Cisco 10-3317-03 100 Gigabit Optical Fiber LC Multi-Mode QSFP+ Transceiver Module

Product Overview of Cisco 10-3317-03 LC Multimode QSFP+ Optical Transceiver

Engineered for high-density switching and modern data center fabrics, the Cisco 10-3317-03 transceiver delivers ultra-fast connectivity over multimode optical fiber. With support for 100 Gigabit Ethernet and backward accommodation for 40 Gigabit Ethernet, this LC-terminated module helps consolidate bandwidth while preserving familiar fiber infrastructure.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Form factor: QSFP+ hot-swappable transceiver
• Connector: LC duplex for streamlined cabling
• Media: Multimode fiber (MMF) for cost-efficient, short-reach links
• Throughput: Up to 100 Gbps performance; compatible with 40 Gbps environments
• Standards: 100GBASE-X and 40GBASE-X network technologies

Model & Manufacturer Details

Identity & Classification

• Manufacturer: Cisco
• Part number: 10-3317-03
• Product type: Optical transceiver module

Technical Specifications

Interface & Media

• Transceiver type: QSFP+ (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable Plus)
• Port layout: 1 × LC duplex interface
• Media type supported: Optical fiber
• Fiber mode: Multimode (MMF)

Network & Ethernet Compatibility

• Ethernet technologies: 100 Gigabit Ethernet, 40 Gigabit Ethernet
• Network technologies: 100GBASE-X, 40GBASE-X
• Intended use: Short-reach, high-throughput aggregation and spine/leaf links

Performance & Efficiency

• High-bandwidth lanes ensure low-latency data movement across core and aggregation tiers.
• Multimode optics reduce deployment cost for campus and data center distances.
• QSFP+ footprint supports dense switch ports to maximize rack space.

Operational Advantages

• Hot-swappable design minimizes maintenance windows and downtime.
• Standard LC duplex cabling simplifies installation and spares management.
• Interoperability with 40G environments streamlines phased upgrades.

Typical Use Cases

Data Center & Enterprise

• Leaf-spine architecture uplinks requiring 100G bandwidth on MMF
• High-speed interconnects between core switches and aggregation layers
• Scalable links for virtualization clusters, hyper-converged nodes, and storage fabrics

Campus & Colocation

• Short-range cross-connects within meet-me rooms and equipment rows
• Bandwidth consolidation for multi-tenant networking

Compatibility Considerations

Before You Deploy

• Verify the host switch or router supports QSFP+ optics and the 10-3317-03 part ID.
• Confirm fiber type is multimode with LC connectors and appropriate polarity.
• Match transceiver types on both ends for consistent 100GBASE-X or 40GBASE-X operation.

Specification Snapshot

Core Attributes

• Connector: LC duplex
• Media: Optical fiber (Multimode)
• Ethernet Support: 100GbE, 40GbE
• Network Support: 100GBASE-X, 40GBASE-X
• Port Detail: 1 × LC duplex 100GBASE-SR network interface

Cisco 10-3317-03 100 Gigabit LC Multi-Mode QSFP+ Transceiver Module: Category Overview

This category page explores the ecosystem around the Cisco 10-3317-03 100 Gigabit Optical Fiber LC Multi-Mode QSFP+ Transceiver Module, with best-practice deployment guidance, physical interface considerations, typical applications, and purchasing tips for network planners and operations teams. While the label itself references 100 Gbps, LC, multi-mode, and QSFP+ in one string, seasoned engineers know that these terms can overlap with adjacent standards and marketing shorthand. This guide therefore addresses the full terrain—covering 40G/100G optics families, LC versus MPO connectors, multi-mode fiber (MMF) behavior, and platform compatibility—so that you can confidently evaluate modules and closely related substitutes in the same subcategory.

Positioning Within the High-Speed Optical Transceiver Landscape

In data center and enterprise backbones, high-speed pluggable optics have consolidated around a few form factors. Historically, QSFP+ modules deliver 40 GbE, while QSFP28 modules target 100 GbE. Both are part of the quad small form-factor pluggable family, sharing mechanical similarities and the same cage dimensions, but with different electrical lanes and encoding for the target line rate. At the same time, cabling conventions vary by application: multi-mode short-reach optics frequently use MPO-12 connectors for parallel fibers, whereas single-mode long-reach optics typically use LC duplex. The product string referenced on this page intersects these concepts. For shoppers, the practical takeaway is that you will often be comparing this module with closely related multi-mode QSFP variants, including SR4 (short-reach four-lane) families, breakouts to 10G/25G, and platform-specific Cisco-approved SKUs.

