Commonly Used Optical Modules in Huawei

Huawei uses a wide range of optical modules, including SFP, SFP+, SFP28, XFP, QSFP+, QSFP28, CFP, and high-speed 400G/800G modules powered by self-developed photonic chips.

Common Optical Module Types

Huawei offers multiple pluggable optical module form factors for different network needs:

• SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable): Standard gigabit modules for short- and long-distance transmission.
• SFP+: Enhanced SFP supporting 10 Gbit/s transmission.
• SFP28: Supports 25 Gbit/s, compatible with SFP+ interfaces.
• XFP: 10 Gbit/s modules with LC fiber connectors, larger than SFP+.
• QSFP+: Quad small form-factor pluggable supporting 40 Gbit/s, using MPO fiber connectors.
• QSFP28: Supports 100 Gbit/s or 40 Gbit/s, compatible with QSFP+ interfaces.
• CFP (Centum Form-factor Pluggable): Larger modules for high-capacity data communication and telecom applications.
• QSFP-DD (Double Density): High-density modules for 400G networks, with power consumption around 12–14 watts per module .

Advanced High-Speed Modules

For AI and data center scenarios, Huawei provides modules ranging from GE to 800GE, emphasizing three capabilities: Spanning (ultra-long transmission), Stable (high reliability), and Secure (enhanced security). These modules support high-bandwidth, low-latency connections and are designed for resilient data center interconnectivity .

Photonic Chip Technology

Huawei's optical modules leverage self-developed photonic chips, including:

• oDSP (Optical Digital Signal Processing) chips in the OptiXtreme series, supporting adjustable single-wavelength rates from 100G to 600G, with spectrum efficiency up to 8 bit/s/Hz.
• Thin Film Lithium Niobate (TFLN) modulators, increasing bandwidth by 50% and reducing power consumption by 30% compared to traditional indium phosphide modulators.
• Modules for 400G/800G transmission integrate silicon photonic chips for optical-electrical integration, reducing power consumption by 30% and extending transmission distances .

Fiber and Wavelength Options

Huawei optical modules are available for single-mode and multimode fibers:

• Single-mode modules: Support long-distance, high-capacity transmission.
• Multimode modules: Lower cost, suitable for short-distance, small-capacity applications. Modules also support wavelength division multiplexing (WDM):
• CWDM (Coarse WDM) and DWDM (Dense WDM) allow multiple wavelengths on a single fiber, improving efficiency and reducing fiber usage .

Summary

Huawei's optical modules cover a broad spectrum of form factors, transmission rates, and fiber types, from standard SFPs to high-speed 800G modules with advanced photonic chips. They are designed for data centers, AI clusters, and telecom networks, offering high reliability, long-distance transmission, and flexible plug-and-play deployment options .