What are the Pros and Cons of Using OSFPs or QSFP-DDs?

FiberMall

FiberMall

Answered on 2:30 am

Optical transceivers such as OSFP (Octal Small Form Factor Pluggable) and QSFP-DD (Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable Double Density) are integral to significant high-speed, high-density networking applications in data centers and telecommunications. Dealing with new network speeds and managing bandwidth needs, different factors might lead to a preference for one over the other.

Before listing the pros and cons, it is important to note the crucial differences between them:

1. Form Factor: OSFP is larger than QSFP-DD, resulting in a lower port density. However, this larger size allows OSFP to handle higher wattage, providing better heat dissipation and therefore potentially higher bandwidth per port in the future.

2. Compatibility: QSFP-DD was designed with backward compatibility with QSFP28 in mind.  You can use existing QSFP28 cables and modules in a QSFP-DD port.

 

Now, let’s discuss some of the pros and cons:

OSFP

Pros:

1. Higher Power Handling: OSFP can handle higher power up to 15W, accommodating future bandwidth needs. There is the potential to reach up to 800Gbps for future uses.

2. Thermal Efficiency: The larger form factor leads to better heat dissipation, which may become increasingly important as connections’ power utilization and density increase.

Cons:

1. Low Port Density: Due to their larger size, data center rack units fitted with OSFP ports have a lower overall port density compared to those using QSFP-DD.

2. No Backward Compatibility: OSFP is not backward compatible with existing form factors, which can complicate upgrades and increase costs.

 

QSFP-DD

Pros:

1. Backward Compatibility: QSFP-DD is backward compatible with QSFP, and QSFP28 modules.  This allows for easier upgrading while lowering costs by reusing existing hardware.

2. High Port Density: The smaller QSFP-DD form factor allows for more ports on a single switch, leading to a more compact and dense arrangement which can save precious space in data centers.

Cons:

1. Lower Power Handling: QSFP-DD power handling is lower than OSFP, making it harder to scale for future increased transmission rates.

2. Thermal Concerns: Due to the high port density and higher power demand for future standards, managing thermal dissipation may become a challenge.

The choice between QSFP-DD and OSFP will depend on your specific circumstances and long-term network goals. If you have existing QSFP infrastructure and you’re seeking a high-density configuration with measured growth in mind, QSFP-DD is a solid choice. If, however, you’re preparing for immense growth and want to set up your data center for future advancements (especially those requiring high power and efficient thermal handling), OSFP could be the better choice.

People Also Ask

Unlocking the Potential of a Fiber Optic Switch in Modern Networks

Fiber optics has transformed contemporary network systems’ efficiency, dependability, and construction, owing to the sheer speed provided. Fiber optic switches are critical components of such structures for their ability to control the efficacy of information processing over sprawling tangled frameworks. This piece analyzes how these switches can make a difference

Active Connectors: LC, CS, SN, MPO, PC, APC

Active connectors are passive optical devices frequently used in conjunction with optical module interfaces. These connectors, which are attached to the optical side of a module, generally adhere to standardized processes to form universally accepted physical and performance interfaces, thereby enabling interoperability among various manufacturers. Standardization, as a process, involves

Choosing the Best 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch for Your Home Network

Setting up an easy-to-use and fast home network is becoming simpler as new technology comes out. A 16-port Gigabit Ethernet switch streaming HD content, online gaming, or smart home device integration becomes a critical piece for wired connections across competing devices. Performance and budget features often contradict each other creating

NVIDIA Releases Silicon Photonics CPO Switch

During GTC 2025, NVIDIA released the NVIDIA Spectrum-X (based on the Ethernet standard) and NVIDIA Quantum-X (based on the InfiniBand standard) silicon photonic network switches, enabling AI factories to connect millions of GPUs across regions while significantly reducing energy consumption and operating costs. NVIDIA Silicon Photonics CPO The partners listed

How to Use the XGSPON ONU Stick SFP+

Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) technology is revolutionizing internet connectivity. However, the closed devices provided by internet service providers often restrict users’ freedom. If you have a router or switch with an SFP+ interface, such as the Ubiquiti Dream Machine Pro, Mikrotik CCR series, or an OPNsense device, the XGSPON ONU Stick SFP+

Related Articles

800g sr8 and 400g sr4

800G SR8 and 400G SR4 Optical Transceiver Modules Compatibility and Interconnection Test Report

Version Change Log Writer V0 Sample Test Cassie Test Purpose Test Objects:800G OSFP SR8/400G OSFP SR4/400G Q112 SR4. By conducting corresponding tests, the test parameters meet the relevant industry standards, and the test modules can be normally used for Nvidia (Mellanox) MQM9790 switch, Nvidia (Mellanox) ConnectX-7 network card and Nvidia (Mellanox) BlueField-3, laying a foundation for

Read More »
Unlocking the Potential of a Fiber Optic Switch in Modern Networks

Unlocking the Potential of a Fiber Optic Switch in Modern Networks

Fiber optics has transformed contemporary network systems’ efficiency, dependability, and construction, owing to the sheer speed provided. Fiber optic switches are critical components of such structures for their ability to control the efficacy of information processing over sprawling tangled frameworks. This piece analyzes how these switches can make a difference

Read More »
Active-Connectors

Active Connectors: LC, CS, SN, MPO, PC, APC

Active connectors are passive optical devices frequently used in conjunction with optical module interfaces. These connectors, which are attached to the optical side of a module, generally adhere to standardized processes to form universally accepted physical and performance interfaces, thereby enabling interoperability among various manufacturers. Standardization, as a process, involves

Read More »
16 port gigabit switch

Choosing the Best 16-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch for Your Home Network

Setting up an easy-to-use and fast home network is becoming simpler as new technology comes out. A 16-port Gigabit Ethernet switch streaming HD content, online gaming, or smart home device integration becomes a critical piece for wired connections across competing devices. Performance and budget features often contradict each other creating

Read More »
NVIDIA Photonics CPO

NVIDIA Releases Silicon Photonics CPO Switch

During GTC 2025, NVIDIA released the NVIDIA Spectrum-X (based on the Ethernet standard) and NVIDIA Quantum-X (based on the InfiniBand standard) silicon photonic network switches, enabling AI factories to connect millions of GPUs across regions while significantly reducing energy consumption and operating costs. NVIDIA Silicon Photonics CPO The partners listed

Read More »
XGSPON

How to Use the XGSPON ONU Stick SFP+

Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) technology is revolutionizing internet connectivity. However, the closed devices provided by internet service providers often restrict users’ freedom. If you have a router or switch with an SFP+ interface, such as the Ubiquiti Dream Machine Pro, Mikrotik CCR series, or an OPNsense device, the XGSPON ONU Stick SFP+

Read More »

Leave a Comment

Scroll to Top