10-3317-02 Cisco 100 GBPS LC Multi-Mode QSFP+ Optical Fiber Transceiver

About the Cisco 10-3317-02 100GB QSFP+ Transceiver Module

The Cisco 10-3317-02 100 Gbps LC multi-mode QSFP+ transceiver module serves organizations that need high-density, high-performance connectivity in data centers, campus cores, aggregation layers, and service provider edge environments. Designed to fit the popular QSFP form factor and optimized for multi-mode fiber (MMF) with LC connectors, this module targets short-reach, ultra-low-latency links between top-of-rack (ToR) switches, spine-leaf fabrics, and high-performance servers or storage arrays. In many enterprise network refreshes, the module represents the practical middle ground between the raw throughput of 100 Gbps and the simplicity and familiarity of LC-terminated MMF cabling.

While the industry uses nuanced terminology for 100 Gbps optics, the 10-3317-02 category is tuned for users who want 100G speeds from a QSFP-class footprint with duplex LC connectors on multi-mode fiber. This combination enables painless patching in racks already standardized on LC, supports common cable plant topologies, and simplifies operations for teams who routinely handle LC jumpers. The result is a highly scalable, power-efficient transceiver option that shortens mean time to deploy, reduces cabling confusion, and supports consistent, predictable performance in clustered and modular switching designs.

Position in Modern Data Center Architectures

As data center traffic patterns shift from north-south to east-west and microservices explode the number of lateral flows, core-to-leaf and leaf-to-server links require more bandwidth, lower jitter, and improved determinism. The Cisco 10-3317-02, as a 100 Gbps MMF LC module, fits naturally into the spine-leaf model, providing high-throughput aggregation without forcing a migration to unfamiliar connectors or exotic cable types. Its density and power efficiency allow operators to deploy many ports per rack unit, driving flatter network topologies and reducing oversubscription. In campus cores and large meeting spaces, it also helps unify aggregation backbones, supporting high-bandwidth applications like UHD video distribution, XR collaboration, and campus-scale Wi-Fi backhaul.

Key Advantages of the 100 Gbps LC MMF QSFP+ Category

• LC Simplicity: Duplex LC connectors are widely used, easy to manage, and compatible with standard patch panels and cable management hardware. The 10-3317-02 category keeps operations consistent with existing practices.
• Short-Reach Efficiency: Multi-mode fiber excels in short-to-medium distances common inside data halls, co-location cages, and campus MDF/IDF runs, delivering cost-effective 100G links.
• High Port Density: The QSFP form factor supports tight port spacing on fixed-configuration and modular line cards, enabling dense 100G deployments in a small footprint.
• Operational Familiarity: Network technicians accustomed to 10G/40G LC-based optics can scale to 100G with minimal retraining.
• Power-Aware Design: Lower power draw per port reduces the cumulative thermal load, easing cooling requirements and extending equipment life.

Typical Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios

Enterprises and service providers deploy the Cisco 10-3317-02 category across multiple tiers of their infrastructure. The following scenarios illustrate where the module consistently adds value:

Leaf-to-Spine and ToR Aggregation

High-density leaf switches often require many 100G uplinks to spine switches. LC-terminated MMF makes these connections straightforward to manage. The module’s short-reach profile maps well to in-row or cross-row designs, and its compact footprint allows more uplinks per switch, supporting scale-out fabrics. In ToR aggregation, it links adjacent racks, row ends, or modular chassis with low latency, maintaining a predictable oversubscription ratio.

Server and Storage Connectivity

Modern servers equipped with 100G NICs and storage arrays running NVMe-over-Fabrics or high-throughput backup streams benefit from 100G links that are easy to patch and re-provision. The 10-3317-02 module enables direct switch-to-server and switch-to-storage runs on LC MMF, keeping cable trays clean and simplifying moves, adds, and changes. Its low-latency optics preserve the performance envelope required for parallel workloads, distributed databases, and real-time analytics pipelines.

Campus Core and Distribution

Campus networks increasingly demand 100G to handle Wi-Fi 6/6E/7 aggregation, UHD signage, lecture capture, and collaboration suites. Using LC MMF where conduit space is constrained or where an existing MMF plant is already in place makes the 10-3317-02 category a practical backbone choice. Redundant 100G links between distribution and core maintain resiliency while future-proofing for streaming-heavy use cases.

