XVR-10264-41 Arista QSFP DD UP 400GBASE-XDR4 To 2km Over Parallel SMF Transceiver

Arista QSFP-DD UP 400GBASE-XDR4

The Arista XVR-10264-41 is a high-performance optical transceiver engineered for advanced networking environments. It delivers reliable 400GBASE-XDR4 connectivity over parallel single-mode fiber (SMF) up to 2 kilometers, ensuring seamless data transmission for modern data centers and enterprise infrastructures.

General Information

• Brand: Arista
• Model Number: XVR-10264-41
• Category: Optical Transceiver

Technical Specifications

Performance Details

• Aggregate Speed: 400 GBPS
• Form Factor: QSFP-DD (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable Double Density)
• Operating Wavelength: 1310 nm
• Reach: Up to 2 km

Fiber and Interface

• Fiber Type: Single-Mode Fiber (SMF)
• Connector: MTP/MPO-12 APC

Signal and Modulation

• Modulation Format: PAM4 (Pulse Amplitude Modulation, 4-level)
• Optical Channels: 4 parallel lanes, each at 100 Gbps

Environmental Range

• Temperature Range: 0°C to 70°C (32°F to 158°F)

Standards Compliance

• IEEE 802.3bs
• 400GAUI-8
• QSFP-DD MSA specifications

XVR-10264-41 QSFP-DD UP Optical Transceiver Overview

The category encompassing the Arista XVR-10264-41 QSFP-DD UP 400GBASE-XDR4 transceiver represents a critical segment of next-generation optical networking hardware designed for ultra-high bandwidth, low-latency, and scalable data transport. This category focuses on 400 Gigabit Ethernet optical transceivers that utilize the QSFP-DD form factor and parallel single-mode fiber technology to enable high-capacity links over extended distances. Products within this category are engineered to support modern data center interconnects, cloud-scale architectures, service provider backbones, and high-performance enterprise networks where throughput, reliability, and interoperability are paramount.

QSFP-DD UP Form Factor and Its Role in Modern Networks

The QSFP-DD UP form factor is a defining characteristic of this category, offering a compact yet powerful interface capable of supporting 400G data rates. QSFP-DD, or Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable Double Density, introduces an eight-lane electrical interface that doubles the channel count of previous QSFP designs. The UP designation indicates backward compatibility with earlier QSFP modules while enabling forward-looking performance. This form factor allows network designers to increase port density on switches and routers without sacrificing signal integrity or thermal efficiency, making it a foundational element for scalable network infrastructure.

Electrical and Mechanical Advantages

Within this category, the mechanical design of QSFP-DD UP transceivers ensures robust insertion cycles, precise alignment, and effective heat dissipation. The electrical interface supports high-speed PAM4 modulation, enabling each lane to carry significantly more data than legacy NRZ-based designs. These advantages collectively allow network operators to deploy high-capacity links while maintaining manageable power consumption and physical space requirements.

400GBASE-XDR4 Optical Technology Explained

The 400GBASE-XDR4 specification defines the optical signaling and performance parameters that distinguish this category. XDR4 technology uses four parallel optical lanes, each operating at 100 gigabits per second, to achieve an aggregate throughput of 400 gigabits per second. This approach balances complexity and efficiency by leveraging parallelism rather than pushing single-lane speeds beyond practical limits. The result is a stable, standards-aligned solution suitable for long-reach single-mode fiber applications.

Parallel Single-Mode Fiber Architecture

Parallel single-mode fiber, or SMF, is a cornerstone of this category. Unlike duplex fiber solutions that rely on wavelength multiplexing, parallel SMF uses multiple discrete fibers to transmit data simultaneously. This architecture reduces optical complexity and improves signal robustness over extended distances. In the context of 400GBASE-XDR4 transceivers, parallel SMF enables consistent performance up to 2 kilometers, making it ideal for inter-building links, campus networks, and data center interconnect scenarios.

Signal Integrity and Optical

Maintaining signal integrity over parallel SMF requires precise optical alignment, high-quality laser sources, and advanced receiver sensitivity. Products in this category are engineered with these considerations in mind, incorporating rigorous manufacturing standards and extensive testing to ensure reliable operation across a wide range of environmental conditions. This focus on optical performance translates into lower bit error rates and improved overall network stability.

Reach Capabilities and Deployment Scenarios

A defining attribute of the Arista XVR-10264-41 and similar transceivers in this category is their ability to support transmission distances of up to 2 kilometers. This reach capability fills a critical gap between short-reach multimode solutions and long-haul coherent optics. It enables network architects to design flexible topologies that span multiple facilities without incurring the cost or complexity of more advanced optical systems.

Compatibility and Interoperability Considerations

Compatibility is a central theme within this category, particularly for environments that incorporate equipment from multiple vendors. The Arista XVR-10264-41 QSFP-DD UP 400GBASE-XDR4 transceiver is designed to meet or exceed industry standards, ensuring seamless integration with compatible switches and routers. This standards compliance extends to electrical interfaces, optical signaling, and management protocols.

Host Platform Integration

Transceivers in this category are optimized for use with high-performance network platforms that support QSFP-DD interfaces. Proper integration involves not only physical compatibility but also firmware recognition and thermal management. Vendors design these modules to work harmoniously with host systems, enabling features such as digital diagnostics monitoring and real-time performance reporting.

Performance Efficiency and Power Characteristics

Power efficiency is a major consideration for any high-speed optical transceiver category, and 400GBASE-XDR4 QSFP-DD modules are no exception. Despite their high throughput, these transceivers are engineered to operate within strict power budgets. Efficient laser technology, optimized electronic components, and intelligent power management contribute to reduced energy consumption per bit transmitted.

Thermal Design and Reliability

Effective thermal design is essential to maintaining performance and longevity. Products in this category incorporate heat-spreading materials and mechanical designs that facilitate airflow within dense switch environments. By managing heat effectively, these transceivers maintain consistent performance even under sustained high-load conditions.

Scalability and Future-Proof Network Design

The category represented by the Arista XVR-10264-41 QSFP-DD UP 400GBASE-XDR4 transceiver plays a key role in future-proofing network infrastructure. As bandwidth demands continue to grow, 400G solutions provide a scalable foundation that can support evolving applications such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and large-scale data analytics. The modular nature of QSFP-DD transceivers allows network operators to upgrade capacity incrementally without wholesale infrastructure replacement.

Migration from 100G and 200G Architectures

For organizations transitioning from 100G or 200G networks, this category offers a clear upgrade path. By leveraging existing single-mode fiber investments and adopting higher-capacity transceivers, operators can achieve significant performance gains with minimal disruption. The parallel SMF approach simplifies this migration by avoiding complex wavelength management requirements.

Operational Benefits for Network Operators

From an operational perspective, this category delivers tangible benefits in terms of simplified deployment, reduced maintenance overhead, and improved network visibility. The standardized form factor and interface allow for rapid installation and replacement, while advanced monitoring features support efficient network management. These advantages translate into lower total cost of ownership and improved return on investment for organizations deploying 400G infrastructure.

Strategic Importance of the 400G Transceiver Category

The broader strategic importance of this category lies in its role as an enabler of digital transformation. By providing the bandwidth and reach necessary to support data-intensive applications, 400GBASE-XDR4 QSFP-DD transceivers empower organizations to innovate and scale. The Arista XVR-10264-41 exemplifies the capabilities of this category, serving as a building block for high-performance, future-ready network architectures.