MC2207411-SR4L Mellanox 56GBPS Transceiver Module VPI QSFP

Overview of Mellanox MC2207411-SR4L Transceiver Module 

The Mellanox MC2207411-SR4L is a high-performance QSFP optical transceiver engineered for enterprise networking, cloud infrastructure, data centers, and high-speed storage environments. Designed to support reliable optical communication over multimode fiber, this module delivers exceptional bandwidth, low latency, and stable signal integrity for demanding networking applications. Its compact QSFP form factor enables seamless integration into compatible switches, routers, servers, and networking appliances while optimizing port density.

Operating at an 850nm wavelength and utilizing an MPO optical connector, the MC2207411-SR4L provides dependable short-range connectivity of up to 30 meters over multimode optical fiber. This makes it an ideal solution for high-density rack deployments, server virtualization, cloud computing platforms, and modern enterprise network architectures.

General Information

• Manufacturer: Mellanox
• Part Number: MC2207411-SR4L
• Product Type: Transceiver Module

Technical Specifications

• Connector Type: MPO
• Optical Wavelength: 850nm
• Network Standard: 40GBASE-SR4L
• Ethernet Support: 40 Gigabit Ethernet
• Media Type: Multimode Optical Fiber
• Transmission Distance: Up to 30 meters
• Maximum Supported VPI Speed: Up to 56Gb/s
• Hot-Swappable: Yes

Interface Details

• 1 x MPO Optical Interface
• 40GBASE-SR4L Network Support
• QSFP Optical Port
• Hot-pluggable installation

The Mellanox MC2207411-SR4L Module Transceiver

The Mellanox MC2207411-SR4L Optical Module is a high-performance VPI (Virtual Protocol Interconnect) transceiver designed for next-generation data center, enterprise networking, and high-performance computing (HPC) environments. Operating at speeds of up to 56Gb/s per port, this QSFP form factor module delivers ultra-low latency, high bandwidth density, and reliable short-reach optical connectivity over multimode fiber infrastructure. Built around 850nm VCSEL technology and MPO optical interfaces, it supports link distances of up to 30 meters, making it ideal for intra-rack and inter-rack high-speed interconnects in dense switching architectures.

This category of optical modules is engineered to support scalable fabric deployments where bandwidth efficiency, port density, and protocol flexibility are critical. The VPI architecture allows seamless interoperability across InfiniBand and Ethernet-based environments, ensuring adaptability in converged data center networks. The Mellanox MC2207411-SR4L is widely deployed in environments requiring deterministic performance, such as cloud computing clusters, AI workloads, virtualization platforms, and storage area networks.

QSFP Form Factor Design

The QSFP (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable) architecture enables four independent high-speed lanes within a single compact module. Each lane operates at approximately 14Gb/s to achieve an aggregated bandwidth of 56Gb/s. This design significantly increases port density on network switches while minimizing physical space requirements and power consumption. In modern hyperscale data centers, this density advantage is essential for scaling east-west traffic without compromising rack design efficiency.

850nm VCSEL Optical Transmission Technology

The Mellanox MC2207411-SR4L relies on Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) technology operating at an 850nm wavelength. This short-wavelength optical transmission is optimized for multimode fiber (MMF) environments, ensuring efficient signal propagation with minimal dispersion over short distances. VCSEL-based optics provide excellent power efficiency, lower heat output, and stable modulation performance under high data throughput conditions.

Multi-Protocol VPI Support Architecture

One of the defining characteristics of this optical module category is its support for Virtual Protocol Interconnect (VPI) functionality. VPI enables a unified hardware platform that can dynamically switch between InfiniBand and Ethernet protocols depending on network configuration. This flexibility reduces hardware redundancy and allows organizations to streamline their infrastructure while maintaining compatibility with diverse networking standards.

High-Speed 56Gb/s Aggregated Throughput

The Mellanox MC2207411-SR4L supports an aggregated data rate of up to 56 gigabits per second, distributed across four optical lanes. This throughput capacity is optimized for high-bandwidth applications such as distributed storage access, real-time analytics, and GPU-based parallel computing systems. The module ensures consistent packet delivery with minimal jitter, enabling deterministic communication across network fabrics.

Short-Reach Optical Connectivity up to 30 Meters

Designed specifically for short-reach connectivity, this optical module supports transmission distances of up to 30 meters over OM3 or OM4 multimode fiber. This makes it highly suitable for intra-data-center connectivity scenarios such as top-of-rack (ToR) to spine switch links, high-density server clusters, and blade enclosure interconnections. The optimized optical budget ensures signal integrity without the need for amplification or signal regeneration.

Error Reduction and Signal Stability Optimization

The module incorporates advanced forward error correction compatibility and signal conditioning mechanisms that reduce bit error rates in high-speed transmission environments. These features are critical in HPC and storage systems where data integrity is paramount. The optical engine design minimizes crosstalk and insertion loss, ensuring stable communication even in densely cabled environments.

Compact QSFP and Thermal Efficiency

The QSFP housing of the MC2207411-SR4L is engineered for efficient thermal dissipation, ensuring stable operation under continuous high-throughput workloads. The compact metallic enclosure provides electromagnetic shielding while maintaining airflow compatibility in high-density switch chassis. The design supports hot-pluggable operation, allowing modules to be inserted or removed without system downtime.

MPO Connector Interface for Parallel Optics

The module utilizes an MPO (Multi-fiber Push-On) connector interface that enables parallel optical transmission across multiple fibers simultaneously. This connector type supports high-density cabling and simplifies structured cabling management in enterprise and data center environments. MPO connectivity is essential for maintaining alignment precision across multi-lane optical channels.

Compatibility with Mellanox Switch Architectures

The MC2207411-SR4L is designed to integrate seamlessly with Mellanox switching platforms that support VPI-enabled ports. This ensures plug-and-play compatibility and optimized performance tuning when used within Mellanox-managed environments. The module is typically deployed in high-density switch fabrics where scalability and performance consistency are essential.

Adaptive Protocol Switching Capabilities

VPI-enabled optical modules allow dynamic protocol switching, enabling the same physical hardware to support different networking standards. This reduces infrastructure complexity and allows administrators to reconfigure network roles without replacing hardware components. Such adaptability is particularly valuable in hybrid cloud environments.

Multimode Fiber Compatibility

The MC2207411-SR4L is optimized for OM3 and OM4 multimode fiber infrastructure, which supports high-bandwidth short-reach transmission. These fiber types are commonly used in data centers due to their cost efficiency and ease of installation. Proper fiber selection is critical to achieving maximum transmission distance and performance stability.