Inter-Building and Short Metro Links

In campus environments with adjacent buildings or short metro dark fiber spans compatible with MMF, these modules create cost-effective 100G uplinks without requiring specialized connectors. When coupled with proper environmental considerations and optical budgets, they deliver stable, high-bandwidth connectivity over short distances with excellent availability.

Physical Interface and Cabling Considerations

The LC multi-mode profile of the Cisco 10-3317-02 category simplifies cable plant planning. Understanding fiber grades, polishing types, and bend radius tolerances helps maintain optical budgets and link reliability.

Fiber Types and Grades

Multi-mode deployments frequently rely on OM3, OM4, or OM5 fiber. OM3 supports 10G and many short-reach 40G/100G applications; OM4 increases distance headroom; OM5 provides wideband support for future wavelength-multiplexed MMF designs. For 100 Gbps LC MMF applications, choosing OM4 or better is common to maintain margin against insertion loss and connector wear. While exact maximum reaches depend on transceiver characteristics and optical budgets, operators typically select OM4 for its balance of performance and cost.

Connector Polish and Endface Quality

LC connectors used with 100G optics should have high-quality endfaces, clean ferrules, and proper APC/UPC polish as specified for the module. Most LC MMF links at 100G rely on UPC terminations to minimize return loss. Field technicians should use inspection scopes and cleaning kits as a standard practice. Even microscopic debris can introduce reflections, raise bit error rates (BER), or trigger link flaps under temperature changes.

Patch Panels and Cable Management

LC duplex cassettes, angled patch panels, and horizontal cable managers keep jumpers strain-free and clearly labeled. Because port density rises with 100G adoption, color-coded boots or labeled wraps help prevent mis-patching during maintenance windows. Route LC jumpers through dedicated managers to maintain bend radius and reduce lateral pressure on switch ports, thereby lowering the risk of intermittent light loss from microbends.

Distance Planning and Optical Budgeting

Plan for total insertion loss across jumpers, connectors, splices, and patch panels. Create a per-link worksheet listing segment lengths, connector counts, and expected losses, then compare against the module’s loss budget. Add operational margin for aging, temperature variance, and accidental contamination. When links approach the maximum recommended reach, prefer high-grade OM4/OM5 and minimize unnecessary connectors.

Performance Characteristics and Reliability Factors

Beyond raw throughput, the 10-3317-02 category emphasizes stable link performance under real-world conditions. The following attributes drive predictable outcomes in production networks:

Latency and Jitter

Optical serialization delay for 100G LC MMF links is low and consistent. This predictable latency helps distributed applications maintain tight timing. Keep in mind that transceiver-to-transceiver variation is generally small; larger contributors to end-to-end latency include switch buffering, queuing policies, and traffic shaping. Pairing the module with quality line cards configured for cut-through or deep-buffer modes as appropriate ensures microbursts are handled without packet loss.

Forward Error Correction (FEC) and BER

Modern 100G links typically employ FEC to improve link robustness and sustain a very low post-FEC BER, even as connectors age. Ensure that switch OS versions and port profiles use the recommended FEC mode for the optic. Mis-matched or disabled FEC can lead to subtle packet corruption, which manifests as retransmissions or application-layer slowdowns rather than obvious link down events.

Thermal and Power Behavior

High-density 100G deployments concentrate heat. The 10-3317-02 category is engineered for efficient power consumption, but rack airflow still matters. Use front-to-back (or back-to-front) airflow consistency across the row, maintain clean intake filters, and leave clearance around switch vents. Most modern chassis can report real-time optic temperatures; monitor these values and define alert thresholds slightly below the vendor’s maximum operating temperature for proactive maintenance.

EMI/EMC and Mechanical Tolerances

QSFP-class optics are shielded to limit electromagnetic interference, but good practices still apply: avoid routing power cables tightly around fiber trunks, and keep transceivers latched securely. Use gentle insertion force and confirm the retaining mechanism clicks into place. Mechanically stressed modules—whether from heavy, unsupported jumpers or cramped cable trays—are more likely to exhibit intermittent link issues.

Compatibility and Interoperability

Enterprises frequently mix optics across device families and generations. The 10-3317-02 category is designed for compatibility with Cisco platforms that accept QSFP-class 100G modules and support LC MMF optics. Interoperability also depends on matching link parameters and supported encoding. When connecting different vendors across a dark fiber span, ensure both ends agree on wavelength profile, FEC settings, and speed negotiation behavior. When in doubt, lock both ends to identical port profiles and explicitly configure FEC.

