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Discover the benefits of 25G SFP28 transceivers for data centers, 5G fronthaul, and enterprise networks. Learn compatibility, deployment tips, and use cases.
A 25G SFP28 transceiver is a compact, hot-pluggable module designed to deliver 25 Gbps Ethernet connectivity over a single lane. As the next step from SFP and SFP+, SFP28 provides 2.5× higher bandwidth than 10 Gbps SFP+ modules without increasing the interface size.
In modern cloud, virtualization, distributed storage, and 5G networks, SFP28 is essential for high-density server uplinks, leaf-spine fabrics, and scalable enterprise or telecom connectivity. While the form factor is consistent with earlier generations, full performance relies on host port design and electrical signaling support.
Key Features at a Glance:
Form Factor: Identical to SFP and SFP+, enabling seamless integration
Nominal Speed: 25 Gbps per lane
Applications: Server uplinks, data center fabrics, 5G fronthaul
Media Options: Short Reach (SR), Long Reach (LR), Direct Attach Copper (DAC), Active Optical Cable (AOC)
Standards Compliance: IEEE 802.3by, SFP28 MSA
SFP28 allows higher throughput without increasing port density, making it ideal for next-generation network deployments.
Operates on a single electrical lane at 25.78125 Gbps, using 64b/66b encoding.
SerDes (Serializer/Deserializer) converts parallel data into serial streams for high-frequency connections.
Advanced equalization ensures signal integrity over longer PCB traces or DAC cables.
Host dependency: 25 Gbps requires SFP28-rated hardware; 10 Gbps fallback is possible in some dual-rate SFP+ ports.
| Medium | Typical Reach | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| SR (850 nm MMF) | Up to 100 m | Server-to-switch uplinks |
| LR (1310 nm SMF) | Up to 10 km | Inter-building links |
| DAC | 0.5–5 m | Low-latency short interconnect |
| AOC | 10–50 m | Longer short-reach optical |
SFP28 supports a wide range of media to balance latency, cost, and deployment distance.
IEEE 802.3by: 25 GbE optical and copper specifications
SFF MSA: SFF-8431 (electrical), SFF-8432 (mechanical), SFF-8472 (DDM/DOM)
Digital Diagnostic Monitoring (DDM/DOM) is critical for real-time monitoring of temperature, voltage, current, and optical power.
| Feature | SFP (1G) | SFP+ (10G) | SFP28 (25G) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nominal Speed | 1 Gbps | 10 Gbps | 25 Gbps |
| Line Rate | 1.25 Gbps | 10.3125 Gbps | 25.78125 Gbps |
| Encoding | 8b/10b | 64b/66b | 64b/66b |
| Electrical Complexity | Low | Medium | High |
Key Takeaways:
Mechanical compatibility ≠ full-speed operation
SFP28 delivers 2.5× SFP+ bandwidth
Use SFP for legacy/edge, SFP+ for aggregation, SFP28 for server uplinks and high-density fabrics
| SFP28 Module | Host Port | Operational Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SFP28 | SFP28-rated | 25 Gbps | Full performance |
| SFP28 | SFP+ dual-rate | 10 Gbps | 25 Gbps not supported |
| SFP28 | SFP | 1 Gbps (if supported) | Not recommended |
Best Practices:
Verify host port support for 25 Gbps
Check dual-rate capability for SFP+ fallback
Confirm medium type, reach, and firmware compatibility
Perform cross-vendor testing for third-party modules
Enable DDM/DOM monitoring
25G server uplinks for high throughput
Leaf-spine fabrics maintain predictable east-west traffic
Advantage: Reduced cabling, rack space, and power-per-bit
Connect RRUs to BBUs over fiber
Low-latency aggregation in edge or metro networks
Supports eMBB, URLLC, and massive IoT
Consistent 25 Gbps connectivity for compute clusters
Storage fabrics benefit from single-lane high throughput
Dual-rate 10G/25G operation allows phased migration
Mixed-speed fabrics maintain compatibility with legacy 10G deployments
Link Distance & Application: SR (≤100 m), LR/ER/ZR for longer links
Wavelength Technology: SR 850 nm, LR/ER/ZR 1310–1550 nm, BiDi/CWDM/DWDM for constrained or high-capacity networks
Host Compatibility: Verify switch/NIC support and firmware
Power & Thermal Limits: SR/DAC ~0.8–1.2 W, LR ~1.2–1.5 W, ER/ZR/DWDM ~2–3.5 W
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Consider power, fiber infrastructure, inventory, warranty
DDM/DOM Support: Real-time monitoring for proactive maintenance
Test modules before deployment
Manually configure port speed & FEC
Ensure airflow and cooling for high-power optics
Use correct cabling types
Enable monitoring via DDM/DOM
Cost Considerations:
Shortest optical reach reduces cost and power usage
25G port density saves switch, cabling, and maintenance costs
Third-party SFP28 can provide better TCO if certified
Q1: Is SFP28 the same as SFP+?
A: No. SFP28 → 25 Gbps, SFP+ → 10 Gbps. Form factor is identical but electrical signaling differs.
Q2: Can SFP28 run at 10G?
A: Yes, in dual-rate SFP+ ports. Full 25 Gbps requires SFP28-rated ports.
Q3: What is the maximum distance of 25G SR?
A: Up to 100 m over OM4 fiber.
Q4: How much power does SFP28 consume?
A: SR/DAC ~0.8–1.2 W, LR ~1.2–1.5 W, ER/ZR/DWDM ~2–3.5 W.
IEEE 802.3by — 25G Ethernet Standard
SFF-8431 / SFF-8432 / SFF-8472 — SFP28 MSA specifications
Vendor Documentation: Cisco, Arista, Juniper
LINK-PP Official Store: Verified SFP28 transceivers and technical guidance
SFP28 transceivers deliver 25G Ethernet in the compact SFP form factor, bridging legacy 10G deployments and modern high-speed networks. Proper selection, host verification, reach evaluation, and monitoring ensure reliable, efficient, and scalable deployments.
For standards-compliant, interoperable SFP28 modules, visit the LINK-PP Official Store for data center, enterprise, and telecom-ready solutions.
