The QSFP112 MSA will define the module and cage/connector form factor to support the 112G-PAM4 electrical and optical signaling, and the increased high power consumption from various types of optical modules. The QSFP112 connectors and cages will be backward compatible with legacy QSFP 40G(4x10G), 100G(4x25G) and 200G(4x56G-PAM4) modules, including optical transceivers and copper cables. The QSFP112 modules will also be able to be accepted by QSFP-DD connector and cage. The QSFP112 will be able to support both optical and copper interfaces, but those physical layer specifications will be done outside of the MSA specification as is usual for form factor MSA specifications.

Since the official release of QSFP112 hardware specification Rev1.0 in June 2021, Dongguan Suwang Hardware Products Co., Ltd. has officially started the planning, design and implementation of the next-generation QSFP112 400G related products. Some downstream large data center suppliers are already planning and launching next-generation QSFP112 400G network-based hardware system solutions, including the design and consideration of single-chip box architecture and optical interconnect solutions. This has prompted the demand for QSFP structural parts, QSFP housings, optical module housings, precision die-casting connector housings, QSFP-DD housings, MINISAS housings, SFP28 housings, and QSFP+ housings, such as electrical connectors, DACs, optical modules, etc.