Switch OS and Line Card Considerations

Before deployment, verify that your switch OS release supports the transceiver PID and desired features (port breakout, telemetry, DOM monitoring). Some platforms allow breakouts of 100G to lower-speed lanes for migration; others expect dedicated 100G lanes. Release notes and hardware compatibility matrices are invaluable references when planning mixed-generation refresh projects.

DOM (Digital Optical Monitoring)

Digital diagnostics (receive/transmit power, temperature, voltage, bias current) provide instant visibility into link health. Incorporate DOM polling into your NMS or telemetry pipeline. Trending DOM data over time reveals slow drift that might otherwise surprise you during peak loads. When receive power edges toward the lower threshold, schedule a fiber cleaning and inspection, and re-test.

Cabling Topologies and Best Practices

Structured fiber cabling aims to balance agility with manageability. The Cisco 10-3317-02 category, with LC MMF, simplifies design choices while maintaining high density.

Direct Patch vs. Cross-Connect

For short rack-adjacent runs, direct patching with LC duplex jumpers reduces connectors and loss. For larger deployments or multi-tenant facilities, cross-connects provide operational decoupling—customers can change equipment without provider involvement. Cross-connects also support standardized testing points and cleaner demarcation between spheres of control.

Trunk and Fanout Design

Where multiple 100G links run in parallel, deploy LC trunk cables in overhead trays, then fan out into short LC patch cords at the endpoint racks. Label trunk endpoints clearly, map them in your DCIM, and reserve slack loops for future re-termination. Avoid sharp bends entering vertical managers; microbends can introduce unpredictable attenuation that only appears under thermal stress.

Color Coding and Labeling

Adopt a color scheme to differentiate 100G LC MMF from 10G and 40G runs. Combine colored dust caps, boot sleeves, and panel labels to prevent accidental moves. Ensure labeling survives cleaning solvents and does not peel in warm aisles. QR-coded labels tied to link documentation can save minutes per task across thousands of ports.

Security, Compliance, and Risk Management

Although optical transceivers don’t process application data in the traditional sense, they still influence the security posture of your infrastructure by affecting availability and integrity of transport.

Supply Chain Integrity

Procure the 10-3317-02 category from trusted sources to avoid counterfeit devices with substandard components. Authentic modules deliver consistent optical budgets and reliable DOM telemetry. Maintain purchase documentation and record vendor serials for audit trails and warranty claims.

Tamper Evident Practices

In sensitive environments, consider tamper-evident seals on patch panels and locked cable managers. Use port security policies on switches to prevent unauthorized link state changes. Log module insertions and removals through syslog or telemetry—sudden inventory changes can be early indicators of accidental mis-patching or malicious activity.

Standards Alignment

Ensure alignment with relevant optical and safety standards. Follow proper laser safety practices when working with energized ports, including use of non-powered inspection where possible. Keep dust caps on unused ports to prevent debris ingress and accidental exposure.

ROI, TCO, and Capacity Planning

Adopting 100 Gbps optics like the Cisco 10-3317-02 impacts both capital and operational expenditures. Thoughtful planning yields lower total cost of ownership over the module life.

CapEx Considerations

Initial costs include transceiver PIDs, LC MMF jumpers, any necessary patch panel upgrades, and potentially higher-density line cards. By leveraging existing LC MMF plants, many sites avoid larger overhauls associated with alternative connectors. Right-sizing inventory and standardizing on a small set of optical SKUs drives volume pricing and simplifies procurement.

OpEx Reduction

Operational savings come from faster turn-ups, fewer truck rolls for troubleshooting, and reduced training overhead. LC familiarity shortens maintenance windows and minimizes risk during large-scale moves, adds, and changes. Power and cooling efficiency at the transceiver level compound across dozens or hundreds of ports, translating into measurable utility savings over time.

Scaling Strategy

When forecasting bandwidth growth, consider both vertical and horizontal scale. Vertically, higher-port-density line cards can increase total 100G ports per chassis. Horizontally, you can add spine tiers or expand leaf counts. A consistent optic like the 10-3317-02 category simplifies both approaches, letting you grow capacity without reconsidering cable plant assumptions every quarter.

Migration Paths and Future-Proofing

Organizations rarely jump from 10G to 400G in one move. The 10-3317-02 category serves as a bridge on the journey, enabling staged upgrades that preserve existing investments.

