What does CX stand for in an optical module

In an optical module, "CX" refers to the CXP form factor, where CXP stands for "Compact 100G Pluggable."The CXP module is a high-density, hot-swappable optical transceiver designed for short-reach parallel optical interconnects in data centers and high-performance computing environments. Unlike larger form factors such as CFP, the CXP module supports 12 parallel lanes, each capable of 10 Gbps, enabling a total of 100 Gbps throughput. The module converts electrical signals into optical signals using VCSEL laser arrays and transmits them over 24-core multimode MPO/MTP fiber cables, with reception handled by a PIN photodiode array.

CX

P modules are standardized under the CXP Multi-Source Agreement (MSA), ensuring compatibility and adherence to safety and environmental standards. They are commonly used for rack-to-rack and node-to-node networking, offering low-latency, high-throughput connections.

While CX

P modules operate at 850 nm like QSFP-SR4 modules, they differ in lane count and require specific breakout connectivity for interoperability. In summary, CX in an optical module context identifies the CXP form factor, emphasizing compactness, 100G capacity, and parallel optical transmission, making it ideal for modern high-speed networking applications.