MMA1B00-C100D Mellanox 100GB/S QSFP28 Optical Transceiver

Overview of the Mellanox MMA1B00-C100D Transceiver

The Mellanox MMA1B00-C100D Optical Transceiver is designed to deliver blazing-fast speeds of 100GB/s, making it an ideal choice for high-performance computing and networking applications. This exceptional speed enables users to transmit and receive data at an unprecedented rate, ensuring seamless and efficient communication.

General Information

• Manufacturer: Mellanox
• Model Number: MMA1B00-C100D
• Product Type: High-speed Transceiver Module

Technical Highlights

• Module Type: QSFP28
• Interface: 1 x MPO 100GBase-SR4 Network
• Supported Media: Optical Fiber
• Fiber Mode: Multi-mode
• Ethernet Standard: 100 Gigabit Ethernet
• Network Protocol: 100GBase-SR4

Physical Characteristics

• Form Factor: Hot-pluggable design
• Application: Optical networking and data transmission
• Performance: Up to 100 Gb/s throughput

Advanced Functionalities

• Adjustable Rx output amplitude
• Configurable Tx input equalizer
• Selectable retiming options

Compliance & Standards

• Fully compliant with SFF-8665
• IEEE 802.3 100GBase-SR4 certified
• RoHS environmental compliance

Electrical Specifications

• Operates on 3.3V power supply
• QSFP28 Power Class 4

Reliability

• BER performance better than 10e-15
• Class 1 laser safety standards
• Hot-swappable capability for seamless integration

Performance Range

Maximum Link Distance

• Up to 100m on OM4 multimode fiber
• Up to 70m on OM3 multimode fiber

Management Interface

• I2C management interface for monitoring and configuration

Mellanox MMA1B00-C100D Optical Transceiver Module

The Mellanox MMA1B00-C100D is a high-performance 100Gbps QSFP28 optical transceiver module engineered for modern enterprise networking, cloud computing environments, hyperscale data centers, high-density switching platforms, storage networks, and high-performance computing infrastructures. Designed to support 100GBase-SR4 Ethernet connectivity over multi-mode fiber cabling, this transceiver delivers exceptional bandwidth capabilities while maintaining low power consumption and reliable optical performance.

Built around advanced VCSEL laser technology operating at an 850nm wavelength, the MMA1B00-C100D enables ultra-fast data transmission across short-reach optical networks. The module supports distances of up to 100 meters when deployed over OM4 multi-mode fiber and provides dependable connectivity for demanding applications requiring high throughput and minimal latency. Its compact QSFP28 form factor allows network administrators to maximize switch port density while simplifying deployment and cable management.

The optical transceiver is designed to meet the requirements of next-generation Ethernet infrastructures where high-speed communication between servers, switches, storage systems, and network appliances is critical. The combination of 100Gbps aggregate bandwidth, MPO optical connectivity, and multi-mode fiber compatibility makes the module suitable for a wide range of networking architectures.

100GBase-SR4 Optical Transmission Technology

The Mellanox MMA1B00-C100D utilizes 100GBase-SR4 optical transmission standards to achieve reliable high-speed communication across multi-mode fiber environments. The SR4 designation refers to Short Reach operation utilizing four independent optical transmit channels and four receive channels.

Each optical lane operates at approximately 25Gbps, allowing the transceiver to achieve an aggregate throughput of 100Gbps. This parallel optics architecture provides efficient bandwidth utilization while maintaining excellent signal integrity across supported transmission distances.

The SR4 technology is particularly valuable within data centers where rack-to-rack, row-to-row, and switch-to-server connectivity demands high bandwidth and low latency. By leveraging multiple optical lanes simultaneously, the module ensures consistent performance even under intensive traffic loads.

Four-Lane Parallel Optical Architecture

The transceiver incorporates four transmit channels and four receive channels operating over dedicated optical paths. This parallel transmission methodology enables the module to deliver full 100Gbps Ethernet performance while maintaining compatibility with industry-standard optical infrastructure.

