980-9I17L-00E000 Nvidia EDR 100GBPS QSFP28 Transceiver.

Nvidia 980-9I17L-00E000 EDR 100Gbps QSFP28 Transceiver Overview

The Nvidia 980-9I17L-00E000 EDR transceiver is a high-performance optical module designed to support the most demanding data center and high-performance computing (HPC) environments. Operating over multimode fiber (MMF) with MPO interface, this transceiver utilizes VCSEL technology at 850nm wavelength and supports data transmission rates of up to 100Gbps over distances of up to 100 meters. It is compliant with QSFP28 form factor standards and is specifically engineered to provide reliable Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) InfiniBand connectivity.

High-Speed Performance and Enhanced Bandwidth Efficiency

With a data rate of 100Gbps, the Nvidia 980-9I17L-00E000 transceiver ensures ultra-fast data throughput, making it suitable for latency-sensitive applications. Whether you are handling large-scale simulations, real-time data analytics, or complex virtualized environments, this transceiver delivers the performance required to keep data flowing seamlessly between servers, switches, and storage nodes.

Optimized for InfiniBand EDR Architecture

InfiniBand EDR (Enhanced Data Rate) supports a peak throughput of 100Gbps, and this Nvidia QSFP28 module is purpose-built to meet the specifications of EDR. It enables superior message passing and data aggregation with lower latency and jitter, critical in high-throughput, high-efficiency workloads such as deep learning training, artificial intelligence (AI), and supercomputing clusters.

Accelerated Data Movement

The Nvidia 980-9I17L-00E000 allows fast, efficient data exchange across connected nodes. This enables more efficient workload distribution, dramatically reducing bottlenecks and improving the overall responsiveness of applications in cloud-native and hyperscale environments.

QSFP28 Form Factor Compact, Modular, and Scalable

QSFP28 (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable 28) is a standardized form factor for high-speed data communication. This form factor allows for dense port configurations in switches, routers, and other networking gear. The 980-9I17L-00E000 utilizes QSFP28 to deliver 4x 25Gbps lanes, aggregated into a single 100Gbps link.

Space-Efficient for High-Density Deployments

Because of its compact footprint, QSFP28 modules enable equipment manufacturers to maximize port count within a given chassis. This density translates to reduced rack space requirements, lower cooling costs, and improved overall infrastructure efficiency—ideal for scale-out architectures and enterprise data centers.

Hot-Swappable Module Design

The hot-swappable design of the 980-9I17L-00E000 enables maintenance and upgrades without system shutdowns. IT administrators can replace or upgrade transceivers during live operations, improving uptime and system availability.

850nm VCSEL Technology and MPO Interface Benefits

This transceiver leverages Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) technology operating at an 850nm wavelength. It is specifically optimized for multimode fiber environments using MPO connectors to simplify cable management and deployment.

VCSEL-Based Optical Transmission

VCSELs are cost-effective, energy-efficient light sources ideal for short-reach applications. The 850nm laser enables the 980-9I17L-00E000 to transmit over OM3 and OM4 multimode fiber up to 70 and 100 meters respectively, offering a strong balance between performance and cost.

MPO Interface for Simplified Connectivity

The MPO (Multi-Fiber Push-On) interface supports parallel optical communication and reduces the need for multiple connectors. This transceiver supports 12-fiber MPO connectors for seamless integration with high-density fiber patch panels and structured cabling systems.

Optimized for OM3/OM4 Fiber Cabling

The module supports OM3 and OM4 multimode fibers, with maximum reach up to 70m and 100m respectively. This makes it ideal for spine-leaf topologies and mid-range interconnects in enterprise-grade networks and supercomputing centers.

Compatibility and Interoperability

The Nvidia 980-9I17L-00E000 is designed to be interoperable with Nvidia's own networking infrastructure, including Mellanox Spectrum and ConnectX series switches and adapters. Additionally, the module complies with IEEE 802.3bm and SFF-8636 standards for interoperability across a variety of platforms.

Certified for Nvidia Networking Products

Engineered and validated by Nvidia, this transceiver guarantees optimal performance with Nvidia's switching and adapter technologies. This ensures streamlined compatibility, especially within end-to-end Nvidia Ethernet or InfiniBand environments.

Standards Compliance

• IEEE 802.3bm 100GBASE-SR4 Ethernet
• SFF-8636 and SFF-8665 QSFP28 MSA
• RoHS compliant and lead-free
• IBTA InfiniBand EDR compliance

Use Cases and Applications

This 100Gbps transceiver module is engineered for use in performance-critical environments such as AI workloads, machine learning clusters, hyper-converged infrastructure, and cloud-native platforms. Its versatility makes it a popular choice among enterprise IT architects and infrastructure designers.