Subcategory Context: Short-Reach Multi-Mode Building Blocks

At 40G and 100G in top-of-rack (ToR) to end-of-row (EoR) spans, short-reach multi-mode optics dominate because they provide predictable, low-latency links at a cost well below that of single-mode for the same distances. In this subcategory, you will encounter:

• QSFP+ SR4 40G modules for MMF with parallel optics.
• QSFP28 SR4 100G modules for MMF with parallel optics.
• BiDi/MMF modules that use LC duplex but rely on bidirectional wavelengths to achieve higher speeds on existing MMF plants.
• Active optical cables (AOCs) and direct-attach cables (DACs) as integrated alternatives for very short runs.

The specific labeling “LC Multi-Mode” invites careful verification because conventional SR4 modules use MPO-12. If your cabling plant is LC-terminated, consider whether a BiDi or duplex LC variant exists for your platform, or whether a pre-terminated MPO trunk with LC cassettes is more appropriate for aggregation tiers.

Key Features and Technical Considerations

Selecting a high-speed multi-mode transceiver is about more than throughput. The following subsections unpack the design attributes that matter in planning, installation, and lifecycle operations for the Cisco 10-3317-03 family and comparable optics in the same category.

Form Factor and Electrical Lanes

The QSFP family integrates four electrical lanes in a compact module. A QSFP+ module typically drives four lanes at 10 Gbps each for an aggregate 40 Gbps, while QSFP28 drives four lanes at 25 Gbps for an aggregate 100 Gbps. Because the cages are mechanically compatible, many switches and routers support both, but electrical and software compatibility still depends on platform and firmware. When evaluating a module marketed as 100G in a QSFP+ shell, confirm whether it is in fact QSFP28 for the 100G application or a breakout/intermediate device.

Connector Type: LC vs MPO in Multi-Mode Links

In the short-reach multi-mode subcategory, most 40G/100G deployments use MPO-12 connectors to carry four transmit and four receive fibers in parallel. However, optical designs exist that achieve high aggregate rates via duplex LC using bidirectional or multi-wavelength techniques. If your specification includes “LC Multi-Mode,” assess the following:

• Cable Plant: Is your existing backbone built on LC duplex MMF? Converting to MPO may require new trunks or cassettes.
• Reach and Media: On OM3 fiber, short-reach modules typically support dozens of meters to low-hundreds; on OM4/OM5, reach improves.
• Polarity and Pinout: LC duplex simplifies polarity compared to MPO, but verify that bidirectional optics align with your patch panels.
• Breakout Needs: Some QSFP optics can break out into 4×10G (for 40G) or 4×25G (for 100G) via MPO; LC-based variants generally do not support native parallel breakout.

Fiber Type and Reach Expectations

Multi-mode reach depends on the modal bandwidth of the cable and the transceiver design. Typical patterns include:

• OM3: Popular in legacy data centers; supports shorter distances at 40G/100G.
• OM4: Enhanced bandwidth and longer reach; a common sweet spot for modern builds.
• OM5 (Wideband MMF): Optimized for SWDM applications with potential consolidation benefits in some LC duplex designs.

Always consult the platform data sheet for exact maximum distances for your module and fiber type, and budget in patch panels, mated pairs, and any cassettes in the link loss calculation.

Optical Budget and Loss Elements

Your effective reach is a function of the optical budget. In multi-mode short-reach designs, connector insertion loss, splice loss, and trunk attenuation dominate. Budget conservatively for:

• 0.2–0.5 dB per LC mated pair (depending on quality and cleanliness).
• 0.35–0.75 dB per MPO mated pair (higher due to multiple physical contacts).
• 0.3–3.5 dB total trunk loss depending on length and fiber grade.

Modern transceivers have robust receiver sensitivity for their target distances, but small miscalculations can push links near thresholds, producing intermittent errors under temperature or vibration. Cleaning and inspecting connectors with proper tools is essential.

