Overview
The SFP28-25G-LR-Lite (also known as SFP28-25G-1310nm-300m) is a specialized 25 Gigabit optical transceiver designed for high-speed data center interconnects. Unlike standard “SR” modules that use Multimode fiber or full “LR” modules meant for 10km, this transceiver hits the “sweet spot” by utilizing 1310nm wavelength over Single Mode Fiber (SMF) for distances up to 300 meters.
This “Lite” version is engineered to provide a cost-effective solution for leaf-spine architectures and Top-of-Rack (ToR) to End-of-Row (EoR) uplinks where the cabling infrastructure is Single Mode (OS2), but the distance does not require the higher power consumption of a long-haul 10km module.
Key Features
- Data Rate: 25.78 Gbps (25G Ethernet / CPRI Option 10).
- Wavelength: 1310nm (DFB Laser).
- Reach: Up to 300m on 9/125µm Single Mode Fiber (OS2).
- Fiber Type: Single Mode (SMF) – Note: Not for Multimode.
- Connector: Duplex LC.
- Compatibility: Fully MSA Compliant (SFF-8402, SFF-8472).
- Power Consumption: Low power design (< 1W typical) for high-density switches.
Why Choose 1310nm for Short Reach?
Many modern data centers are standardizing on Single Mode Fiber (SMF) for all cabling to “future-proof” their infrastructure for 100G, 400G, and beyond. However, standard 10km LR optics can be expensive and power-hungry for short 50m or 100m hops.
This 25G 1310nm 300m module allows you to use your existing SMF cabling infrastructure at a price point closer to Multimode optics, eliminating the need to run separate orange/aqua Multimode cables for short links.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model Code | SFP28-25G-LR-300 / SFP28-25GSR-31 |
| Form Factor | SFP28 |
| Wavelength | 1310nm |
| Max Distance | 300m (on SMF) |
| Transmitter Type | 1310nm DFB |
| Receiver Type | PIN |
| Connector | Duplex LC |
| Cable Type | Single Mode Fiber (OS1/OS2) |
| Protocols | 25GBASE-R, CPRI, eCPRI |
| DDM/DOM | Supported |
| Operating Temp | 0°C to 70°C |
Compatibility
This open-standard SFP28 module is coded for broad compatibility with major network equipment manufacturers, including:
- Cisco (Nexus 3000/9000 Series)
- Arista Networks
- Juniper Networks
- Dell EMC (PowerSwitch)
- Mellanox / NVIDIA (ConnectX Adapters)
- MikroTik & Ubiquiti (25G-capable devices)
FAQ
1. Can I use this with Multimode Fiber (OM3/OM4)?
No. Even though the distance (300m) is similar to Multimode specs, the wavelength is 1310nm. 1310nm is optimized for Single Mode Fiber (Yellow cable). Using this on Multimode fiber will result in high dispersion and link errors.
2. What is the difference between this and SFP28-25G-SR?
The SFP28-25G-SR uses an 850nm laser and requires Multimode Fiber (Aqua/Magenta cable). This module uses a 1310nm laser and requires Single Mode Fiber (Yellow cable). Choose based on the cable type you have installed.
3. Is this the same as 25GBASE-LR?
It uses the same technology (1310nm laser) as 25GBASE-LR but has a reduced optical power budget limited to 300m (vs. 10km). It is often called “LR Lite.” It is usually cheaper than a full LR module.
4. Will this work in a 10G SFP+ port?
SFP28 ports are backward compatible with SFP+ modules, but SFP+ ports cannot run SFP28 modules at 25G. However, some 25G switches allow this module to run at 10G speeds if manually configured, though a native 10G module is recommended for 10G links.
5. Does this support DDM (Digital Diagnostic Monitoring)?
Yes, it features real-time DDM/DOM functions, allowing administrators to monitor optical power input/output, temperature, laser bias current, and transceiver supply voltage via the switch CLI.
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