MMA1B00-C100D Mellanox 100GB/S QSFP28 Optical Transceiver

Comprehensive Product Overview

The Mellanox MMA1B00-C100D module is engineered to deliver ultra‑fast 100Gbps connectivity, optimized for advanced computing clusters, hyperscale data centers, and enterprise networking infrastructures. Its robust design ensures smooth transmission and reception of data with minimal latency.

Main Information

• Manufacturer: Mellanox
• Part Number: MMA1B00-C100D
• Product Type: Transceiver Module

Technical Information

• QSFP28 module type for scalable deployment
• 1 x MPO 100GBase‑SR4 optical network interface
• Supports multi‑mode fiber for versatile connectivity
• Compliant with 100 Gigabit Ethernet standards
• Throughput capacity up to 100Gbps
• Optimized for high‑bandwidth applications
• Reliable optical transmission with stable signal integrity

Physical Characteristics

• Compact hot‑pluggable form factor
• Designed for seamless optical networking integration
• Supports continuous high‑speed data transfer

Advanced Functionalities

• Adjustable Rx output amplitude for signal optimization
• Configurable Tx input equalizer for enhanced performance
• Selectable retiming options to reduce jitter

Compliance & Standards

• Meets SFF‑8665 specifications
• Certified under IEEE 802.3 100GBase‑SR4
• RoHS compliant for environmental safety

Electrical Specifications

• Operates on 3.3V power supply
• QSFP28 Power Class 4 module

Reliability

• BER performance exceeding 10e‑15
• Class 1 laser safety certified
• Hot‑swappable for uninterrupted operation

Performance Range

Maximum Link Distance

• Up to 100m with OM4 multimode fiber
• Up to 70m with OM3 multimode fiber

Mellanox MMA1B00-C100D QSFP28 Transceiver Module

The Mellanox MMA1B00-C100D is a high-performance 100Gbps QSFP28 optical transceiver module engineered for modern data center, enterprise networking, cloud computing, high-performance computing, and storage networking environments. Designed to support 100GBase-SR4 Ethernet standards, this optical module enables ultra-fast data transmission across multi-mode fiber infrastructure while maintaining exceptional signal integrity, low latency, and reliable network operation.

Built around the industry-standard QSFP28 form factor, the transceiver delivers aggregate bandwidth of up to 100 Gigabits per second through four parallel optical transmit and receive channels. The module utilizes 850nm VCSEL laser technology and MPO connectivity to provide efficient short-range optical communication for next-generation networking equipment. Its compact design, low power consumption characteristics, and compatibility with high-density switching environments make it a preferred solution for large-scale deployments.

The MMA1B00-C100D supports transmission distances of up to 100 meters over OM4 multi-mode fiber and can also operate over OM3 fiber at shorter distances according to network design requirements. This flexibility allows organizations to leverage existing cabling infrastructures while upgrading network speeds to 100GbE.

QSFP28 Form Factor Advantages

The QSFP28 architecture represents a significant advancement in high-speed optical networking technology. Compared with previous generations, QSFP28 modules provide four lanes of 25Gbps transmission, resulting in an aggregate throughput of 100Gbps while maintaining compact physical dimensions.

The compact design allows network administrators to maximize switch port density. Data center operators can deploy hundreds of 100Gbps links within a single rack infrastructure while minimizing space consumption and thermal challenges. The smaller footprint also supports improved airflow management within network chassis and switching platforms.

100GBase-SR4 Ethernet Technology

The 100GBase-SR4 standard is specifically designed for high-speed short-range optical communication across multi-mode fiber cabling systems. The Mellanox MMA1B00-C100D implements this standard through parallel optical transmission utilizing four transmit channels and four receive channels operating simultaneously.

Each optical lane transmits approximately 25Gbps, collectively delivering 100Gbps aggregate bandwidth. Parallel transmission technology enables efficient handling of large-scale data traffic generated by virtualization platforms, cloud services, storage systems, artificial intelligence workloads, and enterprise applications.

Optical Performance Characteristics

850nm VCSEL Laser Technology

The transceiver incorporates advanced Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser technology operating at an 850nm wavelength. VCSEL lasers have become the preferred optical source for short-range multi-mode fiber applications due to their reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

The precise optical characteristics of the 850nm VCSEL design ensure stable signal transmission while minimizing insertion losses and maintaining superior optical performance. This technology supports high-speed communication without requiring excessive power consumption, making it ideal for dense networking deployments.

Signal Quality Enhancement

Advanced optical engineering within the MMA1B00-C100D contributes to exceptional signal quality across supported transmission distances. Carefully controlled optical output levels help reduce transmission errors while ensuring compliance with Ethernet optical standards.

The module is engineered to maintain consistent performance under varying environmental conditions, ensuring reliable operation across data center installations that demand uninterrupted connectivity.

Multi-Mode Fiber Support

The transceiver is optimized for deployment over multi-mode fiber cabling infrastructures commonly found within enterprise and hyperscale data centers. Multi-mode fiber offers an economical and efficient solution for short-distance, high-bandwidth optical connectivity.

Organizations utilizing OM3 and OM4 fiber cabling can implement the MMA1B00-C100D to achieve high-speed network upgrades without requiring extensive cabling replacement projects. This compatibility helps reduce deployment costs while accelerating migration toward 100GbE environments.

OM4 Fiber Optimization

When deployed over OM4 multi-mode fiber, the module supports transmission distances up to 100 meters. OM4 cabling provides enhanced modal bandwidth characteristics, enabling superior performance for high-speed Ethernet applications.