Thermal Envelope, Power Draw, and Cooling

Compact pluggables like QSFP run warm in dense line cards. Power consumption varies among SR, LR, CWDM, and PAM4-based parts. Even within the same category, a module engineered for enhanced diagnostics or extended temperature ranges may draw more. Maintain front-to-back airflow consistency and avoid blocked intakes; for high-density deployments, consider blanking panels and cable managers to keep turbulence low and cooling efficient.

Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM) and Telemetry

Quality multi-mode modules, including Cisco-approved parts and their platform-aligned equivalents, expose DDM such as Tx power, Rx power, laser bias current, temperature, and supply voltage. Leverage these parameters for:

• Commissioning: Verify receive levels at turn-up.
• Trend Analysis: Baseline values and watch for slow drift that signals contamination or stress.
• Incident Response: Differentiate a failing transceiver from cabling faults.

Compatibility and Platform Alignment

Cisco platforms enforce compatibility matrices that couple transceiver SKUs with specific switch and router models. The 10-3317-03 string may appear alongside equivalent platform codes or be associated with particular IOS/NX-OS releases. Before purchase, validate:

• Chassis Support: Match the module to your supervisor, line card, or fixed switch model.
• Software Level: Some optics require a minimum software release for DDM or advanced features.
• Breakout Modes: If you plan 4×10G or 4×25G fan-out, confirm support in both hardware and software.
• DOM Readouts: Ensure your NMS/telemetry stack maps vendor-specific fields correctly.

If you operate mixed-vendor fabrics, check whether your transceiver choice needs to be coded for a specific vendor on each end, or whether you’ll standardize on Cisco coding to simplify sparing.

Use Cases: Where This Category Shines

• Leaf–Spine Uplinks: Short, predictable runs in a structured cabling plant where port density and latency matter.
• Aggregation Blocks: East–west traffic between ToR switches and aggregation layers.
• Intra-Row Cross-Connects: Modular data halls built around repeatable 30–100 m spans.
• Campus Core Extensions: MDF/IDF links where MMF is already present and performance targets are modest.

Operations and Lifecycle Management

Once deployed, optics benefit from consistent hygiene and monitoring.

Cleaning and Inspection Discipline

Dust and oil are the arch-enemies of multi-mode links. Follow “inspect, clean, inspect” every time you handle a connector. Use lint-free swabs and isopropyl alcohol of suitable purity. For MPO, invest in guided-alignment cleaning tools to clean all fiber endfaces uniformly.

Spares Strategy

Maintain a right-sized sparing model:

• N+X at Each Site: Stock at least one spare per unique module type per row or per building, plus a central depot buffer.
• Batch Consistency: When possible, standardize on a small number of SKUs to reduce configuration drift and simplify testing.
• Rotation: Periodically test spares to ensure they haven’t degraded on the shelf.

Design Nuances: LC Multi-Mode at High Bitrates

The string “LC Multi-Mode” paired with 40/100G evokes two deployment patterns:

1. BiDi/SWDM on LC Duplex: Transmit and receive over two fibers using two or more wavelengths to reach aggregate 40G/100G.
2. Parallel Optics via MPO with LC Edge Cassettes: Backbone uses MPO trunks, but the edge presents LC via cassettes for convenience at equipment racks.

If you prefer to keep LC at the device front panel, verify whether your module is truly LC-based at the transceiver end, or whether it expects an MPO and you plan to break out to LC at the patch panel. The physical reality matters for part selection and day-2 support.

Migration Paths: 10G - 40G - 100G

Many campuses and small data centers want to protect legacy LC-terminated OM3 while climbing to higher speeds. Three common paths:

• 10G SR to 40G BiDi: Reuse the same LC duplex runs where supported; watch reach limits on OM3.
• 40G SR4 to 100G SR4: Adopt MPO trunks early; move from QSFP+ to QSFP28 without recabling racks.
• 25G Duplex to 100G Breakout: Use 4×25G breakouts where switch ASICs and optics support it to scale east–west capacity.

Breakout and Channelization

Breakout lets one high-speed port serve multiple downstream devices:

• 40G → 4×10G: QSFP+ SR4 with MPO harness to four LC duplex 10G endpoints.
• 100G → 4×25G: QSFP28 SR4 with MPO harness to four LC duplex 25G endpoints, if supported by optics and switch.

