Dell Q28-128GFC-SW4 Transceiver

Dell Q28-128GFC-SW4 – High-Speed 128G Fibre Channel SW4 Optical Transceiver

The Dell Q28-128GFC-SW4 is a next-generation 128Gbps shortwave (SW4) optical transceiver designed for high-performance Fibre Channel (FC) networking. Developed to meet the demands of modern data centers, enterprise storage environments, and mission-critical SAN (Storage Area Network) infrastructures, this transceiver delivers exceptional speed, reliability, and efficiency over OM4 multimode fiber (MMF).

With 4 lanes of 32Gbps transmission, the Dell Q28-128GFC-SW4 achieves a combined throughput of 128Gbps, making it an ideal solution for connecting high-throughput storage systems, Fibre Channel switches, and servers in short-distance optical applications. It uses MPO/MTP connectors, is hot-swappable, and adheres to strict MSA and ANSI T11 Fibre Channel standards, ensuring seamless integration with a wide range of networking equipment.

Key Features of Dell Q28-128GFC-SW4

• Data Rate: 128Gbps (4 x 32Gbps parallel lanes)

• Fiber Type: OM4 Multimode Fiber

• Reach: Up to 100 meters

• Wavelength: 850nm

• Connector Type: MPO/MTP 12-fiber interface

• Form Factor: QSFP28

• Hot-Swappable: Yes

• Standard Compliance: ANSI T11, MSA compliant

• Power Consumption: <3.5W

• Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM/DOM): Supported

• Compatibility: Dell EMC switches, Brocade, QLogic, and other FC SAN hardware

Optimized for Modern Storage Environments

The Dell Q28-128GFC-SW4 is purpose-built for demanding storage environments where speed and latency are critical. In SAN topologies where time-sensitive operations like database replication, snapshot transfers, or virtual machine migration are routine, the ultra-fast performance of this transceiver ensures smooth, uninterrupted operations.

By supporting shortwave (SW4) optics and high-speed parallel data transfer, this module enables reliable communication between core-to-edge Fibre Channel switches and storage arrays — making it a preferred choice for data-intensive enterprises and service providers.

Benefits of Using Dell Q28-128GFC-SW4 in SAN Infrastructure

Deploying the Dell Q28-128GFC-SW4 offers significant operational and strategic advantages:

• High-Speed Data Transfers: 128Gbps throughput ensures fast read/write operations and data backups.

• Future-Proofing: Compatible with evolving storage protocols, including 64GFC and 32GFC in backward-compatible environments.

• Low Power & High Efficiency: Reduces heat output and operational costs in dense deployments.

• Hot-Swap Ready: Enables quick, zero-downtime upgrades and replacements.

• Vendor Compatibility: Certified for Dell EMC platforms and interoperable with major Fibre Channel switch vendors.

• Error-Free Communication: Designed for signal integrity and minimal data loss, even under heavy loads.

Ideal Use Cases

• Connecting Dell EMC VMAX, PowerMax, or Unity storage arrays to Fibre Channel fabrics

• Linking Brocade or QLogic FC switches in large-scale data centers

• Short-distance SAN deployments in enterprise IT or cloud environments

• Enabling synchronous replication and low-latency backups across redundant SAN paths

• Building high-availability FC networks for banking, healthcare, and mission-critical apps

Scalability and High Port Density

Thanks to the QSFP28 form factor, the Dell Q28-128GFC-SW4 enables high port density in directors and edge switches, maximizing rack utilization. Its support for multimode fiber with MPO connectivity ensures fast deployment in structured cabling environments, reducing complexity and deployment time.

In rapidly expanding SANs, this module supports easy scaling without disrupting existing infrastructure. It integrates with both dedicated and converged FC environments, supporting virtualization, containerized workloads, and high-speed backup solutions.

Enhanced Reliability with Digital Monitoring

This transceiver includes Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM), which enables network administrators to track parameters such as:

• Laser bias current

• Optical transmit/receive power

• Module temperature

• Supply voltage

Real-time monitoring improves diagnostics, enhances proactive maintenance, and reduces the risk of unplanned downtime.

Why Choose Dell Q28-128GFC-SW4?

• Backed by Dell’s trusted enterprise-grade design

• Seamless compatibility with Dell EMC storage systems

• Designed for next-gen Fibre Channel performance

• Simple plug-and-play deployment

• Lower total cost of ownership over time

• Ideal for short-distance SANs with high-speed requirements

Whether you’re modernizing your Fibre Channel infrastructure or deploying new storage topologies, the Dell Q28-128GFC-SW4 delivers unmatched performance and operational confidence.