Cisco 25Gigabit Ethernet Card — Dual 25GbE SFP28 Optical NIC for OCP Servers

The Cisco 25Gigabit Ethernet Card is a high-performance dual-port network interface designed for modern data centers, virtualized environments, and enterprise servers. Engineered as an OCP bracket-height plug-in module with SFP28 optical fiber capabilities, this NIC unlocks 25 Gigabit speeds per port, delivering fast, reliable connectivity between servers, storage systems, and top-tier Cisco networking gear. Built to support demanding workloads—from dense virtualization and AI/ML pipelines to heavy data transfer and disaster-recovery replication—this card provides the bandwidth you need without compromising latency, reliability, or manageability.

• Ultra-fast dual 25GbE performance: Each port delivers true 25 Gbps bandwidth, enabling line-rate throughput for latency-sensitive applications, large-scale virtualized environments, and high-throughput storage replication. This dual-port setup supports network-intensive workloads, reduces bottlenecks, and improves overall data-center efficiency by enabling faster server-to-network communication and smoother data pipelines.
• Flexible SFP28 optical connectivity: The card uses SFP28 transceivers to support optical fiber links, giving you broad compatibility with a wide range of optics (SR/LR/ER) and fiber types. This flexibility makes it ideal for campus, data-center, and edge deployments where fiber distance, interference resistance, and upgrade pathways matter most for future-proofing your network.
• OCP Bracket Height form factor: Specifically designed for Open Compute Project (OCP) compliant servers, this NIC integrates cleanly into modern server chassis. The OCP height keeps cabling tidy, simplifies maintenance, and enables rapid deployment across large scale-out environments while preserving space in dense racks.
• Plug-in module for effortless deployment: This plug-in NIC slides into the server’s dedicated OCP/PCIe slot, reducing complexity during installation. Its compact design supports hot-swapping in compatible systems, enabling routine hardware refreshes with minimal downtime and a smoother path to network modernization without full server replacement.
• Enterprise-grade reliability within the Cisco ecosystem: Cisco’s engineering delivers stable drivers, firmware, and management compatibility that integrate seamlessly with Cisco networking gear. Expect robust QoS, easy policy enforcement, secure boot, and streamlined administration across your data-center fabric for consistent performance and simplified operations.

Technical Details of Cisco 25Gigabit Ethernet Card

• Ports: 2 x 25GbE (SFP28)
• Medium: Optical Fiber
• Form Factor: OCP Bracket Height
• Module Type: Plug-in NIC
• Data Rate: 25 Gbps per port
• Host Interface: PCIe-compatible interface designed for server motherboard integration

How to Install Cisco 25Gigabit Ethernet Card

• Power down the server and unplug all power sources. Ground yourself to prevent electrostatic discharge and protect sensitive components.
• Open the server chassis and locate the OCP NIC slot or an appropriate PCIe slot designed for OCP NICs. Verify that the chassis, motherboard, and cooling design support OCP-height network adapters.
• Insert the Cisco 25Gigabit Ethernet Card firmly into the slot until it is seated and aligned with the chassis mounting points. Ensure the connector engages fully and that there is no excessive flex in the card.
• Secure the card using the designated mounting screw or retention mechanism specified by the chassis vendor. Recheck that the card sits squarely and that there is no obstruction to airflow or adjacent components.
• Reconnect fiber cables to the SFP28 ports using compatible transceivers (SR/LR/ER) and appropriate fiber types. Route cables to prevent strain and ensure clear paths for airflow inside the chassis.
• Power on the server and install or update the Cisco driver and firmware for the NIC. Use the operating system’s device manager or Cisco’s management tools to confirm the NIC is detected and reporting the correct speeds.
• Configure the network interfaces as needed: set up NIC teaming or link aggregation if supported, assign VLANs, and align with your data-center policies. Run basic connectivity tests and benchmarking to validate throughput and stability before putting the system into production.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Cisco 25Gigabit Ethernet Card? It is a dual-port 25GbE SFP28 network interface designed for Open Compute Project (OCP) compatible servers. It provides high-bandwidth connectivity to optimize data-center throughput, virtualization, storage networks, and high-performance computing workloads.
• What optics does it use? The card uses SFP28 optics. You can pair it with compatible transceivers (such as SR, LR, or ER) to match your deployment distance and fiber specifications, ensuring optimal signal integrity and link reliability.
• Is this card hot-swappable? OCP NICs are intended for environments that support hot-swapping where permitted by the server chassis and management tools. Always follow your server platform’s maintenance guidelines when installing or removing hardware.
• Do I need special drivers? Yes. Install the Cisco-provided drivers and firmware for the NIC and ensure compatibility with your operating system and virtualization stack. Keeping firmware up to date helps maintain performance and feature support.
• Can I combine the two 25GbE ports for more bandwidth? If your server OS and network switch support NIC teaming or link aggregation, you can bond the two ports to increase aggregate bandwidth and provide redundancy. Configuration depends on your environment and policy requirements.
• What workloads is this NIC best suited for? It’s ideal for data centers, virtualization hosts, storage servers, cloud-scale deployments, HPC clusters, and any workload that benefits from high-speed 25GbE connectivity and low-latency networking.