Check that your module explicitly supports breakout and that your switch allows channelization on the target ports.

Cabling Architecture and Best Practices

Structured cabling simplifies future growth. A modular design with trunks, cassettes, and patching fields makes moves, adds, and changes predictable.

MPO Trunks and Cassettes

Even when your end equipment uses LC, consider MPO trunks for backbone runs. In high-density designs, MPO allows efficient utilization of tray space. Cassettes at the rack edge offer LC presentation to devices while preserving backbone scalability. When mixing LC and MPO environments, label polarity clearly to avoid field confusion.

Pathway Management and Bend Radius

Multi-mode fiber tolerates moderate bends, but adhering to the minimum bend radius (commonly 10× the cable diameter for static installations) prevents micro-bending losses. Use ladder racks, Velcro (not zip ties) for gentle pressure, and avoid stacking heavy bundles on smaller patch cords.

Testing and Certification

Qualify each permanent link using Tier-1 (power/loss) testing and consider Tier-2 (OTDR) for troubleshooting. Store results in your documentation repository. Validate that cassettes and field terminations meet low-loss specifications consistent with 40/100G requirements.

Performance, Reliability, and Error Domains

At tens of gigabits per second per lane, the link budget is tight and the margin for dirt or deformation is slim. Common error domains include:

• Dirty Endfaces: The #1 cause of intermittent errors.
• Incorrect Polarity: Particularly during MPO deployment without strict labeling.
• Over-Budget Loss: From too many mated pairs or poor-quality connectors.
• Thermal Throttling: In high-density racks without uniform front-to-back airflow.

Mitigate by enforcing cleaning SOPs, using factory-terminated low-loss components, and monitoring temperature and DOM continuously.

Security and Compliance Considerations

While optics themselves do not enforce traffic policy, their selection influences security posture by enabling or constraining topology choices. For example, adopting breakout can create additional lateral paths that require ACLs, segmentation, or micro-segmentation. Ensure that the physical plant supports redundancy (A/B paths) through diverse pathways so that a single fiber incident does not disable both uplinks.

Physical Security

Use lockable patch panels in shared spaces. Color-code high-speed patch cords to differentiate them from lower-speed links, and maintain accurate port maps to avoid accidental disconnects during maintenance.

Procurement Guidance for the Category

When sourcing Cisco-aligned QSFP optics in this category, balance cost, risk, and logistics:

• Vendor Coding: Ensure modules are coded for your platform to avoid unnecessary compatibility warnings.
• Warranty and RMA: Favor suppliers with clear return policies and advance replacement options.
• Traceability: Ask for test reports or serialization records for each batch.
• Lead Times: Stock spares to bridge global component fluctuations.

Bundling With Cabling

For greenfield builds, bundle optics with matched MPO trunks or LC patching kits to ensure the whole solution is validated together. This reduces finger-pointing during turn-up and accelerates time to service.

Energy and Sustainability

Short-reach MMF solutions tend to be power-efficient per Gbps compared to some long-reach single-mode alternatives. Consolidating uplinks (e.g., migrating from 4×10G to a single 40G) can reduce the total number of optical engines in service. Use switch features like auto-negotiated low-power idle where available, and avoid over-provisioning ports that stay dark for long periods.

Interoperability With Legacy Gear

When operating mixed 10G/40G/100G fabrics, pay attention to autonegotiation behavior, FEC requirements (if any), and that both endpoints support the same optical technology. If you must interconnect different optical families, use media conversion or switch fabric intermediation—never try to “make LC work with MPO” via ad-hoc adapters without a coherent design.

Documentation Templates You Can Reuse

Standardize the following templates across projects in this category:

• Fiber Link Budget Sheet: Includes fiber type, length, mated pairs, estimated loss, margin.
• Optics BOM: Module SKU, coding, quantity, spares, supplier, warranty term.
• Patch Map: Rack elevation diagrams, port IDs, patch field labeling.
• Commissioning Checklist: DOM baselines, cleaning procedures, burn-in duration, test results.