From 10G/40G to 100G

Sites with extensive 10G LC MMF cabling can migrate key links to 100G by swapping optics and verifying optical budgets. In some designs, 40G uplinks can be consolidated into fewer 100G links, simplifying cabling and reducing oversubscription. Keep migration plans modular; convert a rack or row at a time, validating performance and updating documentation as you proceed.

Preparing for 200G/400G

While higher speeds increasingly rely on different modulation schemes and, often, different connectors or fiber types, building disciplined LC MMF practices now—clean documentation, cable hygiene, DOM monitoring—sets the operational foundation for multi-rate environments. A well-managed 100G layer makes it easier to introduce higher-rate islands where and when needed.

Design Patterns for High Availability

Resiliency comes from both physical redundancy and logical design. The 10-3317-02 category works well in architectures that emphasize fault domains and rapid convergence.

Redundant Paths and ECMP

Use multiple 100G links per path and enable ECMP across fabric spines. Distribute links across separate line cards, chassis, and power feeds when possible. Keep LC jumpers for redundant links routed through different cable managers to reduce the chance of simultaneous damage during maintenance.

LAG and Fast Convergence

Link aggregation can bond several 100G ports into a logical pipe, smoothing failover in the event of a single transceiver or fiber issue. Combine with fast routing protocols (e.g., BFD-assisted convergence) to minimize micro-outages that sensitive applications would otherwise notice.

Environmental and Physical Site Considerations

Even premium optics behave poorly in suboptimal environments. Controlling temperature, humidity, and dust extends module life and preserves performance.

Thermal Zoning and Hot/Cold Aisles

Keep optics away from hotspots created by uneven airflow. In cold aisles, ensure sufficient clearance before patch panels to avoid kinking LC jumpers. In hot aisles, avoid leaving dust caps off unused ports; convection currents can carry debris into ferrules.

Vibration and Mechanical Stability

In facilities near heavy equipment or transport corridors, vibration can affect connector seating. Use secure cable managers and verify latches. For racks with frequent physical access, position critical 100G ports away from knee-height panels to prevent accidental bumps.

Cleaning Protocols

Adopt a “clean before connect” policy. Stock approved LC cleaning pens, inspection scopes with proper adapters, and lint-free wipes. Train technicians to recognize endface defects and to document cleaning actions in change records.

Documentation, Labeling, and Automation

The complexity of 100G fabrics grows quickly. Good documentation transforms day-two operations from reactive troubleshooting into proactive reliability engineering.

Asset and Link Records

Track each Cisco 10-3317-02 module by serial, rack location, device slot, and port. Link records should include fiber type, length, connector count, DOM baseline, and last cleaning date. Update records automatically where possible by ingesting switch inventory outputs into your CMDB.

Templates and Golden Configs

Standardize port profiles for 100G LC MMF links—speed, FEC mode, QoS, error detection thresholds. Deploy via automation tools to eliminate configuration drift. Golden configs accelerate turn-ups and make troubleshooting more deterministic.

Telemetry Pipelines

Stream DOM data and interface counters to a time-series database. Build dashboards to flag creeping Rx power decline or rising module temperature. Alert on rate-of-change, not just absolute thresholds, to catch issues early.

Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility

Optics choices influence the energy footprint of your network. The Cisco 10-3317-02 category’s efficient design helps organizations progress toward sustainability goals.

Energy Efficiency

Per-port power savings accumulate in high-density fabrics. Lower thermal output reduces cooling loads, and stable optics minimize rework trips and out-of-cycle maintenance—both subtle contributors to sustainability.

Lifecycle and Recycling

At end-of-life, follow proper e-waste channels. Maintain a chain of custody for decommissioned modules and ensure sensitive labels are removed. Responsible recycling recovers valuable materials and keeps hazardous components out of landfills.

Procurement Guidance and SKU Rationalization

Standardizing on a concise optics catalog streamlines operations. When adopting the 10-3317-02 category, align procurement with both current projects and future growth.

Evaluation Criteria

• Compatibility: Confirm platform support for the module PID across core, aggregation, and ToR devices.
• Cable Plant Fit: Validate LC MMF availability, patch panel capacity, and tray space for trunk runs.
• Performance Envelope: Ensure reach, optical budget, and FEC modes match your intended topologies.
• Operational Tools: Verify DOM integration with existing monitoring stacks and NMS systems.
• Warranty and Support: Consider vendor coverage, RMA turnarounds, and advance replacement options.

