StarTech.com MSA-Compliant SFP-25G-LR-S SFP28 Module, 25Gb Single Mode Fiber (SMF), 25GBASE-LR LC Transceiver, 1310nm, 10km (6.2mi), DDM

The StarTech.com MSA-Compliant SFP-25G-LR-S SFP28 Module is engineered to elevate your network with reliable 25 Gigabit performance over single-mode fiber. Designed for data centers, enterprise cores, and service-provider deployments, this transceiver delivers long-haul reach, excellent signal integrity, and robust compatibility across a wide range of switches, routers, and network appliances that support SFP28 interfaces. With 1310 nm operation, LC duplex connectivity, and a lens for low-loss transmission, this module is a smart upgrade for networks migrating to 25GBASE-LR-LR-S standards while preserving existing SMF infrastructure.

Built to meet industry standards, the SFP28 LR transceiver from StarTech.com is MSA-compliant, ensuring interoperability with other MSA-compliant SFP28 modules and 25GbE ports. The LR designation indicates its ability to reliably transmit over long distances on SMF, making it an ideal choice for campus backbones, data-center interconnects, and rack-to-rrack links that demand consistent, high-throughput performance. The module’s emphasis on diagnostic visibility through Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM) gives network engineers real-time insight into link health, transmit power, receive power, temperature, and other operating metrics—crucial for proactive maintenance and rapid fault isolation. When you need to scale upward from 10G to 25G without replacing fiber infrastructure, this StarTech SFP28 module is designed to fit your plans with minimal disruption.

Intended for quick integration into standard 0.5U or 1U network hardware, the device is plug-and-play within compatible 25GBASE-LR-capable devices. It supports seamless hot-swapping, so you can upgrade or replace transceivers without powering down critical equipment in many modern deployments. Its compact SFP28 form factor fits into standard SFP28 slots, and its LC duplex connector aligns with conventional single-mode fiber installations. Whether you’re building a new 25Gb backbone, upgrading a storage-area network (SAN) fabric, or extending reach between data centers, the StarTech LR SFP28 module is a reliable, future-ready choice that blends performance with ease of deployment.

In addition to the core advantages of 25G data transport, this module is designed to minimize common challenges in high-speed fiber links. The 1310 nm laser wavelength is optimized for low attenuation over SMF, helping to preserve signal integrity across long distances. The 10 km reach supports even sizable campuses and enterprise campuses without the need for repeaters or regenerators, simplifying network design and reducing total cost of ownership. With the industry-standard MSA compliance, administrators can mix and match SFP28 LR-S transceivers from different vendors within a single 25G-capable fabric, providing flexibility for multi-vendor data center architectures and WAN integrations.

• High-performance 25GBASE-LR-S SFP28 module delivering 25 Gbps data rates over single-mode fiber (SMF) with 1310 nm wavelength.
• MSA-compliant SFP28 form factor ensuring broad compatibility with 25G ports across switches, routers, and NICs that support SFP28 modules.
• Long-reach capability — up to 10 km (6.2 miles) on SMF, enabling data-center interconnects and campus backbones without additional repeaters.
• LC duplex connector for standard, widely used fiber installations with low insertion loss and proven reliability.
• Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM) enabled for real-time insight into optical power, temperature, and other critical operating parameters, supporting proactive maintenance.

Technical Details of StarTech.com MSA-Compliant SFP-25G-LR-S SFP28 Module

• Form Factor: SFP28 transceiver compatible with 25GBASE-LR interfaces
• Data Rate: 25.0 Gbps
• Wavelength: 1310 nm
• Fiber Type: Single-Mode Fiber (SMF)
• Distance: Up to 10 km (6.2 miles)
• Connector: LC duplex
• Diagnostics: Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM) support for live optical and device metrics
• Compliance: MSA-compliant with other SFP28 LR-S transceivers for broad interoperability

How to install StarTech.com MSA-Compliant SFP-25G-LR-S SFP28 Module

Installing the StarTech.com SFP28 LR-S module is straightforward and designed for minimal downtime. Follow these best-practice steps to ensure proper operation and reliable performance:

• Power down the device or ensure it is in a maintenance window if you’re performing a hot-swap in a supported environment, then locate an available SFP28 slot that supports 25GBASE-LR.
• Grip the transceiver by its edges and align it with the SFP28 slot, avoiding any excessive force. Gently insert until it seats firmly with a positive click.
• Connect the single-mode fiber pair to the LC duplex connector, ensuring the correct polarity (Tx to Rx) and using a quality SMF with appropriate connectors and polishing to minimize loss.
• Power up the device (if you powered down) and verify the link status through your switch, router, or NIC management interface. If supported, enable or display the 25G interface to confirm operational speed.
• Enable DDMon (DDM) data collection in your management software to monitor optical power, temperature, and other critical metrics in real time.
• Optionally, perform a basic link test using a suitable loopback or cross-check with another compatible 25GBASE-LR device to confirm link integrity over the intended distance.

For best results, confirm the compatibility of this StarTech.com SFP28 module with your specific switch or router model. While the LR-S variant is designed for broad interoperability, certain OEM hardware or firmware revisions may have version-specific constraints. Always consult the device’s compatibility guide and ensure your firmware is up to date to maximize reliability and performance. The LR-S transceiver is optimized for stable operation in typical data-center and enterprise environments, with attention to ease of deployment, reserve headroom for bursts of traffic, and alignment with your 25G migration strategy.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What networks is the StarTech.com MSA-Compliant SFP-25G-LR-S suitable for? A: It is designed for 25GBASE-LR networks over single-mode fiber, suitable for data centers, data-center interconnects, campus backbones, and enterprise networks that require long-reach, high-speed links.
• Q: What makes the LR-S model different from other 25G SFP28 modules? A: The LR-S designation indicates long-reach operation using 1310 nm wavelength in single-mode fiber, enabling links up to 10 km. It is paired with an LC duplex connector for standard SMF installations and includes DDM for diagnostics.
• Q: Is Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM) available with this module? A: Yes. DDM provides continuous visibility into optical power, temperature, laser bias current, transceiver temperature, and other health indicators, helping administrators monitor link health and schedule maintenance proactively.
• Q: Can I mix this StarTech SFP28 LR-S with other vendors’ transceivers? A: As an MSA-compliant module, it is designed for interoperability with other SFP28 LR-S devices from various vendors. However, always verify compatibility with your hardware vendor's certification list and firmware requirements to ensure full interoperability in your specific environment.
• Q: What fiber type do I need? A: A single-mode fiber (SMF) is required for 1310 nm LR-S operation. Use SMF fiber with standard LC duplex connectors, and ensure fiber is properly terminated and cleaned to minimize insertion loss.
• Q: What is the typical reach of this transceiver? A: The StarTech.com MSA-Compliant SFP-25G-LR-S supports up to 10 km (6.2 miles) on SMF, making it suitable for long-haul links between data centers or building-to-building connections within a campus.