SFP28 25G SR Transceivers Overview
Feb 26, 20251 min read
With the rapid growth of the internet, cloud computing, and big data, data centers and enterprise networks need higher bandwidth and lower latency. To meet these demands, 25G Ethernet technology has emerged as a key solution. The SFP28 25G SR optical module, a core component of 25G Ethernet, offers high performance, low power consumption, and high port density. It is widely used in data centers, enterprise networks, and 5G infrastructure. This article explores its definition, specifications, advantages, applications, and importance in modern networks.
What is SFP28 25G SR ?
SFP28 25G SR Definition
The SFP28 25G SR is a small form-factor pluggable optical transceiver that provides a high-speed solution for 25 Gigabit Ethernet and Infiniband Enhanced Data Rate applications.
It is designed to operate over multimode fiber (MMF) and uses an 850nm VCSEL for short-range optical transmission. This transceiver offers enhanced performance for environments requiring high bandwidth and low latency, making it ideal for data centers, telecom networks, and high-performance computing environments.
SFP28 25G SR Specification
The SFP28 25G SR transceiver uses LC duplex connectors and supports transmission distances of up to 100 meters over OM4 multimode fiber (70 meters over OM3). It is backward compatible with 1G/10G networks, providing a significant 2.5x speed increase. The built-in DDM/DOM functions monitor real-time operating status, enhancing reliability. The SFP28 25G SR offers excellent interoperability, laying a solid foundation for future network upgrades.
The following are its key specifications:
Product Specification | SFP28 25G SR |
Form Type | SFP28 |
Wavelength | 850nm |
Connector | Duplex LC |
Media | MMF |
Power Consumption | ≤1W |
Commercial Temperature Range | 0 to 70°C (32 to 158°F) |
Max Cable Distance | 100m@OM4/70m@OM3 |
TX Power | -7.9~1.9dBm |
CDR (Clock and Data Recovery) | TX & RX Built-in CDR |
DDM/DOM | Supported |
FEC Function | Support RS-FEC, FC FEC |
Protocols | SFF-8472, SFF-8024, SFF-8431, SFF-8432 |
Packaging Technology | COB Packaging |
Advantages of SFP28 25G SR Optical Modules
The SFP28 25G SR optical module is a pivotal solution for modern data-driven infrastructures, delivering robust performance and versatility across various high-demand applications. Its key benefits include:
25Gbps High-Speed Connectivity
With a data rate of 25 Gbps – offering 2.5 times the bandwidth of traditional 10G modules – this optical module supports the growing needs of bandwidth-intensive applications such as cloud computing, AI workloads, and real-time analytics. Its high-speed performance ensures low latency and rapid data transfer, which are critical in today’s dynamic networking environments.
Cost-Effective Short-Reach Transmission
Optimized for multimode fiber, the module uses VCSEL technology to reliably transmit data over distances up to 70 meters on OM3 fiber and up to 100 meters on OM4 fiber. This short-reach capability not only reduces the need for long-distance, high-cost cabling but also simplifies network design in data center environments.
Energy Efficiency
Operating at less than 1W of power consumption, the SFP-25G-SR module minimizes operational costs and aligns with green data center initiatives. Its energy-efficient design is particularly advantageous in large-scale deployments, where even small reductions in power usage can lead to significant savings over time.
High Port Density
The compact SFP28 form factor allows for denser switch configurations, enabling network designers to maximize rack space utilization. This high port density is essential in environments where space is at a premium and scalability is a priority, such as in modern data centers and enterprise networks.
Future-Proof Flexibility
Designed with future network scalability in mind, the module is compatible with 100G networks via 4x25G aggregation and adheres to CPRI/eCPRI standards. This ensures that it can adapt to evolving network demands, safeguarding infrastructure investments while providing seamless integration with next-generation technologies.
In summary, the SFP-25G-SR optical module offers a comprehensive solution for modern high-performance networks. Its high-speed connectivity, cost-effective short-reach transmission, energy efficiency, high port density, and future-proof flexibility make it an excellent choice for organizations aiming to build scalable, efficient, and future-ready data centers and enterprise infrastructures.