Risk Management and Change Control

High-speed optics amplify small process lapses. Treat any change to patching or optics as a controlled activity:

• Pre-Change Review: Verify that target ports, optics, and cables match the design.
• Rollback Plan: Keep old optics and cords nearby to revert quickly.
• Post-Change Validation: Capture DOM snapshots and run a traffic soak test.

Cost Optimization Without Compromise

You can control total cost of ownership while preserving performance:

• Standardize SKUs: Reduce the number of unique transceiver types to gain volume pricing and simplify sparing.
• Right-Size Reach: Don’t overbuy long-reach optics for short inter-rack spans.
• Use Pre-Terminated Cabling: Factory-terminated, low-loss trunks reduce installation time and surprise losses.

Environmental and Mechanical Handling

Store transceivers within recommended temperature and humidity ranges. Avoid touching the optical endface; always keep dust caps on when modules are not inserted. During transport and staging, use padded bins and anti-static packaging. Never coil patch cords tighter than the specified bend radius.

Sample Design Patterns Using This Category

Leaf–Spine With Parallel Optics Backbone

A spine of modular switches connects to leaf ToR switches via MPO-based short-reach optics. Trunks run 30–90 m along overhead trays. Each leaf has dual diverse paths to the spine. Breakouts are used for server aggregation at the leaf when needed.

Campus Core With LC Duplex Reuse

A campus core extends higher bandwidth to IDFs by reusing existing LC duplex OM3 pathways. Transceivers using duplex MMF are selected within reach limits, enabling a low-disruption upgrade from 10G to higher rates at critical closets.

Hybrid Fabric With Edge LC and MPO Backbone

Edge racks present LC ports via cassettes for operational convenience, while the backbone uses MPO trunks for density and scalability. Transceivers at the switch face match the backbone’s parallel optics, with conversion handled neatly inside patch panels.

Operational KPIs and Continuous Improvement

Measure what matters:

• Mean Time to Repair (MTTR): From incident open to error-free link restoration.
• Optical Margin: Average headroom between Rx level and sensitivity threshold.
• Cleanliness Compliance: % of maintenance events executed with documented inspect/clean/inspect steps.
• Documentation Freshness: Days since last update to patch maps and DOM baselines.

Pre-Deployment Readiness Review (PDR) Template

1. All modules and patch cords received, serialized, and tested.
2. Fiber link budget spreadsheet completed with margin ≥ 1 dB.
3. Polarity and labeling plan approved; photos of patch fields stored.
4. Maintenance window and rollback plan defined.
5. Monitoring templates prepared for DOM and interface statistics.

Post-Deployment Validation (PDV) Steps

1. Run traffic at line-rate for 15–60 minutes; verify zero errors.
2. Record DOM statistics for all links; file in CMDB.
3. Verify redundancy: shut one path to confirm failover behavior.
4. Update rack elevations and patch maps with any changes made during turn-up.

Real-World Operations Stories (Patterns)

Pattern: The “Clean Once, Fix Everything” Moment

A team experiencing sporadic CRCs across multiple 40G short-reach links discovered that a maintenance window introduced minute dust contamination. A disciplined clean/inspect aligned DOM readings with design expectations and eliminated the errors without a single module replacement.

Pattern: Polarity Mismatch on a New Row

A new row shipped with trunks wired for Type-A while optics expected Type-B. Clear labeling and a quick polarity swap at cassettes resolved the issue—emphasizing the importance of pre-deployment audits.

Environmental Drift and Seasonal Effects

Temperature swings can alter insertion loss marginally. In facilities with variable cooling (e.g., economizers), links near budget limits may flap as temperatures rise. Maintain reasonable thermal headroom, and track link performance across seasons.

Inventory and Asset Management

Use barcodes or RFID to track transceivers from receiving to rack. Record where each module is installed, along with DOM baselines and maintenance history. This enables proactive replacement of aging optics and correlates performance data with vendor batches.

Reference Architectures Snapshot

• Spine–Leaf with SR4: MPO-12 backbones, breakout capability for flexible aggregation tiers.
• LC Duplex Upgrade Path: Reuse LC paths with duplex MMF optics for targeted uplifts where distance allows.
• Mixed Fabric: Combine LC edges and MPO trunks with cassettes, preserving operational simplicity while scaling.