Intel Ethernet SFP28 SR Optic

The Intel® Ethernet SFP28 SR Optic is engineered for high-speed communications, delivering robust, scalable performance in demanding data-center environments. This compact, hot-pluggable optical transceiver is a cornerstone for servers, switches, and storage systems that demand reliable 25GbE connectivity over short-range fiber. With its SR (short-range) designation, the optic is optimized for multi-mode fiber (MMF) runs using 850 nm VCSEL technology, enabling crisp, low-latency uplinks and interconnects across racks and clusters. Designed by Intel, this SFP28 module blends precise optical engineering with enterprise-grade reliability, helping organizations reduce cabling complexity, lower total cost of ownership, and accelerate digital transformation without compromising performance. Whether you're upgrading a hyperscale deployment, expanding a campus network, or refreshing an on-premises data center, the Intel Ethernet SFP28 SR Optic provides the speed, compatibility, and diagnostic visibility you need to keep workloads running smoothly.

• High-speed, reliable 25GbE connectivity. The Intel SFP28 SR Optic is purpose-built for 25 Gigabit Ethernet, delivering consistent throughput for uplinks, server-to-switch connections, and high-performance storage interfaces. Its optimized electrical-to-optical design minimizes latency and jitter, helping to maintain predictable performance under heavy workloads. This makes it an ideal upgrade path for modern data centers embracing 25GbE to boost virtualized environments, AI workloads, and real-time analytics without becoming a bottleneck in your network fabric.
• Short-range multi-mode fiber support (SR) for flexible data-center layouts. As a short-range transceiver, the module operates over multi-mode fiber with 850 nm VCSEL technology, typically supporting up to 100 meters on OM3/OM4 fiber. This capability is perfect for horizontal uplinks inside racks, cross-connects between adjacent switches, and intra-data-center deployments where distance is measured in tens to a few hundred meters. The SR specification helps you organize cabling with fewer span extensions and more straightforward fiber management, while preserving high data integrity and low error rates in busy environments.
• Low power consumption and dependable thermal performance. In modern data centers, energy efficiency matters as much as throughput. The Intel SFP28 SR Optic emphasizes reduced power consumption and efficient heat dissipation, contributing to cooler operation, lower power budgets for dense rack deployments, and longer equipment life. This translates to lower operating costs and improved return on investment, especially in environments that rely on dense leaf-spine architectures, high-density racks, and scalable virtualization platforms. The module’s energy-conscious design aligns with green IT initiatives while maintaining peak performance under load.
• MSA-compliant, hot-swappable, and broadly interoperable. The transceiver follows industry-standard SFP28 form factor and MSA specifications, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of Intel and non-Intel switches, servers, and storage devices that support SFP28 SR modules. Its hot-swappable design enables in-service upgrades and maintenance with minimal downtime, preserving uptime for critical applications. While interoperability is broad, it’s prudent to validate compatibility with your specific chassis and firmware version to ensure seamless operation, feature parity, and optimal performance under your workload profile.
• Built-in diagnostics and robust reliability for proactive management. Intel transceivers typically include digital diagnostics monitoring (DDM/DOM) that provides real-time telemetry on optical power, temperature, supply voltages, and signal integrity. This visibility enables proactive network management, faster fault isolation, and more precise capacity planning. In environments that demand high availability—such as virtualization clusters, database farms, and high-performance computing—having telemetry data at your fingertips accelerates troubleshooting and reduces mean time to repair. Pairing the SFP28 SR Optic with compatible management tools gives IT teams actionable insights to fine-tune performance and minimize disruption.

Technical Details of Intel Ethernet SFP28 SR Optic

• Specifications vary by SKU and are available from the product listing on the retailer's site. Get this information from the "specifications" section of the product from https://ec.synnex.com/ using product "UPC" or "SKU" as reference.

how to install Intel Ethernet SFP28 SR Optic

• Power down or follow hot-swap procedures per your device vendor’s guidelines before handling transceivers to protect both the optic and the switch or server.
• Identify an available SFP28 slot on your switch, router, or server. Remove any dust cover from the slot and confirm that the chassis supports SFP28 SR modules and 25GbE operation.
• Hold the transceiver by its edges, align it with the slot, and insert it straight until it seats with a decisive click. Avoid twisting or forcing the module, as improper seating can cause misalignment or damage.
• Route your short-range MMF fiber cable (with LC connectors) to the corresponding port, ensuring the fiber type matches the recommended OM3/OM4 fiber. Carefully insert the fiber into the transceiver’s LC connector and verify a secure, click-in connection.
• Power on the device and check link status via the management interface. Use the diagnostic telemetry (DDM/DOM) to verify optical power levels, temperature, and voltage. Confirm that the interface negotiates to 25GbE and that error rates remain within acceptable thresholds during startup and steady-state operation.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What speeds does this transceiver support? A: It supports up to 25 Gbps per direction for standard 25GbE configurations, making it suitable for high-speed uplinks, server-to-switch connectivity, and interconnects within dense data-center fabrics.
• Q: What fiber type and distance are recommended? A: The SR optic is designed for short-range multi-mode fiber with 850 nm wavelength. Typical reach is up to 100 meters on OM3/OM4 fiber, depending on the fiber quality, connector quality, and network latency requirements. Always verify distance with your switch's or router's documentation and the fiber installation.
• Q: Is this transceiver hot-swappable? A: Yes. It is designed for hot-swapping in compatible switches and servers, enabling maintenance or upgrades without powering down the entire system, provided you follow the vendor’s hot-swap procedures.
• Q: Is it compatible with non-Intel hardware? A: The transceiver adheres to SFP28 SR MSA standards and is generally interoperable with equipment from other vendors that support SFP28 SR modules. However, interoperability and performance can vary by firmware, vendor-specific features, and the device’s own compatibility matrix. Always test in a controlled environment before broad deployment.
• Q: Does it offer telemetry or diagnostics? A: Yes. Many Intel transceivers include digital diagnostics monitoring (DDM/DOM) for real-time reporting on optical power, temperature, and other health metrics. This data aids proactive maintenance, capacity planning, and rapid fault isolation in dynamic data-center environments.
• Q: How do I ensure optimal performance? A: Ensure firmware compatibility with your switches/servers, use the correct OM3/OM4 fiber, maintain clean fiber connections, and leverage DDM/DOM telemetry to monitor health signals. For critical workloads, validate link stability under load and consider conducting a burn-in period to confirm long-term reliability.