Parallel optics provide several advantages, including efficient bandwidth scaling, reduced signal processing overhead, improved transmission reliability, and support for future networking expansion. The architecture is widely adopted in enterprise and cloud environments requiring high-density connectivity.

High-Speed Data Integrity

Signal integrity is a critical requirement for 100Gbps networking environments. The MMA1B00-C100D incorporates advanced electronic and optical components designed to minimize bit error rates while maintaining stable transmission characteristics. The module supports continuous high-speed operation across demanding network workloads, helping organizations maintain reliable communications between critical infrastructure components.

QSFP28 Form Factor Advantages

The QSFP28 form factor represents one of the most widely adopted standards for 100Gbps networking deployments. The Mellanox MMA1B00-C100D leverages this compact interface to provide high-density optical connectivity while minimizing rack space consumption.

QSFP28 technology offers significantly higher bandwidth than previous generations of transceiver modules while preserving a compact physical footprint. This makes it possible for network architects to deploy larger numbers of high-speed ports within switches, routers, and network appliances.

High Port Density Deployments

Modern data centers require substantial network scalability. The compact dimensions of the QSFP28 module allow networking equipment manufacturers to integrate numerous 100Gbps interfaces into a single device. This high-density design helps optimize rack utilization and improves overall infrastructure efficiency.

Hot-Pluggable Design

The Mellanox MMA1B00-C100D supports hot-swappable installation, enabling network administrators to install, replace, or upgrade transceivers without powering down connected equipment. This capability contributes to reduced maintenance windows and improved network availability.

Operational Flexibility

Hot-plug functionality enables rapid deployment and simplified service procedures. Network operators can replace modules during maintenance activities while minimizing disruption to critical business operations and application workloads.

850nm VCSEL Laser Technology

The optical engine within the Mellanox MMA1B00-C100D utilizes advanced Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser technology operating at an 850nm wavelength. VCSEL-based transceivers are widely recognized for their efficiency, reliability, and suitability for high-speed multi-mode fiber applications.

The 850nm wavelength is optimized for use with modern multi-mode fiber infrastructure commonly deployed within enterprise campuses and data center facilities. This wavelength supports cost-effective optical networking while delivering excellent transmission characteristics.

Efficient Optical Performance

VCSEL technology enables highly efficient optical signal generation with reduced power consumption compared to many alternative optical transmission methods. This contributes to lower operational costs and reduced thermal output within densely populated networking equipment.

Multi-Mode Fiber Compatibility

The MMA1B00-C100D is specifically designed for deployment over multi-mode fiber cabling systems. Multi-mode fiber remains one of the most commonly installed optical media types within enterprise and data center environments due to its cost efficiency and ease of deployment.

The transceiver supports operation across OM3 and OM4 multi-mode fiber infrastructures, enabling organizations to leverage existing cabling investments while upgrading network speeds to 100Gbps.

OM3 Fiber Support

OM3 laser-optimized multi-mode fiber provides reliable high-speed connectivity for a wide variety of enterprise applications. The transceiver delivers dependable performance across supported OM3 fiber distances while maintaining consistent signal quality.

OM4 Fiber Optimization

OM4 fiber infrastructure provides enhanced bandwidth capabilities and extended transmission reach. When connected using OM4 cabling, the MMA1B00-C100D supports distances up to 100 meters, making it suitable for numerous data center interconnection scenarios.

Enhanced Network Scalability

Support for advanced multi-mode fiber standards allows organizations to expand networking capabilities without requiring extensive infrastructure redesign. Existing optical pathways can often be utilized to facilitate rapid deployment of high-speed Ethernet services.

MPO Optical Connector Interface

The Mellanox MMA1B00-C100D features an MPO optical connector designed to support parallel fiber transmission. MPO connectivity is widely adopted in high-speed networking environments where multiple optical channels must be transmitted simultaneously.

The MPO interface simplifies cable management and reduces physical cabling complexity compared to multiple individual duplex fiber connections. This streamlined approach contributes to improved installation efficiency and easier infrastructure maintenance.

