4M27A09987 Lenovo Brocade 40GB QSFP+ SR4 Transceiver

The Lenovo Brocade 40GBASE-SR4 QSFP+ Transceiver Module 

The 4M27A09987 Lenovo Brocade 40Gbp Multi-mode Fiber 40GBASE-SR4 850nm MPO Connector QSFP+ Transceiver Module for Think System DB400D belongs to a highly specialized category of high-speed optical networking components designed for modern enterprise data center infrastructures. This category of QSFP+ (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable Plus) optical transceivers is engineered to deliver ultra-fast 40 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity over multi-mode fiber cabling, supporting bandwidth-intensive workloads that require stable, low-latency, and high-throughput data transmission. This product category is primarily used in enterprise-grade switching environments, blade server architectures, storage area networks (SAN), and cloud computing data centers where high-density port aggregation and fiber-based interconnectivity are essential. The inclusion of Brocade compatibility and Lenovo Think System DB400D alignment makes this transceiver module particularly significant for organizations deploying Lenovo enterprise hardware ecosystems with Brocade switching fabric integration.

QSFP+ Technology

QSFP+ technology represents a major advancement in compact high-bandwidth optical transceiver design. The Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable Plus interface is capable of carrying four independent electrical channels, each operating at 10Gbps, thereby achieving an aggregated throughput of 40Gbps. This parallel transmission architecture enables efficient utilization of fiber optic infrastructure while maintaining high data integrity and minimal signal degradation. In the context of the 4M27A09987 module, QSFP+ serves as the core interface that connects network switches or blade servers to optical fiber links. The module is hot-pluggable, allowing installation or replacement without powering down network equipment, which is essential in high-availability environments where downtime is unacceptable.

40GBASE-SR4 Optimization

The 40GBASE-SR4 standard defines a short-range Ethernet solution optimized for multi-mode fiber environments. The SR4 designation refers to Short Range with four parallel optical lanes. Each lane operates at 10.3125Gbps, resulting in an aggregate throughput of 40Gbps. This configuration is particularly suitable for intra-data center connectivity where distances typically range from a few meters up to approximately 100 meters depending on fiber grade. This category of transceiver modules is widely used in top-of-rack switching, end-of-row switching, and spine-leaf network architectures. The SR4 standard is designed to maximize bandwidth density while minimizing cost per bit compared to long-range single-mode fiber solutions.

850nm Multi-mode Fiber Optical Transmission System

The 850nm wavelength used in the 4M27A09987 module is specifically optimized for multi-mode fiber transmission. This wavelength falls within the near-infrared spectrum and is well-suited for vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) technology, which provides efficient modulation at high speeds while maintaining cost-effectiveness. Operating at 850nm allows the module to achieve high data transmission rates over OM3 and OM4 multi-mode fiber types while maintaining low power consumption and reduced thermal output. This makes it ideal for dense data center environments where cooling efficiency and energy optimization are critical.

Multi-mode Fiber Characteristics and Benefits

Multi-mode fiber used in conjunction with 850nm SR4 transceivers allows multiple light paths or modes to propagate through the fiber core. This enables high-speed data transmission over relatively short distances, making it ideal for intra-rack and inter-rack connections in enterprise environments. OM3 and OM4 fiber types are commonly used with this category of transceiver. OM3 fiber supports 40G transmission up to approximately 100 meters, while OM4 fiber extends this range further due to improved modal bandwidth performance. This flexibility allows organizations to design scalable network topologies without requiring immediate migration to single-mode fiber infrastructure.

MPO Connector Structure and Functionality

The MPO (Multi-fiber Push On) connector is a critical component in the 4M27A09987 transceiver module category. It enables the transmission of multiple optical signals through a single physical connector interface. Typically, MPO connectors used in 40GBASE-SR4 modules consist of 8 or 12 fiber strands, with 4 used for transmitting data and 4 used for receiving data. This parallel optics design significantly reduces cable complexity while increasing port density. By consolidating multiple fibers into a single connector, MPO technology simplifies cable management in high-density networking environments and reduces physical space requirements within data center racks.

Compatibility with Lenovo ThinkSystem DB400D 

The 4M27A09987 module is specifically designed for compatibility with Lenovo ThinkSystem DB400D environments. This ensures seamless integration into Lenovo’s enterprise storage and networking infrastructure, where performance, reliability, and interoperability are critical requirements. Within Lenovo environments, this transceiver module enables high-speed connectivity between servers, storage arrays, and switching fabrics. It supports data-intensive workloads such as virtualization clusters, distributed storage systems, and high-performance computing applications.

Brocade Switching Fabric Compatibility

Brocade networking systems are widely used in enterprise storage area networks due to their reliability and high throughput capabilities. The inclusion of Brocade compatibility in this module category ensures that it can operate efficiently within Brocade-managed switching environments. This compatibility enables seamless optical connectivity across SAN topologies, ensuring that data replication, backup operations, and storage virtualization processes occur without bottlenecks or interruptions.

Energy-Efficient VCSEL Technology

The 850nm VCSEL-based optical engine used in this transceiver category is optimized for low power consumption. Compared to long-range single-mode fiber transceivers, SR4 modules typically consume significantly less power per gigabit transmitted. This efficiency is essential in modern data centers where power density and thermal output directly affect operational costs and cooling system design. By reducing energy consumption, organizations can improve sustainability while maintaining high performance.

Fiber Cable Compatibility

Proper deployment of this transceiver category requires compatible MPO multi-mode fiber cabling, typically OM3 or OM4. Network architects must carefully plan fiber routes and distances to ensure optimal signal integrity and performance. Attention must also be given to polarity management in MPO systems to ensure correct transmit and receive alignment across the network infrastructure.