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

Mellanox MMA1L30-CM Transceiver Module Overview

The Mellanox MMA1L30-CM 100gbe QSFP28 CWDM4 LC-LC Optical Transceiver is a highly reliable and efficient networking component designed for high-speed data transmission over optical fiber networks. With a reach of up to 2 kilometers and robust support for the latest optical standards, this transceiver is essential for any modern, high-bandwidth networking infrastructure.

General Information

• Manufacturer: Mellanox
• Part Number: MMA1L30-CM
• Product Type: Transceiver Module

Technical Highlights

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

Form Factor & Standards

• Compliant with QSFP28 Standard: SFF-8665 Rev 1.9, SFF-8636 Rev 2.6
• Supports CWDM4 MSA Revision 1.1
• QSFP28 MSA package with LC duplex connector

Performance & Efficiency

• High-speed I/O electrical interface (CAUI-4)
• Operates on single 3.3V supply voltage
• Maximum power consumption: 3.5W
• Operating case temperature: 0ºC to 70ºC

Optical Components

• Utilizes CWDM EML laser technology
• PIN receiver array for reliable signal detection
• Class 1 laser compliant

Diagnostics & Compliance

• Two-wire serial interface with digital diagnostic monitoring
• RoHS compliant (environmentally safe design)

Applications

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

Usage Scenarios

• High-performance data networking
• Advanced optical network infrastructures

Mellanox MMA1L30-CM QSFP28 Optical Transceiver Module

The Mellanox MMA1L30-CM 100Gbps 100GBase-CWDM4 QSFP28 Optical Transceiver Module is a high-performance optical networking component designed to support modern data center, cloud computing, enterprise networking, storage networking, and high-bandwidth infrastructure deployments. Engineered to provide reliable 100 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity, this QSFP28 optical transceiver delivers exceptional transmission performance across single-mode fiber cabling with a reach of up to 2 kilometers.

Built around the 100GBase-CWDM4 optical standard, the module utilizes Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing technology to transport multiple optical signals simultaneously through a duplex LC fiber interface. The combination of advanced optical engineering, efficient power consumption, and high-density QSFP28 packaging makes the MMA1L30-CM an ideal choice for organizations requiring scalable and cost-effective 100GbE connectivity.

100Gbps Ethernet Performance

The Mellanox MMA1L30-CM supports a total aggregated throughput of 100 Gigabits per second. This bandwidth capacity enables the transceiver to accommodate demanding workloads generated by virtualization platforms, cloud applications, high-performance computing clusters, large-scale databases, and storage networks.

As network infrastructures continue to evolve toward higher bandwidth requirements, 100GbE technology has become a critical component for reducing bottlenecks between servers, switches, routers, and storage systems. The MMA1L30-CM helps maintain low-latency communication while supporting extensive data transfers across enterprise and hyperscale environments.

QSFP28 Form Factor

The QSFP28 form factor provides a compact and highly efficient design suitable for dense networking environments. Compared to earlier optical module technologies, QSFP28 offers significantly greater bandwidth within the same physical footprint, allowing network architects to maximize port density without increasing rack space requirements.

The hot-pluggable nature of the QSFP28 interface simplifies deployment and maintenance. Network administrators can install or replace modules without powering down switches or network equipment, minimizing downtime and improving operational efficiency.

100GBase-CWDM4 Optical Technology

CWDM4 Transmission Methodology

The 100GBase-CWDM4 standard uses four independent optical wavelengths operating near the 1310nm spectrum. Each wavelength carries approximately 25Gbps of data, which combines to achieve the full 100Gbps transmission rate.

By leveraging wavelength multiplexing techniques, CWDM4 technology reduces fiber requirements compared to parallel optics solutions. Instead of requiring multiple fiber pairs, the transceiver can transmit and receive high-speed data through a duplex LC connector configuration, simplifying cabling infrastructure and lowering deployment costs.

Four-Lane Optical Architecture

The module utilizes four transmit channels and four receive channels integrated within a sophisticated optical engine. These channels operate over carefully controlled CWDM wavelengths to ensure signal integrity and consistent performance across the supported transmission distance.

The multi-lane design enables efficient data transport while maintaining compatibility with industry-standard Ethernet infrastructures. Advanced optical signal management mechanisms contribute to stable communication and reduced error rates.

Wavelength Allocation

The CWDM4 implementation employed by the MMA1L30-CM utilizes wavelength spacing optimized for reliable optical transmission. This design minimizes interference between channels while supporting high-speed data movement across single-mode fiber cabling.

Precise wavelength control contributes to superior transmission quality and supports dependable connectivity throughout enterprise and data center environments.

Single-Mode Fiber Connectivity Advantages

Optimized for Long-Reach Communication

The Mellanox MMA1L30-CM is specifically designed for operation over single-mode fiber infrastructure. Single-mode fiber provides a narrow optical path that significantly reduces modal dispersion and supports long-distance communication with high signal quality.

Organizations deploying campus networks, data center interconnects, enterprise backbone networks, and cloud facilities benefit from the enhanced reach and transmission stability offered by single-mode fiber technology.

Enhanced Signal Integrity

Single-mode fiber environments enable the transceiver to maintain excellent optical performance across extended distances. Reduced signal degradation contributes to consistent network operation and dependable throughput under demanding workloads.

This characteristic is particularly important in mission-critical environments where network reliability directly impacts application availability and user experience.

