Cisco SFP-25GBX-D-20 Compatible SFP28 25GBASE-D BiDi 1330nm-TX/1270nm-RX 20km DOM Simplex LC/UPC SMF Optical Transceiver Module

Overview

This is a high-performance, fully Cisco SFP-25GBX-D-20 compatible SFP28 transceiver module. It is engineered to provide reliable 25-Gigabit Ethernet connectivity over a single strand of single-mode fiber, making it an exceptional solution for network upgrades and high-density applications where fiber resources are limited. This module effectively doubles the capacity of existing fiber infrastructure.

Leveraging Bi-Directional (BiDi) technology, this 25G BiDi SFP28 transceiver uses different wavelengths to transmit and receive data on one fiber. It transmits at 1330nm and receives at 1270nm, enabling full-duplex 25Gbps communication up to 20km. In practice, this design significantly reduces cabling costs and simplifies network architecture, especially in data center interconnect and service provider networks.

Key Features

• Fully compatible with systems coded for Cisco SFP-25GBX-D-20.
• Supports high-speed data rates up to 25.78 Gbps.
• Bi-Directional (BiDi) communication over a single fiber strand.
• Extended reach of up to 20km over Single-Mode Fiber (SMF).
• Features a Simplex LC connector for simplified cabling.
• Utilizes 1330nm DFB laser transmitter and 1270nm APD receiver.
• Includes integrated Digital Optical Monitoring (DOM/DDM) for real-time diagnostics.
• Hot-pluggable SFP28 MSA-compliant footprint for easy deployment.

Applications

The unique single-fiber operation of the SFP-25GBX-D-20 compatible module makes it highly valuable for specific use cases. It is ideal for 25G Ethernet links, telecom 5G fronthaul networks, and data center interconnects (DCI). Moreover, enterprises and service providers use this 25GBASE-D BiDi transceiver to increase bandwidth on their existing fiber optic plant without the high cost of laying new fiber, thus maximizing their return on investment.

Specifications

Cross-Platform Compatibility

In addition to being a perfect alternative for the Cisco SFP-25GBX-D-20, this versatile module is engineered based on Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) standards. For this reason, it offers broad interoperability with a wide range of equipment from other major manufacturers. Below is a list of potential equivalent part numbers this module can replace:

Note: This is a downstream (D) module and must be paired with an upstream (U) module, such as the SFP-25GBX-U-20, on the opposite end of the link.

Advantages

The primary advantage of this SFP28 BiDi 20km module is its immense cost-effectiveness. By transmitting and receiving on a single fiber, it cuts the requirement for fiber patch cords in half and can double the capacity of your existing fiber network. This is a crucial benefit for expanding networks where installing new fiber is either prohibitively expensive or physically impossible.

Furthermore, this optical module offers operational simplicity. Its hot-pluggable design ensures that network administrators can perform upgrades or replacements without service interruption. The integrated DOM functionality provides vital, real-time insights into the module’s performance, enabling proactive maintenance and swift troubleshooting. This enhances overall network reliability and uptime, ensuring a stable, high-performance connection.

FAQ (Technical & Product Questions)

1. What is a BiDi SFP28 module?

A BiDi SFP28 module is a type of optical transceiver that can send and receive data over a single fiber optic strand. It achieves this by using two different wavelengths of light, one for transmitting (TX) and one for receiving (RX), which is different from standard modules that require two separate fibers.

2. How does the SFP-25GBX-D-20 compatible module work with its counterpart?

This module, being a ‘Downstream’ (D) version, transmits on 1330nm and receives on 1270nm. To create a working link, it must be paired with an ‘Upstream’ (U) module (like an SFP-25GBX-U-20) at the other end, which transmits on 1270nm and receives on 1330nm.

3. What is the maximum range of this 25G BiDi transceiver?

This specific 25G BiDi SFP28 transceiver is engineered for long-reach applications and can support stable data transmission over distances up to 20 kilometers when used with standard single-mode fiber (SMF).

4. What kind of fiber cable is needed for the SFP-25GBX-D-20?

This module requires a single-mode fiber (SMF) patch cable with a Simplex LC/UPC connector. The ‘simplex’ designation means the cable contains only one fiber strand, which is all this BiDi module needs to operate.

5. Is this transceiver compatible with standard Cisco equipment?

Yes, this optical transceiver is specifically programmed and tested to be 100% compatible with Cisco networking equipment that supports the SFP-25GBX-D-20 part number, ensuring seamless integration and performance.

6. What are the specific wavelengths used by this 25GBASE-D BiDi module?

This module, designated as a downstream ‘D’ type, uses a 1330nm wavelength for transmitting data and a 1270nm wavelength for receiving data over the single fiber connection.

7. What are the benefits of using a Simplex LC transceiver?

The key benefit is fiber infrastructure savings. By using a Simplex LC transceiver like this one, you can reduce your fiber cable needs by 50%, which lowers both material and installation costs and simplifies cable management in high-density environments.

8. What does DOM mean in an optical transceiver?

DOM stands for Digital Optical Monitoring. It is a feature that allows network administrators to monitor key performance parameters of the SFP28 BiDi 20km module in real-time, such as optical output power, input power, temperature, and voltage, which aids in troubleshooting and maintaining network health.