FS SFP28 25G SR Benefits
Building on the inherent advantages discussed above, FS further amplifies these benefits with its SFP28 25GSR 85 product through validated real-world testing and exceptional compatibility. By choosing the FS SFP-25GSR-85 product, you gain:
Advanced Chipset & Low Power Consumption Design
Utilizing the Macom CDR chip, the FS SFP-25GSR-85 achieves power consumption as low as ≤1W—surpassing that of many competing brands. This design not only ensures efficient energy utilization but also maintains robust 25Gbps performance.
Optimized for Top-of-Rack (TOR) Deployments
Specifically engineered for connecting top-of-rack (TOR) switches and servers, the FS SFP28 25GSR 85 is ideal for in-rack or adjacent cabinet applications, meeting the high-density deployment requirements of modern data centers.
Proven Real-World Compatibility through Rigorous Testing
In professional laboratory environments, the FS SFP-25GSR-85 has undergone over 200 real machine tests. With the dynamic re-coding function provided by FS BOX, it has demonstrated flawless interoperability with mainstream devices such as Cisco, Arista, Juniper, Dell, Huawei, Mellanox, and H3C, ensuring risk-free deployments and continuous, stable network operation.
Comprehensive Regulatory Compliance & Quality Assurance
The module meets international standards (e.g., IEEE 802.3, SFF-8472, SFF-8432, etc.) and has obtained certifications such as UL, TUV, CB, CE, REACH, FCC, among others. Strategic partnerships with globally renowned supply chains ensure that we use only premium components, which further enhances network stability.
Future-Proof and Cost-Effective
Beyond its exceptional cost performance, the SFP-25GSR-85 supports 4x25G aggregation for compatibility with 100G networks, offering a scalable solution that meets both current and future network requirements.
By integrating these value-driven features, the FS SFP-25GSR-85 not only reinforces the core advantages of the 25GbBASE SR optical module but also provides a validated, reliable solution for modern data centers, enterprise networks, and 5G infrastructures.
Application Scenarios of SFP28 25G SR Optical Module
The SFP28 25G SR optical module excels in diverse high-performance environments, providing reliable, high-speed connectivity across multiple applications:
Data Center Interconnects
Designed for modern data center architectures, particularly spine-leaf topologies, the 25GbBASE SR module facilitates seamless communication between servers, switches, and storage devices within racks or adjacent cabinets. Its 25Gbps data rate, low latency, and energy-efficient design help optimize network performance, ensuring high-bandwidth, low-latency connections for cloud computing, virtualization, and AI-driven workloads.
5G Mobile Fronthaul
As 5G networks demand ultra-fast and low-latency connections, the 25G SFP28 SR module plays a crucial role in fronthaul transmission, linking baseband units (BBUs) to remote radio heads (RRHs) in base stations. It meets 5G’s stringent requirements for high bandwidth and real-time data transmission, supporting high-density deployments and improving mobile network efficiency.
High-Performance Computing (HPC)
In HPC environments, where massive volumes of data must be processed in real-time, the SFP-25G-SR module enables ultra-fast interconnects within computing clusters. It facilitates efficient data transfer for applications such as scientific simulations, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and big data analytics, ensuring minimal latency and high throughput for compute-intensive tasks.
Enterprise Network Aggregation
In large-scale enterprise networks, the 25GbBASE SR module is deployed for high-speed aggregation, connecting core switches, routers, and data center interconnects. Its high reliability and scalability help ensure seamless traffic flow, reducing bottlenecks and improving network responsiveness for cloud services, virtualization, and enterprise-grade applications.
In summary, the 25G SFP28 SR optical module is a vital component in modern networking infrastructures, offering high-speed, low-latency, and cost-effective solutions for data centers, 5G fronthaul networks, high-performance computing, and enterprise network aggregation.
Conclusion
SFP28 25G SR optical modules provide a high-performance, cost-effective, and scalable solution for modern networking. Designed for short-distance high-speed data transmission, they are essential in data centers, enterprise networks, and high-performance computing environments. As network demands continue to grow, these modules will play a key role in enabling next-generation connectivity. Whether you choose the 25GbBASE SR module or another 25G optical modules, FS is committed to delivering high-quality products to support your network upgrades.