Arista XVR-10318-41 is representative of a class of transceivers that prioritize interoperability, predictable performance, and alignment with IEEE Ethernet standards, making them suitable for large-scale deployments where consistency and reliability are critical.

Form Factor and Mechanical Design Characteristics

400GBASE-FR4 transceivers such as the Arista XVR-10318-41 are commonly built using the QSFP-DD (Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable Double Density) form factor. This mechanical design supports increased electrical lane density while maintaining backward compatibility with earlier QSFP-based interfaces. The category emphasizes compact dimensions that allow network operators to maximize front-panel port density on switches and routers without sacrificing thermal performance or accessibility.

The QSFP-DD architecture enables eight electrical lanes on the host side, facilitating the aggregation of high-speed signals into a single optical interface. This approach reduces the number of physical modules required to achieve a given throughput target, lowering overall system complexity and rack space consumption.

Hot-Pluggable Module Construction

Transceivers in this category are hot-pluggable, allowing installation, replacement, and maintenance without powering down network equipment. This characteristic is essential for mission-critical environments where uptime and service continuity are non-negotiable. The Arista XVR-10318-41 is designed to integrate seamlessly into compatible Arista platforms, supporting rapid deployment and simplified operational workflows.

Optical Transmission Technology

The 400GBASE-FR4 standard defines an optical transmission method that uses four wavelength channels over single-mode fiber. Each wavelength carries a portion of the total data rate, and the combined output achieves an aggregate throughput of 400 gigabits per second. This wavelength-division multiplexing approach enables high bandwidth over a simple duplex fiber connection, which is a defining feature of the FR4 category.

The Arista XVR-10318-41 leverages this optical architecture to deliver consistent signal integrity across supported distances. By using standardized wavelengths in the 1310 nm region, FR4 transceivers align with widely deployed single-mode fiber plant, reducing the need for specialized cabling or complex optical management systems.

Single-Mode Fiber Optimization

The category is specifically optimized for single-mode fiber, which offers lower attenuation and higher bandwidth potential compared to multimode alternatives. This makes 400GBASE-FR4 transceivers well suited for inter-building links, data center interconnects within a campus, and spine-leaf architectures that require reliable medium-reach connections.

By focusing on duplex single-mode fiber rather than parallel fiber ribbons, FR4 transceivers simplify cabling layouts and reduce the number of fiber strands required, contributing to cleaner installations and easier scalability.

Performance and Bandwidth Capabilities

The 400GBASE-FR4 transceiver category addresses the need for massive throughput driven by cloud computing, virtualization, artificial intelligence workloads, and high-performance computing clusters. With a line rate of 400 GbE, transceivers like the Arista XVR-10318-41 enable network fabrics to handle east-west traffic patterns and large-scale data replication with minimal latency.

This level of performance supports consolidation of multiple lower-speed links into fewer high-capacity connections, streamlining network topologies and reducing the operational overhead associated with managing numerous interfaces.

Low Latency and Signal Integrity

Maintaining signal integrity at high data rates is a core focus of this category. Advanced modulation, forward error correction, and precise optical alignment work together to ensure reliable data transmission. The Arista XVR-10318-41 is designed to meet stringent performance thresholds defined by Ethernet standards, ensuring predictable behavior under sustained load.

Standards Compliance and Interoperability

400GBASE-FR4 transceivers adhere to IEEE Ethernet specifications, providing assurance that they will interoperate with compliant networking equipment from multiple vendors. This standards-based approach is critical for organizations that operate heterogeneous environments or plan to evolve their infrastructure over time.

The Arista XVR-10318-41 is positioned within this standards-driven ecosystem, supporting consistent link establishment, diagnostics, and management features across compatible platforms.

Multi-Vendor Network Integration

Interoperability is a defining attribute of this category. FR4 transceivers are commonly deployed in networks where equipment from different manufacturers must work together seamlessly. By conforming to standardized electrical and optical interfaces, these modules reduce the risk of compatibility issues during upgrades or expansions.

Data Center and Cloud Use Cases

In modern data center designs, spine-leaf architectures are widely adopted to provide predictable latency and high bandwidth between servers and storage systems. The 400GBASE-FR4 transceiver category plays a crucial role in connecting spine switches and leaf switches, enabling scalable fabrics that can grow without major redesigns.

The Arista XVR-10318-41 supports these architectures by offering a balance between reach, bandwidth, and fiber efficiency, making it suitable for both new builds and incremental upgrades.

Cloud and Hyperscale Deployments

Hyperscale cloud environments demand optical solutions that can be deployed at scale with consistent performance. FR4 transceivers are favored in these scenarios due to their duplex fiber design, which aligns well with structured cabling systems and reduces installation complexity.

Operational Efficiency and Power Considerations

Power consumption is a key consideration in high-density networking environments. The 400GBASE-FR4 category emphasizes energy-efficient operation to help control operational costs and thermal output. Transceivers such as the Arista XVR-10318-41 are engineered to operate within defined power envelopes while delivering full performance.

Efficient power usage contributes to improved cooling efficiency at the system level, allowing data centers to support higher port densities without exceeding thermal limits.

Advanced monitoring capabilities are integral to this category. Digital optical monitoring allows network operators to track parameters such as temperature, voltage, optical power levels, and signal quality. These features support proactive maintenance and rapid troubleshooting, reducing mean time to resolution for connectivity issues.

Simplified Deployment

The design of 400GBASE-FR4 transceivers prioritizes ease of installation. Duplex LC connectors are familiar to most network technicians, minimizing training requirements and reducing the likelihood of installation errors. The Arista XVR-10318-41 fits into this operational model, supporting efficient rollouts in both greenfield and brownfield environments.

Long-Term Reliability

Reliability is essential for optical modules deployed in critical network paths. The category emphasizes robust component selection, thorough testing, and adherence to industry reliability standards. These factors contribute to long service life and stable performance under continuous operation.

Environmental and Regulatory Considerations

400GBASE-FR4 transceivers are designed to operate across defined temperature and humidity ranges suitable for data center environments. Proper thermal management and airflow are essential to maintaining optimal performance, and the compact form factor supports efficient heat dissipation when installed in compatible hardware.

Compliance and Safety

This category aligns with relevant regulatory and safety standards, ensuring that transceivers can be deployed globally without compliance barriers. Adherence to electromagnetic compatibility and optical safety requirements is a fundamental aspect of product design.

Scalability

As network traffic continues to grow, the 400GBASE-FR4 transceiver category provides a foundation for scalable infrastructure. By enabling high-capacity links over existing single-mode fiber, transceivers like the Arista XVR-10318-41 help organizations extend the lifespan of their cabling investments while preparing for future bandwidth demands.

Alignment with Emerging Technologies

The design principles behind FR4 transceivers support ongoing innovation in switching silicon, routing platforms, and network architectures. This alignment ensures that investments in 400G optical technology remain relevant as ecosystems evolve toward even higher speeds.

Procurement and Deployment Strategy Considerations

Selecting transceivers from a consistent category simplifies procurement, inventory management, and support processes. The Arista XVR-10318-41 represents a standardized approach to 400G connectivity that can be replicated across multiple network segments, reducing complexity and improving predictability.