As enterprise data demands surge with cloud adoption, virtualization, and the growing complexity of internal applications, upgrading the network core has become a pressing need for many organizations. For businesses that previously relied on 10G or 40G infrastructure, 100G upgrades may seem like a leap, but with 100G CWDM4 optics, that leap becomes both practical and cost-effective.
Why Enterprises Need 100G Now
Many enterprise networks still run on 10G or 40G infrastructure. While these speeds once sufficed, they are now increasingly inadequate to support centralized services like video conferencing, real-time collaboration, and large-scale cloud applications. As more data is generated and consumed at faster rates, enterprise core switches and aggregation layers are under pressure to scale, without a complete network overhaul.
100G connectivity fills this gap, offering the bandwidth needed to future-proof the network core. However, not all 100G solutions are created equal in terms of cost, complexity, or deployment flexibility. That’s where 100G CWDM4 comes in.
What Is 100G CWDM4
The 100G CWDM4 (Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing 4-lane) transceiver is a QSFP28 module based on a standardized specification defined by the CWDM4 MSA. It uses four wavelengths in the 1270–1330nm range to transmit and receive 25Gbps signals over single-mode fiber (SMF), achieving a total 100Gbps full-duplex data rate. Supporting transmission distances up to 2km, it is ideal for enterprise environments where core switches are separated by moderate distances—across floors, buildings, or campus segments.
A Smooth Upgrade Path from 10G/40G
Compared to 40G SR4 or other legacy solutions, 100G CWDM4 offers a more efficient bandwidth-to-fiber ratio. Traditional 40G SR4 relies on multimode fiber and parallel optics, often requiring MPO/MTP connectors and complex cabling. In contrast, 100G CWDM4 uses duplex LC connectors with single-mode fiber, offering a simpler and more scalable architecture.
For enterprises upgrading from 10G (which also uses LC connectors and SMF), CWDM4 allows a smoother transition with minimal recabling. This translates to lower labor and infrastructure costs, especially in retrofitting existing fiber links.
Performance and Cost Balance
One of the major appeals of CWDM4 is its balance of performance and cost. Unlike 100G LR4 modules, which support 10km and beyond but are more expensive due to more complex optical components, CWDM4 targets the sweet spot—up to 2km. This covers most enterprise campus core and aggregation links, avoiding overengineering while keeping CapEx in check.
Additionally, CWDM4 modules tend to be more power-efficient (typically around 3.5W) than longer-reach solutions, contributing to lower OpEx over time.
Conclusion
100G CWDM4 is not just a stepping stone—it’s a strategic upgrade path for enterprises seeking high-speed connectivity without the costs and complexity of telco-grade solutions. By leveraging existing LC-based infrastructure and enabling seamless migration from 10G or 40G, CWDM4 delivers the bandwidth enterprises need today, with the flexibility to scale for tomorrow.