400G and 800G OSFP TRANSCEIVERS
Smartoptics OSFP transceivers provide high-performance solutions for both 400G and 800G optical networking
What is OSFP?
The Octal Small Form Factor Pluggable (OSFP) is a high-performance transceiver form factor designed for 400G and 800G optical networking. OSFP was among the first form factors to support native 800G, making it a key enabler for ultra-high-speed deployments. It is fully compliant with 400ZR and 800ZR, ensuring energy-efficient, high-density connectivity for large-scale networks. Compared to QSFP-DD, OSFP offers enhanced thermal management, making it well-suited for power-intensive applications requiring sustained 800G performance.
Smartoptics range of OSFP transceivers
Smartoptics offers a selection of 400G and 800G OSFP transceivers designed for high-performance optical networking, including:
- OSFP DR4 – Supports 400G and 800G transmission over single-mode ribbon fiber up to 500 meters, ideal for high-density intra-data center connectivity.
- OSFP FR4 – Enables longer-reach single-mode transmission up to 2 km, suitable for data center interconnect and short-reach metro applications.
- OSFP LR4 – Extends transmission over single-mode fiber up to 10 km, offering a reliable solution for DCI and metro access scenarios.
All Smartoptics 800G OSFP transceivers can break out to 8x100G or 2x400G using breakout cables. This provides a future-ready solution for scaling network capacity to support high-bandwidth applications.
Selected Smartoptics OSFP transceiver benefits
- Compliant with 800ZR/400ZR for cost efficiency and interoperability
- Superior thermal management due to larger surface area
- Breakout to 8× 100G or 2× 400G with breakout cables for flexible scaling
- Enhanced digital diagnostic information via I2C interface
- Rigorously tested for thermal, electrical and optical reliability
- Easily reprogrammable for additional uses
- Dedicated 24/7 in-house support
- Multi-source agreement (MSA) compliant
OSFP vs. QSFP-DD – Key differences
Many network operators compare OSFP vs. QSFP-DD when evaluating transceiver options for 400G and 800G deployments. While both form factors support high-speed networking, they differ in thermal management, size and backward compatibility.
|
Feature |
OSFP | QSFP-DD |
| Data rate | 400G/800G | 400G/800G |
| Backward compatibility | N/A | QSFP-DD ports support QSFP28 |
| Cost & Efficiency | Larger, superior thermal management due to larger surface area | Smaller form factor with lower power consumption |
OSFP transceivers are slightly larger than QSFP-DD modules, allowing for higher power. OSFP’s larger surface area enhances thermal management. However, Smartoptics QSFP-DD modules offer the advantage of backwards compatibility and native breakout applications with QSFP28 100G.
Breakout applications
800G OSFP breakout applications
One of the key advantages of 800G OSFP transceivers is their ability to support breakout configurations, enabling efficient fiber utilization and flexible network scaling. Since OSFP is not natively backward compatible with lower-speed transceivers, breakout cables are required for these applications. The DCP-802 transponder provides compact and cost-efficient support for 800G OSFP breakout.
- Most common breakout: 800G OSFP → 8× 100G
A single 800G OSFP transceiver can be broken out into eight 100G connections, allowing integration with 100G transceivers in the QSFP28 or QSFP112 form factors. This setup holds great potential for maximizing bandwidth and services on existing infrastructure, doubling the capacity of 4x100G.
- Alternative breakout: 800G OSFP → 2× 400G
800G OSFP transceivers can break out into two independent 400G connections using breakout cables, enabling seamless integration with 400G OSFP or QSFP-DD transceivers. Likewise, two 400G OSFP transceivers can be aggregated into 800G OSFP or QSFP-DD, offering a scalable upgrade path while maximizing fiber efficiency.
Breakout applications
400G OSFP breakout applications
400G OSFP transceivers can also be broken out into multiple 100G connections using breakout cables.
- 400G OSFP → 4× 100G
This way, a single 400G OSFP transceiver can be split into four 100G QSFP-DD connections, ensuring flexible scalability in networks transitioning from 100G to 400G.
dac & aoc
OSFP cables: DAC & AOC
To complement OSFP transceivers, Smartoptics offers a range of high-performance cabling solutions for different networking needs:
- OSFP Direct Attach Copper (DAC) cables – Cost-effective, low-latency solutions for short-distance connectivity within racks and between adjacent switches.
- OSFP Active Optical Cables (AOC) – Incorporate real transceivers with fiber optics, providing longer-distance connectivity while remaining lightweight and flexible.
These OSFP cable solutions ensure high-reliability, efficiency and seamless integration with enterprise DCI and service provider networks.
Learn more or browes all our transceivers
earn more about Smartoptics OSFP transceivers
Download the overview datasheet for OSFP transceivers, or browse all our transceivers, AOC and DAC cable assemblies.
Related products
Product name
Description
Why smartoptics
Expand your network horizons
At Smartoptics, we believe strongly in an open approach, smart design principles, ambitious customer service and sustainable solutions.
Open
Committed to open solutions with no lock-in using latest open standards and an open culture of honesty.
Smart
Innovating smart design principles for plug-and-play, future-proof and scalable networking solutions.
Ambitious
Going the extra mile with in-house expert support and strong focus on customer satisfaction (NPS 82).
Sustainable
Doing our part with long product lifecycles, small footprints and energy efficiency optimizations.