Parallel Fiber Connectivity

The MPO connector supports multiple fiber strands within a single compact interface. This configuration aligns with the SR4 transmission architecture and facilitates efficient deployment of 100Gbps optical links.

Structured Cabling Integration

MPO-based transceivers integrate effectively with structured cabling systems commonly found in modern data centers. The connector format supports organized cable routing, improved airflow management, and simplified network expansion initiatives.

Reduced Infrastructure Complexity

By consolidating multiple optical lanes into a single connector interface, MPO technology helps reduce cable congestion and improves accessibility within densely populated networking cabinets and equipment racks.

100-Meter Transmission Reach

The transceiver supports transmission distances of up to 100 meters over OM4 multi-mode fiber, making it particularly suitable for short-reach applications within enterprise and data center environments. This reach capability accommodates numerous networking scenarios, including server aggregation, switch uplinks, storage connectivity, and spine-leaf architectures.

The 100-meter operating distance enables organizations to interconnect equipment located across multiple racks, rows, or network zones without sacrificing bandwidth performance or reliability.

Data Center Interconnect Applications

Within modern data centers, equipment is frequently distributed across large physical spaces. The transmission capabilities of the MMA1B00-C100D facilitate efficient communication between critical infrastructure components while maintaining ultra-high throughput levels.

Switch-to-Switch Connectivity

High-capacity switch uplinks often require reliable 100Gbps optical communication. The transceiver provides the bandwidth necessary to support aggregation layers, core networking functions, and high-density traffic distribution environments.

Enterprise Networking Applications

The Mellanox MMA1B00-C100D is suitable for a broad range of enterprise networking deployments requiring high-capacity optical communications. Organizations implementing digital transformation initiatives, virtualization platforms, and cloud-based services can benefit from the module's performance characteristics.

Virtualized Infrastructure

Virtualized server environments generate substantial east-west traffic between compute nodes, storage systems, and networking equipment. The 100Gbps bandwidth provided by the transceiver helps eliminate communication bottlenecks while supporting resource-intensive workloads.

Storage Area Network Integration

Modern storage platforms demand high-speed connectivity to support rapid data access, backup operations, replication tasks, and disaster recovery processes. The transceiver provides sufficient throughput for storage-intensive applications operating within enterprise environments.

Cloud Infrastructure Deployment

Cloud computing platforms require scalable and reliable network connectivity. The MMA1B00-C100D supports high-bandwidth communications between cloud resources, enabling efficient workload distribution and optimized application performance.

Performance Characteristics and Reliability

The transceiver is engineered to provide consistent optical performance under demanding operational conditions. Precision manufacturing processes and rigorous testing procedures help ensure stable functionality across a wide range of deployment environments.

Low Latency Communication

High-speed optical connectivity minimizes transmission delays between network endpoints. The module supports latency-sensitive applications such as financial transactions, real-time analytics, artificial intelligence processing, and high-performance computing workloads.

Continuous Data Throughput

The 100Gbps architecture enables sustained high-bandwidth communications across enterprise networks. Organizations can support increasing data volumes without compromising application responsiveness or user experience.

Operational Stability

Advanced optical and electronic design methodologies contribute to reliable operation throughout the module's lifecycle. Stable signal transmission characteristics help maintain network integrity and reduce the likelihood of communication interruptions.

Data Center Efficiency Benefits

The combination of QSFP28 density, MPO connectivity, 850nm VCSEL technology, multi-mode fiber compatibility, and 100GBase-SR4 transmission capabilities makes the Mellanox MMA1B00-C100D a highly efficient solution for contemporary networking infrastructures. Its ability to deliver 100Gbps bandwidth across short-reach optical environments supports scalable growth, improved application performance, enhanced virtualization capabilities, and efficient utilization of modern data center resources. Organizations deploying high-density Ethernet networks can leverage the module to achieve reliable optical communications while maintaining flexibility for future expansion and increasing bandwidth demands.