The insatiable demand for bandwidth continues to surge, driven by cloud computing, AI, and hyperscale data centers. In this landscape, 25 Gigabit Ethernet (25GbE) has emerged as the sweet spot, offering a perfect balance of performance, cost, and power efficiency. At the heart of any 25G deployment is the SFP28-25G-SR optical transceiver. But what exactly is it, and why is it so crucial?
This guide will demystify the SFP28-25G-SR, covering everything you need to know.
✦ Key Takeaways
The SFP28-25G-SR transceiver gives very fast speeds. It can reach 25 gigabits per second. This is great for busy networks. It helps move data quickly.
It fits into small slots on switches or servers. It works best for short distances. You can use it up to 100 meters. OM3 or OM4 fiber is needed for this.
SFP28 can go faster than SFP+. It also works with older devices. But you need a real SFP28 port for full 25G speed.
The transceiver uses LC duplex connectors. These are easy to connect. Its hot-pluggable design lets you upgrade fast. You do not have to turn off your equipment.
It has built-in monitoring and error correction. These features help keep your network safe. They protect your data from problems.
✦ What is an SFP28-25G-SR Module?
The SFP28-25G-SR is a hot-pluggable, compact optical transceiver designed for short-range data communication and networking applications. Let's break down the name:
SFP28: Stands for Small Form-factor Pluggable 28. The "28" denotes a higher speed capability (25 gigabits per second) compared to its predecessor, the SFP+ (10G).
25G: Indicates the data rate—25 gigabits per second.
SR: Stands for Short Reach, typically using multi-mode fiber (MMF) for distances up to 100 meters.
This module is a key player in the 25G SFP28 SR ecosystem, often deployed in Top-of-Rack (ToR) switching, connecting servers to switches within the same rack or adjacent racks.
✦ Key Applications & Why It's So Popular
The SFP28 25Gbase SR standard is not just a random upgrade. It efficiently addresses the bottleneck created by 10G server links aggregating into 40G uplinks. Here’s where it shines:
Data Center Server Connectivity: The primary use case. It provides a 2.5x speed increase over 10G SFP+ without a significant cost or power consumption jump.
High-Performance Computing (HPC) Clusters: Where low latency and high bandwidth between nodes are non-negotiable.
5G Network Infrastructure: Fronthaul and midhaul connections require the density and speed that 25G optical transceivers provide.
Financial Trading Networks: Every microsecond counts, making 25G's low latency critical.
Its popularity stems from using the same LC duplex fiber connectors and OM3/OM4 multimode fiber as the widely adopted 10G SFP+ SR, making upgrades seamless and cost-effective.
✦ SFP28-25G-SR vs. Other Form Factors: A Quick Comparison
It's easy to confuse different form factors. This table clarifies how the SFP28-25G-SR stands out.
Feature | SFP28-25G-SR | SFP-10G-SR | QSFP28-100G-SR4 |
|---|---|---|---|
Data Rate | 25Gbps | 10Gbps | 100Gbps (4x25G lanes) |
Form Factor | SFP28 | SFP+ | QSFP28 |
Typical Use | Server to Switch | Server to Switch | Switch to Switch Aggregation |
Fiber Type | OM3/OM4 MMF | OM3/OM4 MMF | OM3/OM4 MMF |
Max Distance | 70m (OM3), 100m (OM4) | 300m (OM3), 400m (OM4) | 70m (OM3), 100m (OM4) |
Advantage | Cost-effective 25G upgrade | Legacy Standard | High-density 100G |
✦ Introducing the LINK-PP LS-MM8525-S1C: A Reliable 25G Solution
When selecting a compatible SFP28 optical module, quality and reliability are paramount. This is where LINK-PP excels. Our LS-MM8525-S1C SFP28-25G-SR module is designed and tested to deliver maximum performance and interoperability.
The LS-MM8525-S1C is fully MSA-compliant and guarantees compatibility with major switch vendors like Cisco, Arista, Juniper, and Mellanox. It supports a link length of up to 100m on OM4 fiber and 70m on OM3, operating at a low power consumption of less than 1.0W.
Why choose the LINK-PP LS-MM8525-S1C for your 25G connectivity?
100% MSA Compliant: Ensures perfect fit and function.
Rigorous Testing: Every module undergoes extensive testing to ensure low bit error rate (BER) and long-term stability.
Cost-Effective: Drastically reduces your network capital expenditure without compromising quality.
Lifetime Warranty & Support: We stand behind our products with robust customer support.
For those researching 25G SFP28 SR compatibility or looking for a best SFP28 module for Cisco switches, the LINK-PP LS-MM8525-S1C is a proven and reliable answer.
Choosing the Right Fiber: OM3 vs. OM4
Your SFP28-25G-SR module's performance depends on the fiber it uses. The key is to understand the difference between OM3 and OM4 multimode fibers.
OM3: Designed for 10GbE, can support 25G up to 70 meters.
OM4: Has a higher bandwidth, supporting 25G up to 100 meters.
For most data center short-reach applications within a rack row, both are excellent choices. If you are building new infrastructure, opting for OM4 provides more headroom for future upgrades.
✦ Final Thoughts and Next Steps
The SFP28-25G-SR is more than just a component; it's the enabler of efficient, high-speed, and cost-effective 25G networks. Understanding its specifications, applications, and the importance of pairing it with a quality manufacturer is key to a successful deployment.
Ready to future-proof your data center with reliable and affordable 25G optics?
➡️ Browse our extensive inventory of LINK-PP 25G optical transceivers today. Our technical experts are on hand to help you find the perfect solution, ensuring seamless compatibility and peak performance for your specific switch model.
Explore the LINK-PP LS-MM8525-S1C product page to view detailed specifications, request a quote, or place your order!
✦ FAQ
What devices can use the SFP28-25G-SR transceiver?
You can use this transceiver in network switches, servers, and storage devices that support 25G SFP28 ports. Always check your device’s specifications before installing.
Can you mix SFP28 and SFP+ modules in the same switch?
You can use an SFP28 module in an SFP+ port, but it will only run at 10G speed. SFP+ modules do not work in SFP28-only ports.
How do you know if your SFP28 module is working?
You can check the module’s status using digital diagnostic monitoring (DDM). Many switches show link status and errors on their management interface.
What fiber cable works best with SFP28-25G-SR?
You should use OM3 or OM4 multimode fiber cables. OM3 supports up to 70 meters, and OM4 supports up to 100 meters for reliable connections.
Do you need to power off your switch to install an SFP28 module?
No, you do not need to power off your switch. The SFP28 module is hot-pluggable, so you can insert or remove it while the device is running.
