Mellanox HDR QSFP56 MMF Transceiver

The Mellanox HDR QSFP56 MMF Transceiver (MMA1T00-HS) is a high-performance pluggable optical module designed to deliver 200 Gb/s InfiniBand connectivity across four parallel lanes. Engineered for data centers, HPC clusters, and AI accelerators, this transceiver combines Mellanox’s renowned IC technology with a robust QSFP56 form factor to provide exceptional bandwidth, low latency, and reliable operation over multi-mode fiber. Built to support dense deployments, it enables scalable interconnects between servers, storage nodes, and accelerators, helping data centers achieve faster compute-to-data performance with lower total cost of ownership.

• Four-channel, 200 Gb/s aggregate bandwidth: The transceiver channels four parallel lanes, delivering up to 50 Gb/s per lane for a total of 200 Gb/s. This design supports high-bandwidth, low-latency interconnects essential for demanding workloads such as HPC simulations, dense GPU clusters, and AI training pipelines.
• Quad-channel QSFP56 MMF technology: As a QSFP56 module operating over multi-mode fiber, it provides a compact, hot-pluggable solution ideal for modern data centers seeking high port density with simplified cable management and reduced deployment complexity.
• HDR InfiniBand compatibility: Specifically engineered for Mellanox HDR InfiniBand environments, this transceiver enables ultra-fast interconnects between compute nodes, storage systems, and accelerators, improving scaling efficiency for large-scale workloads.
• Integrated Mellanox IC design for performance and reliability: Leveraging Mellanox’s advanced semiconductor integration, the MMA1T00-HS delivers consistent signal integrity, low error rates, and robust operation in real-world data center conditions while maintaining compatibility with Mellanox/NVIDIA networking architectures.
• Data-center ready with energy-conscious design: The module is optimized for dense racks, delivering high throughput with mindful power consumption and thermal characteristics that support efficient cooling and maintenance in large-scale deployments.

Technical Details of Mellanox HDR QSFP56 MMF Transceiver

• Product: Mellanox HDR QSFP56 MMF Transceiver (MMA1T00-HS)
• Form factor: QSFP56, pluggable transceiver
• Channels: 4-channel configuration
• Aggregate data rate: Up to 200 Gb/s across all lanes
• Fiber type: Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF)
• Interconnect standard: InfiniBand HDR
• Application focus: High-performance computing, data center interconnects, AI/ML clusters
• Technology: Mellanox integrated circuit (IC) design for optimized performance and reliability

How to install Mellanox HDR QSFP56 MMF Transceiver

Installing the Mellanox HDR QSFP56 MMF Transceiver is straightforward and designed to minimize downtime in busy data centers. Follow these best-practice steps to ensure a secure, reliable connection and optimal performance in HDR InfiniBand environments.

• Prepare the hardware: Power down the host or switch port if required by your data-center policies; verify that the QSFP56 port is available and compatible with the transceiver.
• Inspect the module and cable: Check that the MMA1T00-HS transceiver is clean and free of debris. Inspect the MMF fiber patch cables for any signs of damage or contamination; clean connectors with appropriate fiber cleaning tools if needed.
• Install the transceiver: Align the transceiver with the QSFP56 slot, slide it into the port, and apply a firm, even push until the module is seated and the latching mechanism engages. Do not force the module beyond its travel limit.
• Connect the fiber optic cabling: Attach the MMF patch cords to the transceiver’s optical interface, ensuring proper alignment of the connector ferrules. Use appropriate multimode fiber (OM3/OM4) specifications as required by your deployment.
• Power up and verify link: Restore power to the device and access the management interface to confirm that the port recognizes the transceiver and establishes a link. Look for an active 200 Gb/s HDR InfiniBand channel across all four lanes.
• Test performance and stability: Run standard bandwidth and latency benchmarks to verify throughput, error rates, and lane balance. Monitor temperature and power draw to ensure the module operates within design specifications in your server or switch environment.
• Document and monitor: Record the installation details, including port, firmware compatibility, and cabling certificates, and establish ongoing monitoring to detect any link degradation or performance drift over time.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the primary purpose of the Mellanox HDR QSFP56 MMF Transceiver? It provides high-bandwidth interconnects for InfiniBand HDR networks, delivering up to 200 Gb/s total bandwidth across four lanes to support HPC, AI, and data center clustering workloads.
• What type of fiber does it use? The transceiver is designed for Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF), suitable for short-reach data-center deployments where high density and low latency are critical.
• Is this transceiver hot-swappable? Yes. As a QSFP56 module, it is designed to be hot-swappable in compatible switches and servers, enabling maintenance and upgrades with minimal downtime.
• Which workloads benefit most from this module? workloads that require high-throughput, low-latency interconnects, such as large-scale HPC simulations, distributed AI training, and fast data movement across racks and clusters.
• Is the MMA1T00-HS compatible with non-Mellanox equipment? For optimal performance and reliability, use within Mellanox/NVIDIA HDR InfiniBand ecosystems and with components designed for HDR InfiniBand; compatibility with other vendors may vary depending on system firmware and vendor support.