Cisco 100 Gigabit Ethernet Line Card - 100GBase-X QSFP28 Expansion Module

Unlock scalable, high-performance networking with the Cisco 100 Gigabit Ethernet Line Card. Engineered for data centers, optical networks, and backbone infrastructure, this line card delivers robust 100GBASE-X throughput, ultra-low latency, and seamless integration into Cisco-based environments. With support for QSFP28 expansion modules and a substantial 32-slot expansion framework, it provides the flexibility needed to grow capacity as workloads and traffic patterns evolve. Built to meet the demands of modern cloud, virtualization, AI-driven apps, and large-scale analytics, this line card combines reliability, manageability, and future-ready capabilities in a compact, modular design that fits into Cisco chassis and ecosystem workflows.

• 100GBASE-X performance — Delivers high-throughput 100 Gigabit Ethernet interfaces with consistent line-rate forwarding, enabling fast interconnects between core, distribution, and access layers while preserving low latency and predictable performance for mission-critical applications.
• Dense 32-slot expansion — A scalable architecture that supports substantial growth within a single chassis, enabling expansive port density and flexible topology options to accommodate surging data center traffic without hardware sprawl.
• QSFP28 expansion module support — Utilizes the compact QSFP28 form factor to enable four 25G lanes per module (and flexible 100G port configurations) for efficient fiber deployment, breakout arrangements, and future-ready optical networking.
• Seamless Cisco ecosystem integration — Optimized for Cisco IOS XE and NX-OS environments, providing unified policy control, security, monitoring, and lifecycle management through familiar Cisco tools and workflows.
• Reliability, maintainability, and serviceability — Built for continuous operation in demanding data-center conditions, featuring hot-swappable design, robust diagnostics, and enterprise-grade support to minimize downtime and preserve network uptime.

Technical Details of Cisco 100 Gigabit Ethernet Line Card

• Product type: Line Card for Cisco data center and core switches
• Network standard: 100GBASE-X (100 Gigabit Ethernet)
• Interface: QSFP28 expansion module
• Expansion capacity: 32 expansion slots
• Fiber compatibility: Supports optical fiber options appropriate for data-center deployments, compatible with Cisco-supported transceivers and fiber types
• Platform compatibility: Designed for Cisco data center chassis and IOS-XE/NX-OS-based environments that accept high-density 100G line cards
• Management and diagnostics: Integrated with Cisco management platforms for inventory, health monitoring, and fault isolation
• Reliability features: Hot-swappable design with built-in redundancy support and serviceability within standard Cisco maintenance practices

how to install Cisco 100 Gigabit Ethernet Line Card

• Prepare the chassis and workspace — Ensure the chassis is powered down or in a maintenance mode per Cisco guidelines, and verify environmental conditions (cooling, airflow, static-safe handling) before handling the card.
• Identify a compatible slot — Locate an available expansion slot in a Cisco-supported chassis that accepts 100G line cards and QSFP28 modules, and confirm chassis firmware compatibility with the new module.
• Insert the line card — Gently align the line card with the slot, insert until fully seated, and secure the retention mechanism or screws as required by the chassis design to ensure solid electrical contact and stable mechanical support.
• Install QSFP28 modules (if applicable) — If your topology requires pluggable transceivers, insert QSFP28 modules into the line card slots or into adjacent uplink interfaces as specified by your deployment plan; connect fiber or copper cables per distance, wavelength, and fiber type guidelines.
• Power up and verify — Restore power and boot the system. Check hardware inventory, line-card health, and port status using the Cisco management suite or command-line tools, then configure 100G interfaces, VLANs, QoS policies, and routing as needed for your network design.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is 100GBASE-X?

  A: 100GBASE-X refers to the 100 Gigabit Ethernet standard using QSFP28-based interfaces to deliver high-bandwidth connectivity for data center backbones and high-speed interconnects.

• Q: How many slots does the Cisco 100 Gigabit Ethernet Line Card provide?

  A: The line card supports up to 32 expansion slots within a compatible Cisco chassis, enabling dense provisioning of 100G connections and scalable growth.

• Q: Is the line card hot-swappable?

  A: Yes. It is designed for hot-swappable operation in supported Cisco chassis, minimizing downtime during maintenance and upgrades.

• Q: Which platforms support this line card?

  A: It is intended for Cisco data center and core switching platforms that accept high-density 100G line cards and provide 100G backbone connectivity.

• Q: What are common use cases?

  A: Ideal for data networking, optical networks, data center interconnects, and large-scale cloud or virtualization deployments requiring scalable 100G performance and low-latency transfer.

• Q: Do I need separate QSFP28 modules?

  A: Depending on your topology, you may select QSFP28 transceivers with appropriate fiber type and distance specifications; the line card supports standard Cisco-compatible QSFP28 pluggables.