25G Optical Transceivers for Hyperscale Data Centers

▶ Introduction

As data centers continue to evolve toward higher density and faster throughput, 25G Ethernet has emerged as a key building block in modern hyperscale infrastructure. Designed to deliver 2.5× the bandwidth of 10G Ethernet with minimal changes to cabling and infrastructure, 25G optical modules strike the ideal balance between performance, power efficiency, and scalability.

This article explores why 25G SFP28 optical modules have become the preferred choice for hyperscale data centers, their technical standards, deployment models, and how LINK-PP 25G Optical Modules support these demanding environments.

▶ Why 25G Ethernet Matters in Hyperscale Environments

Modern hyperscale data centers require consistent, high-speed links between servers, top-of-rack (ToR) switches, and aggregation layers. 25G Ethernet, standardized by IEEE 802.3by, offers single-lane 25Gbps connectivity using the compact SFP28 form factor.

Compared to 10G, 25G delivers:

  • 2.5× higher bandwidth per port

  • Reduced power consumption per Gb

  • Lower cost per transmitted bit

  • Seamless scalability to 100G (4×25G lanes)

This makes 25G an ideal solution for data centers seeking incremental upgrades without overhauling their existing infrastructure.

▶ Technical Overview: Inside the 25G SFP28

A 25G SFP28 optical transceiver operates at 25.78125 Gbps and uses a single electrical lane. It supports various reaches and wavelengths depending on fiber type and application scenario:

Module Type

Wavelength

Fiber Type

Distance

Typical Use

SFP28-SR

850nm

MMF

70–100m

In-rack, ToR links

SFP28-LR

1310nm

SMF

Up to 10km

Aggregation links

SFP28-ER

1310/1550nm

SMF

Up to 40km

Metro or campus

SFP28 BiDi

TX/RX 1270/1330nm

SMF

10km

Single-fiber duplex

25G DAC / AOC

Copper / Fiber

–

1–30m

Short-distance, low-latency

Each module type meets MSA (Multi-Source Agreement) and IEEE compliance, ensuring broad interoperability with leading switch and NIC vendors.

▶ Applications in Hyperscale Data Centers

  1. Server-to-ToR Connectivity
    25G SFP28 modules connect server NICs to top-of-rack switches, offering high-density, low-latency connections with excellent energy efficiency.

  2. Leaf-Spine Architecture
    25G serves as the standard for leaf-layer access ports, while spine uplinks scale up to 100G or 400G using multiple 25G lanes, enabling a smooth transition path for network growth.

  3. Cloud and AI Workloads
    With the explosion of AI inference and big data analytics, 25G Ethernet provides the speed and reliability required for distributed GPU clusters and real-time data processing systems.

▶ Advantages of LINK-PP 25G Optical Modules

LINK-PP 25G Optical Modules

LINK-PP, a professional manufacturer of Ethernet connectivity components, provides a full portfolio of 25G SFP28 optical transceivers optimized for data center and telecom networks.

Key benefits of LINK-PP 25G series:

  • Full compatibility with IEEE 802.3by and SFP28 MSA standards

  • Low power consumption (<1.5W typical) for energy-efficient rack designs

  • Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM/DOM) for real-time link performance tracking

  • Superior EMI shielding and temperature stability for 24/7 operation

  • Cost-effective alternatives to branded OEM optics with the same reliability and interoperability

▶ Migration and Deployment Best Practices

  • Leverage existing fiber plant: 25G SFP28-SR modules can often reuse existing OM3/OM4 cabling from 10G deployments, reducing upgrade costs.

  • Plan for 100G aggregation: 25G interfaces scale naturally into 100G (4×25G) and 400G (16×25G) architectures.

  • Monitor link health: Use DDM features for predictive maintenance and optical power analysis.

  • Combine with DAC/AOC solutions: For short connections (≤5 m), 25G DAC cables minimize latency and cost.

▶ Conclusion

As hyperscale data centers scale to meet the bandwidth demands of AI, IoT, and cloud workloads, 25G Ethernet has proven to be the most efficient and scalable choice for server connectivity.

With its robust, power-efficient, and interoperable 25G SFP28 optical modules, LINK-PP provides reliable solutions that help data centers achieve higher throughput, simplified management, and lower total cost of ownership.

For high-performance optical connectivity that meets tomorrow’s network challenges today, explore LINK-PP 25G Optical Modules — engineered for performance, designed for hyperscale growth.

🔗 Explore LINK-PP’s full 25G product lineup:
👉 https://www.l-p.com/store-26225-25g-sfp28.htm