R9B42-61001 HPE Aruba Networking 400GB Qsfp-dd Mpo-12 Edr4 Transceiver.

QSFP-DD Interface and Its Benefits

The QSFP-DD (Quad Small Form-Factor Pluggable - Double Density) standard supports high-speed network connections by doubling the density of traditional QSFP modules. This transceiver supports eight lanes of 50Gbps data, aligning with the EDR4 specification (Enhanced Data Rate), which uses PAM4 (Pulse Amplitude Modulation 4-level) signaling to achieve ultra-high speeds.

• Double the port density compared to standard QSFP28 modules
• Supports up to 400Gbps aggregate bandwidth per port
• Backward compatibility with lower-speed QSFP modules for versatile infrastructure deployment
• Significantly reduced power consumption per Gbps compared to older generation transceivers

MPO-12 Fiber Connector Configuration

The MPO-12 (Multi-Fiber Push-On with 12 fibers) connector provides high-density fiber connectivity for high-speed optical networking. Designed to optimize space and simplify fiber management, the MPO-12 connector enables efficient deployment in dense rack environments.

MPO-12 connectors are essential for parallel optics used in 400G Ethernet, which splits the 400Gbps data rate into multiple lanes over fiber, thus allowing lower cost and lower complexity for high-capacity links. The result is better scalability, simplified cabling, and high signal integrity in high-performance networking environments.

EDR4 Optical Technology and Performance Characteristics

EDR4 is an advanced optical technology that supports 400Gbps transmission using 4x100G PAM4 lanes. It is specifically developed to meet the demand of evolving data center and cloud applications, offering improved reach and superior bandwidth over multimode fiber.

The PE R9B42-61001 utilizes EDR4 to support optical communication over a maximum distance of 100 meters using OM4 multimode fiber. This makes it ideal for short-range interconnects within hyperscale data centers and enterprise network backbones.

Advantages of EDR4 Technology

• High-speed data transmission (400Gbps over 4x100G lanes)
• Lower Bit Error Rates (BER) due to superior optical signal integrity
• Optimized for data center environments with short-reach fiber links
• Meets IEEE 802.3bs and OIF-CEI standards for interoperability and compliance

Use Cases for Aruba Networking 400GB QSFP-DD Transceivers

The PE R9B42-61001 is purpose-built for a wide array of applications, each requiring ultra-high-speed connectivity and fault-tolerant infrastructure. From high-frequency trading firms to research institutions and hyperscale cloud service providers, this 400Gbps transceiver enhances network performance and reduces latency in mission-critical workloads.

Hyperscale Data Centers

Hyperscale data centers, run by companies like Google, Amazon, and Microsoft, depend heavily on 400Gbps optical transceivers to facilitate internal server-to-server communications. The PE R9B42-61001 helps minimize cabling complexity while optimizing bandwidth per RU (rack unit).

Artificial Intelligence & High-Performance Computing (HPC)

AI and HPC environments involve data-intensive workloads that require large datasets to be transferred with minimal latency. The high bandwidth and low error rates of the Aruba 400G transceiver make it a perfect fit for these use cases, enabling high-speed model training, simulation, and analysis.

Cloud Service Providers (CSPs)

CSPs require scalable, high-speed, low-latency connections to deliver seamless services. The Aruba 400Gbps transceiver supports robust interconnects within the CSP infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted service and fast response times across cloud-based applications.

Aruba Networking Compatibility and Integration

Aruba, a Hewlett Packard Enterprise company, designs its networking hardware and transceivers to integrate seamlessly with a wide range of HPE switches and routers. The PE R9B42-61001 QSFP-DD transceiver is compatible with multiple Aruba networking platforms, including modular switches like Aruba 8325 and Aruba 8360 series.

Compatibility across Aruba’s product ecosystem ensures simple deployment and reduced total cost of ownership. IT administrators benefit from Aruba’s centralized network management platforms like Aruba Central and AirWave, which provide visibility into transceiver status, diagnostics, and real-time traffic monitoring.

Plug-and-Play Deployment

With hot-swappable design and plug-and-play compatibility, the PE R9B42-61001 allows for easy field installation and replacement without interrupting network services. This minimizes operational downtime and facilitates rapid scaling of network capacity as needed.

Security and Reliability Considerations

Designed to support secure infrastructure, the PE R9B42-61001 transceiver features built-in digital diagnostics for real-time link monitoring and diagnostics. Additionally, compliance with RoHS and IEEE standards ensures regulatory adherence and safe integration into environmentally conscious data centers.

Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM)

DDM provides insight into key performance metrics like optical power levels, laser bias current, voltage, and module temperature. IT teams can use this data to identify signal degradation before failures occur, improving uptime and reliability.

Temperature and Environmental Resilience

With an operating temperature range of 0°C to 70°C, the transceiver performs reliably in controlled environments, such as enterprise data centers and telecom infrastructure. Heat dissipation features also prevent thermal buildup, further extending device longevity.

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

One of the standout attributes of the PE R9B42-61001 is its energy efficiency per gigabit. Compared to legacy 100G and 200G solutions, the 400Gbps module delivers substantial savings in both power and cooling requirements. Network operators benefit from reduced energy costs and lower environmental footprint, while meeting bandwidth growth.

Long-Term ROI

By future-proofing the network and scaling with increasing data demand, the Aruba 400G transceiver protects IT investment. Operators who adopt 400Gbps modules experience lower $/Gbps over time due to reduced power draw and hardware consolidation.

Product Category and Related Solutions

The PE R9B42-61001 transceiver falls under the category of 400G Optical Transceivers, specifically QSFP-DD modules for data center and high-speed backbone interconnects. It aligns with next-generation data center strategies and supports ongoing evolution to Terabit-scale networks.

Related Aruba Solutions

• Aruba 8360 Series Core and Aggregation Switches
• Aruba 8325 High-Performance Data Center Switch
• Aruba CX Series Network Operating System
• Aruba Central Cloud-Based Network Management

Complementary Components

• OM4 Multimode Fiber Cables with MPO-12 connectors
• QSFP-DD compatible transceiver cages
• Patch panels and breakout modules
• Network TAPs and optical splitters for traffic analysis

Standards and Certifications

To ensure compatibility and interoperability, the PE R9B42-61001 Aruba transceiver conforms to major international standards. These include IEEE 802.3bs (400G Ethernet), OIF-CEI (Common Electrical I/O), and RoHS compliance.

Its certifications and multi-vendor interoperability testing make it suitable for deployment across multi-brand infrastructures, enhancing flexibility in designing robust and scalable networks.

Compliance Standards

• IEEE 802.3bs (400GbE)
• OIF-CEI-56G-VSR
• RoHS Directive (2011/65/EU)
• IEC 60825-1 and FDA 21 CFR 1040.10 (Laser Safety)