MMA1L30-CM Mellanox 100GBE QSFP28 CWDM4 LC-LC Optical Transceiver

Product Highlights of Mellanox MMA1L30-CM Optical Transceiver

The Mellanox MMA1L30-CM is a high-performance QSFP28 optical transceiver module engineered to support 100 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity across single-mode fiber infrastructures. Designed for modern data center, enterprise, cloud computing, telecommunications, and high-performance computing environments, this transceiver delivers reliable 100Gbps transmission while maintaining exceptional signal integrity and operational efficiency.

Main Specifications

• Manufacturer: Mellanox
• Model Number: MMA1L30-CM
• Device Type: High-speed Transceiver Module

Technical Specifications

• Interface Type: QSFP28
• Port Configuration: 1 x LC Duplex 100GBase-CWDM4
• Supported Medium: Optical Fiber
• Fiber Mode: Single-mode
• Ethernet Standard: 100 Gigabit Ethernet
• Network Protocol: 100GBase-CWDM4

Form Factor & Compliance

• Adheres to QSFP28 Standard: SFF-8665 Rev 1.9, SFF-8636 Rev 2.6
• Compatible with CWDM4 MSA Revision 1.1
• Compact QSFP28 MSA package with LC duplex connector

Performance Characteristics

• High-speed electrical interface (CAUI-4)
• Operates on single 3.3V supply voltage
• Maximum power draw: 3.5W
• Temperature range: 0ºC to 70ºC

Optical Components

• Utilizes CWDM EML laser technology
• PIN receiver array ensures accurate signal detection
• Class 1 laser compliant for safety

Diagnostics & Environmental Compliance

• Two-wire serial interface with digital diagnostic monitoring
• RoHS compliant design for eco-friendly deployment

Applications & Usage

• Optimized for 100G Ethernet deployments
• Qualified for Mellanox InfiniBand EDR systems

Deployment Scenarios

• High-performance data networking environments
• Advanced optical network infrastructures

Mellanox MMA1L30-CM 100GBPS Transceiver Module

Built according to the 100GBase-CWDM4 standard, the module utilizes Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing technology to transmit four separate optical wavelengths over a duplex LC fiber interface. This architecture allows the module to achieve aggregate data rates of 100Gbps while reducing fiber requirements compared to parallel optics solutions. The combination of QSFP28 form factor, CWDM4 optical technology, and single-mode fiber support makes the MMA1L30-CM an ideal choice for medium-distance network interconnections requiring high bandwidth and dependable performance.

The transceiver is optimized for deployment in switches, routers, storage networking equipment, and data center interconnect applications where high throughput and low latency are critical requirements. Its compact form factor enables dense port configurations while maintaining energy-efficient operation.

Key Technical Characteristics

The Mellanox MMA1L30-CM supports 100 Gigabit Ethernet transmission through four independent optical lanes operating at approximately 25Gbps each. The CWDM4 optical architecture combines these lanes onto a duplex fiber pair, enabling efficient utilization of single-mode fiber infrastructure while maintaining compliance with industry standards.

The module employs a 1310nm wavelength range using multiple CWDM channels. This wavelength allocation allows reliable transmission over distances up to 2 kilometers on standard single-mode fiber, making the transceiver suitable for campus networks, enterprise backbones, and data center interconnect deployments.

QSFP28 Form Factor

The QSFP28 form factor provides significant advantages in high-density networking environments. Compared to earlier optical module generations, QSFP28 delivers increased bandwidth capacity within a compact footprint, allowing network administrators to maximize port density without sacrificing performance. The hot-pluggable design enables installation and replacement without disrupting system operation.

100GBase-CWDM4 Optical Technology

CWDM4 Transmission Methodology

The 100GBase-CWDM4 standard represents a sophisticated optical networking technology that combines four distinct optical wavelengths into a single duplex fiber connection. Each wavelength carries approximately 25Gbps of traffic, resulting in a combined throughput of 100Gbps.

Within the Mellanox MMA1L30-CM, CWDM technology enables efficient fiber utilization by transmitting multiple data streams simultaneously over the same optical infrastructure. This approach reduces cabling complexity while preserving high-speed connectivity requirements demanded by contemporary networking environments.

The wavelength multiplexing process is accomplished through advanced optical components that combine and separate optical channels with high precision. This technology ensures consistent signal quality and reliable data transmission across the supported operating distance.

Four-Lane Optical Architecture

The transceiver utilizes four optical transmit lanes and four optical receive lanes. Each lane operates independently while contributing to the overall 100Gbps bandwidth capacity. Advanced digital signal processing and optical management technologies coordinate these lanes to deliver seamless network performance.

The multi-lane architecture enhances reliability and enables efficient handling of large-scale network traffic loads. This design is particularly valuable in cloud environments, virtualization infrastructures, and enterprise data centers where bandwidth-intensive applications are common.

1310nm Optical Operation

Operating within the 1310nm optical window provides several advantages for long-distance transmission over single-mode fiber. This wavelength range offers favorable attenuation characteristics and supports stable optical performance across diverse deployment environments.

The carefully controlled CWDM wavelengths within the 1310nm region contribute to improved transmission quality, reduced interference, and enhanced compatibility with standardized fiber optic infrastructure.

Single-Mode Fiber Compatibility

Optimized for Single-Mode Fiber Networks

The Mellanox MMA1L30-CM is specifically engineered for operation over single-mode fiber cabling systems. Single-mode fiber provides a narrow optical path that minimizes modal dispersion and enables high-speed transmission across greater distances compared to multimode fiber technologies.

