StarTech.com MSA-Compliant SFP-25G-SR-S SFP28 Module — 25Gb MMF SR Transceiver

The StarTech.com MSA-Compliant SFP-25G-SR-S SFP28 Module is engineered to unlock the full potential of modern data centers with high‑speed, reliable 25GbE connectivity over multimode fiber. Designed for environments demanding dense, scalable uplinks and server-to-switch connections, this SFP28 transceiver delivers 25GBASE-SR-S performance in a compact, hot‑pluggable form factor. Built to be MSA-compliant, it is compatible with a broad ecosystem of switches, routers, and network devices that support SFP28 ports, enabling seamless upgrades from 10G networks without costly rewrites of your cabling or hardware. The 850nm VCSEL laser enables short-reach SR operation over MMF up to 100 meters, making it ideal for data centers, campus backbones, and high‑bandwidth server interconnects. With DDM/DOM (Digital Diagnostics Monitoring) built in, administrators gain real‑time visibility into transmitter power, optical performance, and device temperature, helping to simplify monitoring, fault isolation, and serviceability. The module’s LC duplex interface, robust build quality, and hot-swappable capability reduce downtime and shorten maintenance windows, supporting a more agile and resilient network infrastructure. Whether you’re deploying a new 25G backbone, upgrading uplinks, or expanding cloud-ready capacity, this transceiver offers a cost‑effective, scalable path to higher performance while preserving your existing fiber plant.

• Elevate network speed with 25 Gbps data rate using the 25GBASE-SR-S standard, delivering low-latency, high-bandwidth performance over multimode fiber (MMF) for server-to-switch and switch-to-switch links.
• MSA-compliant SFP28 form factor ensures broad compatibility with a wide range of data center switches, routers, and NICs that support 25GBASE-SR-S, making it a versatile upgrade option in mixed-vendor environments.
• 850 nm VCSEL laser supports multimode fiber up to 100 meters, enabling efficient short‑reach deployments on OM3/OM4 fiber while maintaining robust optical performance and signal integrity.
• DDM/DOM diagnostics provide real‑time monitoring of optical power, temperature, and transceiver status, empowering proactive maintenance and quick fault resolution without disruptive downtime.
• LC duplex connector and hot‑pluggable design simplify installation and field swaps, minimizing service disruption and enabling dense, scalable rack layouts in modern data centers.

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

• Standard: 25GBASE-SR-S
• Form factor: SFP28 transceiver, MSA-compliant
• Data rate: 25 Gbps
• Wavelength: 850 nm VCSEL
• Fiber type: Multimode Fiber (MMF)
• Reach: Up to 100 meters (328 feet) on MMF (OM3/OM4 recommended)
• Connector: LC duplex
• Diagnostics: DDM/DOM (Digital Diagnostics Monitoring)
• Hot-plug support: Yes; designed for easy insertion/removal in compatible switches and NICs

How to Install StarTech.com MSA-Compliant SFP-25G-SR-S SFP28 Module

• Power down attached devices or place them in a safe, maintenance-friendly state according to your equipment vendor’s guidelines to prevent ESD or hardware damage during installation.
• Confirm that your device has an available SFP28 slot and that it supports 25GBASE-SR-S operation. Verify firmware compatibility if applicable.
• Gently slide the SFP28 module into the SFP28 port until the latch engages with a click, ensuring the module is seated fully and securely.
• Connect the 850 nm multimode fiber to the LC duplex connector on the transceiver, aligning LC polarity correctly and carefully cleaning the fiber ends prior to insertion to avoid attenuation from contamination.
• Power up the device and enable the corresponding port. Use the management interface or CLI to verify link status, negotiate the correct speed (25 Gbps), and read basic optical metrics via DDM/DOM.
• Run a functional test with representative traffic to confirm throughput, latency, and error rates. Monitor the link for stability over time and adjust configurations as needed for optimal performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What is 25GBASE-SR-S and where should I use it?

  A: 25GBASE-SR-S is a short-reach 25 Gbps Ethernet standard that uses an 850 nm VCSEL over multimode fiber, typically suitable for up to 100 meters on OM3/OM4 fiber. It’s ideal for data-center server-to-switch uplinks and inter-switch connections within a rack or adjacent cages.

• Q: Is this StarTech module compatible with most network hardware?

  A: Yes. The module is MSA-compliant and designed to work with standard SFP28 ports across many vendors’ switches, routers, and NICs that support 25 Gbps operation on MMF SR-S links.

• Q: Does it include diagnostics?

  A: Yes, it features DDM/DOM, providing real-time information on laser output, temperature, supply voltage, and other vital parameters to help you monitor health and performance.

• Q: Can I run 25GBASE-SR-S over longer fiber runs?

  A: For longer distances, you’ll typically need single‑mode solutions (e.g., 25GBASE-LR) or fiber upgrades. SR-S is optimized for short-reach MMF applications up to 100 meters.

• Q: What fiber and connector are required?

  A: Multimode fiber with LC duplex connectors. Ensure the fiber type and jacket are appropriate for your environment and that connectors are clean to maintain signal quality.

• Q: How can I verify proper operation after installation?

  A: Use the device’s status indicators, the management interface, and DDM/DOM readings to confirm link status, 25 Gbps speed, optical power levels, and healthy operating temperatures.