The combination of OM4 infrastructure and the MMA1B00-C100D creates a robust foundation for supporting bandwidth-intensive applications such as cloud computing, virtualization, distributed storage systems, and machine learning environments.

OM3 Fiber Compatibility

The transceiver also supports operation across OM3 multi-mode fiber installations. This compatibility allows organizations with existing OM3 infrastructure to implement 100Gbps networking technologies while preserving existing investments in optical cabling systems.

MPO Connector Design and Connectivity Benefits

High-Density MPO Interface

The Mellanox MMA1B00-C100D utilizes an MPO optical connector interface specifically designed for parallel optical communication. MPO technology consolidates multiple optical fibers into a single compact connector assembly, significantly simplifying cable management in high-density networking environments.

The MPO interface enables efficient transmission and reception across multiple optical lanes simultaneously, supporting the architecture required for 100GBase-SR4 communication standards.

Enhanced Cable Management

Modern data centers demand organized and scalable cabling infrastructures. MPO connectivity helps reduce cable congestion by minimizing the number of individual connectors required for high-speed network deployments.

The streamlined cabling approach improves airflow within racks, simplifies maintenance procedures, and reduces installation complexity. Network administrators benefit from cleaner cable routing and improved accessibility when managing large-scale deployments.

Scalable Network Expansion

MPO-based connectivity supports future scalability initiatives by enabling rapid deployment of additional high-speed links. As network bandwidth requirements continue to increase, MPO infrastructure provides a practical foundation for expansion while maintaining operational efficiency.

100Gbps Data Transmission Capabilities

Ultra-High Bandwidth Performance

The MMA1B00-C100D delivers full 100Gbps throughput, making it suitable for the most demanding networking applications. Modern workloads including cloud platforms, virtual machines, storage clusters, containerized applications, and AI processing environments generate significant east-west traffic within data centers.

The availability of 100Gbps bandwidth ensures that network bottlenecks are minimized while enabling rapid data movement between servers, storage systems, and switching infrastructure.

Low-Latency Communication

High-speed optical transmission contributes to low-latency communication between network devices. Reduced latency is particularly valuable in environments where application responsiveness, real-time processing, and distributed computing performance are critical operational requirements.

The module supports fast packet transmission and efficient data handling across interconnected network segments, helping maintain consistent service levels for mission-critical workloads.

Consistent Throughput Under Heavy Loads

Enterprise and hyperscale data centers frequently experience periods of elevated network utilization. The optical architecture of the MMA1B00-C100D is designed to maintain stable throughput performance even during demanding traffic conditions.

This consistency contributes to predictable network behavior and helps support service-level objectives across a wide range of applications and operational scenarios.

Data Center Deployment Applications

Leaf-Spine Network Architectures

Modern leaf-spine architectures rely heavily on high-bandwidth optical connectivity to facilitate communication between switching layers. The MMA1B00-C100D provides an ideal solution for interconnecting leaf and spine switches operating within large-scale data center environments.

The 100Gbps bandwidth capabilities help support non-blocking network designs that maximize application performance and minimize traffic congestion.

Spine Layer Connectivity

Within spine network layers, high-capacity optical links are essential for maintaining efficient traffic flow across interconnected switching platforms. The transceiver delivers the performance necessary to handle aggregated traffic originating from multiple leaf switches.

Leaf Switch Interconnections

Leaf switches serve as access points for servers, storage systems, and virtualization hosts. High-speed optical uplinks powered by the MMA1B00-C100D help ensure adequate bandwidth availability for upstream communication and workload mobility.

Cloud Computing Infrastructure

Cloud service providers require reliable and scalable networking solutions capable of supporting massive volumes of data traffic. The Mellanox transceiver provides the optical performance necessary for connecting compute clusters, storage platforms, and network fabrics within cloud environments.

The combination of high throughput, low latency, and operational efficiency supports resource-intensive cloud applications while facilitating seamless workload distribution.

High-Performance Computing Clusters

Scientific research institutions, engineering organizations, and advanced computing facilities often deploy high-performance computing clusters that require ultra-fast interconnects. The MMA1B00-C100D enables rapid communication between nodes, supporting efficient parallel processing and large-scale computational workloads.

The module's optical performance characteristics contribute to improved cluster efficiency, reduced communication delays, and enhanced overall system productivity.

Enterprise-Grade Design Standards

The transceiver is engineered to meet stringent networking requirements associated with enterprise and data center deployments. High-quality optical and electronic components contribute to dependable operation throughout the module's service life.

Robust manufacturing standards help ensure consistent performance, enabling organizations to deploy the module confidently within mission-critical infrastructures.

Compatibility with Modern Networking Equipment

Integration with Mellanox Platforms

The MMA1B00-C100D is designed for seamless integration with Mellanox networking equipment, delivering optimized interoperability and performance. The module supports deployment across compatible switches, adapters, and networking platforms that require 100Gbps optical connectivity.

Organizations utilizing Mellanox infrastructure can benefit from validated compatibility and streamlined deployment processes.

Switch Connectivity Applications

High-density Ethernet switches rely on QSFP28 transceivers to establish high-speed uplinks and inter-switch connections. The MMA1B00-C100D enables efficient switch-to-switch communication while supporting large-scale traffic aggregation requirements.

Network Adapter Connectivity

Servers equipped with compatible network adapters can leverage the transceiver to establish high-speed optical connections to switching infrastructure. This capability supports bandwidth-intensive applications and modern workload requirements.