The QSFP28 Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) is a standard that defines the specifications for 100Gbps Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable (QSFP28) modules. This agreement was developed by a consortium of industry-leading companies to ensure that QSFP28 modules from different manufacturers would be interoperable.
The QSFP28 MSA specifies the electrical and mechanical requirements for QSFP28 modules, including high-speed signals, power supply, and control signals. This standard also defines the pinouts and form factor of the QSFP28 module, which is critical to ensure interoperability between different manufacturers.
One of the advantages of the QSFP28 MSA is its flexibility. QSFP28 modules can support a wide range of applications, including Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and InfiniBand. They are also backward compatible with existing QSFP+ technology, which means that QSFP28 modules can be used in existing QSFP+ ports.
Another advantage of the QSFP28 MSA is its small form factor. QSFP28 modules are compact and allow for high-density port configurations. This makes them ideal for data center applications where space is at a premium.
The QSFP28 MSA also defines the physical layer requirements for QSFP28 modules. This layer is responsible for transmitting and receiving data over the network. The physical layer includes the modulation scheme, coding, and equalization necessary to achieve high-speed data transmission.
In conclusion, the QSFP28 MSA is a standard that ensures the interoperability of QSFP28 modules from different manufacturers. This standard defines the electrical and mechanical requirements for QSFP28 modules and specifies the physical layer requirements for high-speed data transmission. QSFP28 modules are flexible and support a wide range of applications, making them an ideal choice for data center applications.
