Allied Telesis AT-QSFPER4 – TAA 40G QSFP+ ER4 LC Transceiver, 40km Single-Mode

Product Overview

The Allied Telesis AT-QSFPER4 is a TAA-compliant 40 Gigabit QSFP+ transceiver module designed for extended-reach single-mode fiber connections up to 40 kilometers. As the industry-standard Allied Telesis 40G QSFP+ ER4 40km TAA transceiver, it implements the 40GBase-ER4 specification using 4-channel CWDM multiplexing over a single LC duplex fiber pair, enabling long-haul data center interconnects and campus backbone links without the cost of DWDM infrastructure. Operating at standard temperature (0–70°C), this hot-swappable 40G QSFP+ extended-reach single-mode transceiver is fully compliant with IEEE 802.3ba, MSA SFF-8436, and Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM) standards. Available from Creation Networks.

Product Description

The AT-QSFPER4 provides 40 Gigabit Ethernet connectivity over standard single-mode OS2 fiber using the ER4 interface variant, which multiplexes 4 x 10G CWDM (Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing) lanes through a built-in MUX/DEMUX design on a single LC duplex connector pair. This architecture eliminates the need for 4-fiber MPO/MTP cabling infrastructure, making it the preferred choice for existing single-mode fiber plant deployments. With a 40km reach specification, it is well suited for connecting data centers across a campus, metropolitan area network (MAN) backbones, or inter-building links where 10G SR or LR transceivers fall short. The module is hot-swappable, allowing network administrators to install or replace the transceiver without powering down the host switch or router — minimizing maintenance windows and operational disruption. Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM) support enables real-time monitoring of optical power levels, temperature, supply voltage, and bias current directly from the switch management plane, simplifying troubleshooting and proactive fault detection. The AT-QSFPER4 is fully compliant with IEEE 802.3ba (40GbE), MSA SFF-8436, and RoHS-6 environmental standards. TAA compliance qualifies it for U.S. government and federal agency procurement. It is validated for use with Allied Telesis x950, x550, SwitchBlade, and other Allied Telesis platforms equipped with QSFP+ slots. Purchase from Creation Networks for guaranteed compatibility and Allied Telesis warranty coverage.

Key Features

• 40GBase-ER4 Standard — IEEE 802.3ba compliant; 40G Ethernet over single-mode fiber up to 40km.
• 4-Channel CWDM MUX/DEMUX — Multiplexes 4 x 10G lanes over a single LC duplex fiber pair; no MPO/MTP cabling required.
• 40km Extended Reach — Bridges long-haul campus backbone, MAN interconnects, and inter-data-center links on OS2 single-mode fiber.
• Hot-Swappable — Install or replace without switch downtime; MSA SFF-8436 compliant for broad platform compatibility.
• Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM) — Real-time monitoring of Tx/Rx power, temperature, voltage, and laser bias current via switch management.
• Standard Temperature Operation — Rated 0–70°C for standard data center and wiring closet environments.
• TAA Compliant — Meets Trade Agreement Act requirements for U.S. Federal and DoD procurement.
• RoHS-6 Compliant — Meets European and international hazardous substances restrictions.
• LC Duplex Connector — Single LC duplex interface; compatible with standard single-mode OS2 fiber plant.
• MSA Compliant — Interoperable with any MSA-standard QSFP+ port on Allied Telesis equipment.

Typical Applications

• Data center interconnects (DCI) over extended single-mode fiber runs up to 40km
• Campus backbone links between buildings where 10km LR transceivers are insufficient
• Metropolitan area network (MAN) aggregation over existing single-mode infrastructure
• Long-haul inter-switch connections on Allied Telesis x950 and x550 series QSFP+ ports
• Federal and government network deployments requiring TAA-compliant 40G optics
• Existing single-mode fiber plant upgrades from 10G to 40G without new cabling

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What fiber type and connector does the AT-QSFPER4 require?

The AT-QSFPER4 requires OS2 single-mode fiber with LC duplex connectors. It uses a 4-channel CWDM MUX/DEMUX design that transmits all 4 x 10G lanes over a single fiber pair — no MPO/MTP cables or 8-fiber infrastructure is needed.

Q: What is the maximum supported link distance?

The AT-QSFPER4 supports link distances up to 40 kilometers over OS2 single-mode fiber. This makes it suitable for campus backbone connections, metropolitan area network (MAN) interconnects, and long-haul data center interconnects where standard 10km LR optics are insufficient.

Q: Is the AT-QSFPER4 compatible with non-Allied Telesis switches?

The AT-QSFPER4 is MSA SFF-8436 compliant and operates at the standard 40GBase-ER4 interface. While it may physically function in third-party QSFP+ slots, Allied Telesis supports and warrants the module only when used in Allied Telesis equipment. Creation Networks recommends verifying compatibility before deployment.

Q: Does the AT-QSFPER4 support Digital Diagnostics Monitoring?

Yes. DDM (Digital Diagnostics Monitoring) is fully supported, allowing real-time monitoring of transmit and receive optical power levels, module temperature, supply voltage, and laser bias current through the switch's management interface or CLI.

Q: Why choose the ER4 variant over the LR4 for long-distance links?

The LR4 variant supports up to 10km, while the ER4 supports up to 40km. If your fiber runs exceed 10km — for example, across a large campus or between geographically separated data centers — the ER4 is the appropriate choice. For links under 10km, the LR4 is more cost-effective.

Q: Is the AT-QSFPER4 TAA compliant for government procurement?

Yes. The AT-QSFPER4 is TAA (Trade Agreement Act) compliant, making it eligible for purchase under U.S. Federal Government contracts and agency procurement programs that require TAA-compliant networking components.

Q: Can I use the AT-QSFPER4 in the QSFP+/QSFP28 ports of the x950 series?

Yes. The AT-QSFPER4 is compatible with the QSFP+ slots on Allied Telesis x950 and x550 series switches, as well as other Allied Telesis platforms with QSFP+ ports. Contact Creation Networks to confirm compatibility with your specific platform and AlliedWare Plus version.

Q: Where can I purchase the AT-QSFPER4?

The AT-QSFPER4 is available through Creation Networks, an authorized Allied Telesis reseller. We stock a full range of Allied Telesis transceivers and can advise on the right optic for your fiber infrastructure and reach requirements.