This compatibility makes the transceiver suitable for organizations seeking reliable medium-distance connectivity while maintaining high bandwidth performance. Single-mode fiber infrastructure is widely deployed in enterprise campuses, telecommunications facilities, and large-scale data center environments.

2 Kilometer Transmission Distance

The module supports transmission distances of up to 2 kilometers using standard single-mode fiber. This reach capability enables flexible network designs that connect geographically separated facilities, data halls, network aggregation points, and critical infrastructure components.

The 2km operating range bridges the gap between short-reach optical technologies and longer-distance transport solutions, providing an effective balance between performance, cost efficiency, and deployment flexibility.

Signal Integrity Across Extended Links

Maintaining signal quality over extended fiber runs requires advanced optical engineering. The MMA1L30-CM incorporates precision laser technology, high-sensitivity photodetectors, and sophisticated optical control mechanisms to preserve signal integrity throughout the supported transmission distance.

These design characteristics contribute to low bit error rates, stable communication performance, and dependable network operation under demanding conditions.

Duplex LC Connector Interface

Industry-Standard Connectivity

The transceiver utilizes a duplex LC optical connector interface, one of the most widely adopted connector formats in modern fiber optic networking. LC connectors are recognized for their compact dimensions, secure retention mechanism, and excellent optical performance.

The duplex configuration supports simultaneous transmit and receive functionality through separate fiber strands, enabling full-duplex communication essential for high-speed Ethernet applications.

Connector Reliability

LC connectors are designed to maintain precise fiber alignment and consistent optical coupling efficiency. This accuracy contributes to reduced insertion loss, improved return loss characteristics, and reliable long-term network performance.

The compact connector size also facilitates high-density patch panel and equipment configurations, helping organizations maximize infrastructure utilization.

Deployment Flexibility

The use of standard LC connectors simplifies integration into existing network infrastructures. Organizations can leverage commonly available fiber optic cabling, patch panels, and connectivity accessories without requiring specialized components.

100Gbps Performance Capabilities

High-Bandwidth Data Transport

The 100Gbps transmission capability of the Mellanox MMA1L30-CM supports bandwidth-intensive applications including cloud services, virtualization platforms, storage networking, artificial intelligence workloads, big data analytics, and high-performance computing environments.

As network traffic demands continue to increase, 100 Gigabit Ethernet has become a foundational technology for supporting modern digital transformation initiatives and large-scale data processing operations.

Support for Data Center Traffic Growth

Contemporary data centers require scalable networking solutions capable of handling rapidly increasing traffic volumes. The MMA1L30-CM addresses these requirements by delivering substantial bandwidth capacity within a compact optical transceiver format.

This capability supports east-west traffic patterns commonly observed in virtualized environments, cloud infrastructures, and distributed computing platforms.

Low-Latency Communication

High-speed optical transmission contributes to reduced communication delays between network devices. Low latency is particularly important for financial applications, real-time analytics, storage networks, and mission-critical enterprise services that depend on rapid data exchange.

Data Center Integration Features

Cloud Infrastructure Connectivity

The Mellanox MMA1L30-CM is well suited for cloud computing environments where large quantities of data must be transported efficiently between servers, switches, storage systems, and network gateways. The module's high bandwidth and reliable optical performance support demanding cloud workloads and resource-intensive applications.

Cloud operators frequently utilize 100Gbps connectivity to support multi-tenant environments, software-defined networking architectures, and scalable computing platforms.

Leaf-Spine Network Deployments

Modern leaf-spine architectures rely heavily on high-speed interconnections to provide predictable performance and efficient traffic distribution. The MMA1L30-CM enables robust connectivity between leaf switches and spine switches while supporting the bandwidth requirements of contemporary data center designs.

Storage Network Applications

Storage environments generate substantial data traffic requiring dependable transport mechanisms. The transceiver supports connectivity for storage area networks, distributed storage systems, backup infrastructures, and data replication platforms.

Advanced Optical Components

Precision Laser Technology

The optical transmitter section incorporates advanced laser components designed for stable wavelength generation and consistent optical output levels. These characteristics contribute to reliable network performance and support compliance with industry transmission standards.

Precision wavelength control is particularly important in CWDM applications where multiple optical channels coexist within defined spectral ranges.

High-Sensitivity Receiver

The receiver subsystem employs sophisticated photodetection technologies capable of accurately recovering incoming optical signals. Enhanced receiver sensitivity improves overall link performance and supports stable operation across the full supported transmission distance.

Compatibility and Interoperability

Integration with Mellanox Networking Platforms

The Mellanox MMA1L30-CM is designed to integrate seamlessly with compatible Mellanox networking equipment, providing optimized interoperability and dependable operational performance. This compatibility supports streamlined deployment processes and simplified infrastructure management.

Industry Standards Compliance

Compliance with relevant QSFP28 and 100GBase-CWDM4 specifications ensures interoperability across standards-based networking environments. Adherence to established standards promotes flexibility and facilitates integration within heterogeneous network infrastructures.

Scalable Network Expansion

The transceiver supports future-ready network expansion strategies by providing high-bandwidth connectivity suitable for evolving enterprise, cloud, and telecommunications requirements. Organizations can deploy the MMA1L30-CM as part of scalable architectures designed to accommodate growing data traffic demands while maintaining consistent optical networking performance.