Data Center Fabric Interconnects

In modern data center architectures like leaf-spine, the Nvidia 980-9I17L-00E000 provides high-bandwidth, low-latency interconnects between top-of-rack (ToR) switches and aggregation or spine layers. This improves east-west traffic handling and minimizes latency in cloud applications.

AI and Machine Learning Infrastructure

AI models require massive data throughput and low-latency inter-node communication. The EDR capabilities of this transceiver allow GPUs and TPUs across different nodes to communicate efficiently, making it ideal for deep learning model training and inference pipelines.

Scientific Computing and HPC

In research institutions and national labs, HPC environments rely on fast and reliable interconnects. The 980-9I17L-00E000 enables seamless communication across cluster nodes, contributing to faster simulation results and higher utilization rates of compute resources.

Energy Efficiency and Thermal Management

The Nvidia 980-9I17L-00E000 is designed with power efficiency in mind. The module operates within a typical power budget of less than 3.5W, helping data centers stay within their energy efficiency targets while maintaining top-tier performance.

Low Power Consumption

Efficient VCSEL lasers, advanced DSPs, and optimized silicon photonics allow this module to deliver 100Gbps of throughput without exceeding thermal limits. This translates to reduced heat generation and minimal impact on server rack cooling requirements.

Thermal Monitoring Features

The module includes built-in digital diagnostics monitoring (DDM) for real-time temperature, voltage, and power monitoring. This proactive capability supports preventive maintenance and helps administrators avoid thermal-related failures.

Reliability and Build Quality

As with all Nvidia data center hardware, the 980-9I17L-00E000 transceiver undergoes rigorous quality assurance and reliability testing. It is built for mission-critical environments where consistent uptime and minimal data loss are non-negotiable.

Electromagnetic and Signal Integrity Testing

The module is tested for signal integrity across all four 25Gbps lanes to ensure clean eye diagrams and minimal crosstalk. It also complies with EMI shielding requirements to reduce noise within tightly packed networking environments.

Extended Operating Environment 

The 980-9I17L-00E000 supports commercial temperature ranges from 0°C to 70°C, making it suitable for a wide range of controlled data center and HPC deployment scenarios. Conformal coatings and high-reliability components further ensure long-term operation under continuous load.

Installation, Management, and Monitoring

This transceiver is designed to be plug-and-play with Nvidia networking gear and includes built-in management tools to simplify deployment and diagnostics. Administrators can monitor status using standard protocols supported by Nvidia switches and adapters.

Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM)

DDM features allow real-time access to operating metrics such as laser bias current, temperature, TX/RX optical power, and module voltage. These diagnostics can be accessed via standard I2C interfaces using Nvidia or third-party network management software.

Hot-Pluggable Simplicity

No software configuration is required upon insertion. The device automatically registers and begins operation upon insertion into a compatible port. This reduces administrative burden during large-scale rollouts or upgrade cycles.

Labeling and Traceability

Each transceiver is labeled with part number, serial number, and barcode for asset tracking and inventory control. This ensures compatibility checks can be performed quickly and efficiently during installation and troubleshooting.

Cost-Effective Scalability for Growing Networks

Organizations looking to scale their data infrastructure will find the 980-9I17L-00E000 to be a cost-effective building block. Compared to single-lane optics, QSFP28 EDR modules reduce total cost per Gbps while increasing port and bandwidth density.

Scalable to 200G and Beyond

While optimized for 100G EDR, this module can be part of migration strategies toward 200G and 400G environments by utilizing breakout cables or backward-compatible switch ports. This scalability ensures long-term ROI on current hardware investments.

Reduced CAPEX and OPEX

By consolidating high-speed lanes into a single form factor, operators reduce their capital expenditures (CAPEX) on ports and transceivers. The energy-efficient operation also reduces ongoing operational expenses (OPEX) related to cooling and energy usage.

Part Number Identification and Inventory Integration

The 980-9I17L-00E000 part number is a unique identifier for this specific model of Nvidia’s QSFP28 EDR transceiver. Understanding part numbers is essential for IT procurement, lifecycle planning, and inventory tracking within enterprise-scale deployments.

Vendor-Specific SKU Mapping

This part number is used by Nvidia and authorized distributors to maintain consistency across procurement, configuration guides, and software compatibility matrices. Ensuring the correct part is procured reduces the risk of incompatibility or mismatched performance expectations.