2 Kilometer Reach Capability

Data Center Interconnect Applications

The 2km transmission capability enables the MMA1L30-CM to support numerous network topologies commonly found in modern IT environments. Data center interconnect applications frequently require reliable communication between facilities, server halls, network aggregation layers, and storage environments.

The extended reach allows network planners to design flexible architectures without compromising bandwidth or performance.

Enterprise Backbone Connectivity

Enterprise organizations often deploy high-capacity backbone links connecting core switches, distribution layers, and critical infrastructure components. The 2km range supports these applications while maintaining high-speed Ethernet performance.

This capability contributes to simplified network design and reduces the need for additional signal regeneration equipment.

Campus Network Deployments

Educational institutions, healthcare organizations, government facilities, and large corporate campuses frequently require high-speed connections between buildings. The MMA1L30-CM provides sufficient reach to support these environments while delivering dependable 100Gbps performance.

1310nm Optical Operating Wavelength

Advantages of the 1310nm Spectrum

The transceiver operates near the 1310nm optical window, a widely utilized wavelength range for single-mode fiber communication. This spectrum offers favorable transmission characteristics that support reliable high-speed networking.

Optical signals transmitted within this wavelength range experience low attenuation and stable propagation characteristics, contributing to dependable long-distance communication.

Reduced Optical Loss Characteristics

The 1310nm operating region is recognized for its efficient transmission properties across single-mode fiber infrastructures. These characteristics help preserve signal strength and maintain network stability throughout the supported operating distance.

By minimizing optical loss, the module can sustain high-performance communication while meeting stringent networking requirements.

Compatibility with Industry Standards

The use of standardized optical wavelengths ensures interoperability within modern networking ecosystems. This compatibility simplifies integration into existing environments and supports multi-vendor networking strategies.

Duplex LC Connector

Compact Fiber Interface

The Mellanox MMA1L30-CM utilizes a duplex LC optical connector, one of the most widely adopted interfaces in enterprise and data center networking. The compact design enables efficient use of front-panel space while maintaining secure fiber connections.

LC connectors are commonly preferred because of their small footprint, ease of installation, and compatibility with high-density networking equipment.

Transmit and Receive Fiber Paths

The duplex LC interface employs separate optical paths for transmitting and receiving data. This arrangement supports full-duplex communication, allowing simultaneous bidirectional traffic at maximum throughput.

Such architecture is essential for maintaining continuous high-speed communication between network devices.

Reliable Connection Stability

The precision-engineered connector system helps ensure stable optical alignment and consistent signal transmission. Reliable physical connectivity contributes directly to overall network performance and uptime.

High-Density Data Center Networking

Support for Modern Cloud Infrastructure

Cloud computing environments generate enormous volumes of east-west traffic between servers, storage arrays, and networking platforms. The MMA1L30-CM is engineered to accommodate these requirements through high-bandwidth optical connectivity.

Its 100Gbps performance enables cloud providers and enterprise IT departments to support demanding workloads while maintaining low-latency communication.

Virtualized Server Environments

Virtualized infrastructures often consolidate numerous applications and services onto shared hardware platforms. Such consolidation increases network traffic requirements, making high-capacity optical interconnects essential.

The MMA1L30-CM supports these environments by delivering substantial bandwidth for virtual machine communication, workload migration, and distributed computing operations.

Software-Defined Networking Integration

Software-defined networking architectures rely on flexible, high-performance connectivity between network components. The transceiver's standards-based design allows seamless integration into SDN deployments and automated network environments.

Storage Networking Performance

Support for Data-Intensive Applications

Modern storage systems generate significant network traffic due to backup operations, replication processes, disaster recovery procedures, and large-scale analytics workloads. The MMA1L30-CM provides the bandwidth necessary to support these demanding applications.

Its high-speed optical architecture facilitates rapid data movement between storage arrays, servers, and network infrastructure.

Backup and Recovery Operations

Efficient backup and recovery workflows depend on fast network connectivity. The 100Gbps transmission capability helps reduce backup windows and accelerate data restoration processes.

Organizations handling substantial volumes of business-critical information benefit from improved storage network performance and operational efficiency.

Replication Traffic Optimization

Storage replication requires continuous synchronization of data between locations. The transceiver's high throughput and reliable optical performance support these operations while minimizing delays and transmission interruptions.

Compatibility and Deployment Flexibility

Integration with Mellanox Networking Platforms

The Mellanox MMA1L30-CM is engineered to operate within Mellanox networking ecosystems, providing seamless interoperability with compatible switches, adapters, and network infrastructure components. This integration helps ensure optimal performance and streamlined deployment.

Enterprise Network Scalability

As organizations expand their networking environments, scalable optical connectivity becomes increasingly important. The MMA1L30-CM supports infrastructure growth by providing high-capacity links capable of accommodating future traffic demands.

The combination of QSFP28 density, 100Gbps throughput, CWDM4 optical technology, and single-mode fiber compatibility positions the transceiver as a valuable component for next-generation networking environments.

Optimized Infrastructure

Deploying high-performance optical transceivers helps organizations maximize the value of their networking infrastructure investments. The MMA1L30-CM combines bandwidth efficiency, operational reliability, long-reach connectivity, and standards-based interoperability to support modern data center, enterprise, cloud, storage, and high-performance computing environments requiring dependable 100 Gigabit Ethernet communication.