Inventory and Spares Planning

Create a tiered inventory strategy: critical network fabrics receive higher spare ratios, while lab or non-critical links can rely on shared spares. Track usage trends—peaks in project activity often correlate with higher optics consumption. Use reorder points linked to lead times rather than fixed calendar intervals.

Comparing LC MMF 100G to Alternative Options

Choosing the right optic involves balancing cost, complexity, and performance. The 10-3317-02 category represents an LC MMF approach to 100G. Other common paths include MPO/MTP-based MMF, single-mode CWDM/CLR-class optics on LC, and direct-attach copper or active optical cables.

MPO/MTP MMF Solutions

MPO-based solutions excel in massive parallelism and sometimes longer MMF reach, but they introduce new connector types and polarity management. For organizations with entrenched LC practices, the learning curve and different cleaning protocols may add operational friction. LC-based 100G, by contrast, leverages existing panels and skill sets.

Single-Mode LC (SMF) Options

Single-mode optics support much longer distances but at typically higher cost per port. They are ideal for inter-building, campus-wide, or metro links. Where distance requirements are modest and existing MMF plant is available, LC MMF modules like the 10-3317-02 remain the most economical choice.

DAC and AOC Cables

For very short intra-rack or adjacent-rack connections, DACs (passive copper) or AOCs (integrated fiber) can be cost-effective. However, they reduce flexibility for moves and can complicate cable management in densely packed racks. LC MMF optics preserve modularity and let you adjust paths using standard patching methods.

Change Management and Documentation Templates

To accelerate consistent deployments, create standardized templates tailored to the Cisco 10-3317-02 category.

Pre-Change Template

• Verify platform and OS support for module PID.
• Confirm LC MMF type (OM4/OM5) and measured length.
• Prepare labeled LC jumpers and dust caps.
• Define FEC mode and port profile; stage configuration.
• Identify rollback steps and spare modules.

Post-Change Validation

• Record DOM Tx/Rx power, temperature, voltage, bias.
• Run a line-rate traffic soak and capture counters.
• Update CMDB with module serials, locations, and baselines.
• Attach photographs of patched panels for visual documentation.

Operational Metrics That Matter

Tracking the right KPIs yields actionable insights. For 100G LC MMF optics, consider the following metrics as part of your regular dashboard.

Optical Health Indicators

• Rx Power Drift: Gradual declines can signal connector wear or contamination.
• Bias Current Changes: Unexpected rises may indicate aging lasers or temperature stress.
• Temperature Peaks: Correlate with hot aisle events or airflow blockages.

Link Quality Indicators

• Pre-FEC Error Rate: Early warning of margin issues.
• Post-FEC Error Rate: Should remain near zero; deviations need investigation.
• Link Flap Count: Even single flaps during low load merit inspection and cleaning.

Operational Throughput Indicators

• Interface Utilization: Helps plan upgrades and LAG resizing.
• Buffer Occupancy under Load: Validates QoS and microburst handling.
• Packet Drop/ECN Marks: Reveal hotspots and help tune queuing strategies.

Real-World Deployment Tips

Veteran optical and network engineers develop habits that keep 100G links healthy. The following pragmatic tips are consistently useful in the field:

Keep Spare Cleaners and Dust Caps Everywhere

Misplaced cleaning pens and missing dust caps are common friction points. Stock extras in each row and in every technician’s toolkit. Caps protect endfaces during transport and non-use; a single missing cap in a dusty aisle can add minutes of cleaning later.

Photograph Every Finished Patch Field

Photos caught in the CMDB help future technicians distinguish correct routing from anomalies. They also reveal subtle strain or bend-radius violations invisible in written records.

Standardize Link Colors by Speed

Even in well-labeled environments, a quick visual cue saves time during incidents. Adopt a neutral but consistent color scheme for 100G LC jumpers and communicate it across teams.

Summary of Core Attributes

Speed and Reach

100 Gbps over multi-mode fiber with LC connectors, optimized for short-reach, high-density deployments typical of modern data centers and campus cores.

Form Factor

QSFP-class module delivering high port density and efficient power usage in fixed and modular switching platforms.

Operational Fit

Leverages ubiquitous LC cabling, easing installation, moves, and troubleshooting while integrating with standard patch panels and cable managers.

Reliability and Visibility

Supports DOM metrics for proactive monitoring, FEC for error resilience, and consistent thermal behavior when paired with proper airflow management.

Use Cases

Ideal for leaf-spine fabrics, server/storage uplinks, campus aggregation, and short inter-building runs where MMF provides cost-effective bandwidth.