Finisar 25GE SR SFP28 Optical Transceiver

Unlock the power of 25 Gigabit Ethernet with Finisar’s FTLF8536P4BCL, a premium 25G SR SFP28 optical transceiver designed for short-reach connections over multimode fiber. Perfect for data centers, enterprise campuses, and high-performance computing environments, this RoHS-compliant module delivers dependable, low-latency connectivity at 25 Gbps, enabling faster server-to-switch uplinks, storage networking, and scalable cloud deployments. Built to meet industry standards and tested for interoperability, the Finisar 25GE SR SFP28 supports hot-swapping, simple installation, and seamless integration with a wide range of switches and NICs that require SFP28-compatible 25G optics. If you’re upgrading from 10G or architecting a future-proof 25G fabric, this transceiver gives you a reliable, cost-effective path to higher bandwidth without overhauling your existing MMF fiber plant.

• 25 Gbps performance over multimode fiber (SR) using an 850 nm VCSEL transmitter for short-reach links, delivering low-latency bandwidth between servers, switches, and storage arrays.
• SFP28 form factor provides plug‑and‑play compatibility with modern 25G Ethernet ports, enabling straightforward upgrades in data centers that already rely on SFP28-based interfaces.
• Industry-standard compliance with IEEE 802.3by for 25 Gb/s Ethernet, SFF-8472 Rev 12.2, and SFF-8402, ensuring broad interoperability with a wide ecosystem of transceivers, host equipment, and network infrastructure.
• RoHS compliant and reliability-focused design supports sustainable, compliant deployments while delivering robust performance under typical data-center operating conditions.
• Versatile compatibility and efficiency optimized for multimode fiber (OM3/OM4), with a compact, hot-swappable module that helps optimize power usage, cooling, and cable management in dense racks and high-traffic networks.

Technical Details of Finisar 25GE SR SFP28 Optical Transceiver

• Form Factor: SFP28, hot-pluggable
• Data Rate: 25.0 Gbps (25GBASE-SR)
• Wavelength: 850 nm VCSEL (transmitter) with suitable receiver sensitivity for MMF
• Fiber Type: Multimode Optical Fiber (MMF), optimized for short-reach SR links
• Media/Interface: LC duplex connector for MMF, compatible with SFP28 host ports
• Reach (SR): Up to approximately 100 m on OM3 fiber; up to approximately 150 m on OM4 fiber (typical values; actual distance depends on fiber quality and SNR)
• Transmitter Type: 850 nm VCSEL
• Receiver Type: PIN photodiode-based receiver
• Compliance: IEEE 802.3by, SFF-8472 Rev 12.2, SFF-8402; compatible portions of SFF-8431/8432 as applicable
• RoHS: Yes, RoHS compliant
• Operating Temperature: Commercial range (typical 0 to 70°C); extended options available in variants (consult data sheet for exact SKU specs)
• Power Consumption: Typical power usage around 1.5 W; maximum generally within 2.0 W depending on vendor calibration and operating conditions
• Protection and Quality: RoHS-compliant construction, ESD protection, and tested interoperability with a broad ecosystem of 25G switches and servers
• Standards and Protocols: Supports 25G Ethernet (IEEE 25GBASE-SR), with device-handshake and LOS/Module status reporting per SFP MSA guidelines

Designed for the realities of modern data centers, the Finisar 25GE SR SFP28 transceiver emphasizes interoperability, energy efficiency, and ease of deployment. The 850 nm SR solution is a well-established choice for short-reach connections between racks, top-of-rack aggregators, and core-to-edge links where fiber runs are confined to a single data center aisle. By leveraging the SFP28 form factor, this module aligns with existing fiber infrastructure while enabling a scalable upgrade path to 25G speeds as your traffic grows. It is particularly well-suited for workloads that benefit from increased bandwidth and lower CPU load due to faster interconnects, including virtualized workloads, disaggregated storage, and high-speed database replication. The combination of IEEE 802.3by compliance and broad vendor compatibility helps ensure a smooth adoption curve in mixed environments and reduces the risk of interoperability issues in multi-vendor data centers.

how to install Finisar 25GE SR SFP28 Optical Transceiver

• Power down the host port or ensure hot-swapping is supported by your switch or server. Even though SFP28 modules are designed for hot-swapping, verify your equipment’s guidelines before installation.
• Hold the transceiver by the cage and gently align the module with the SFP28 slot in the switch, router, or server. Avoid touching the optical connector or the metal cap of the module.
• Insert the transceiver into the slot until the module is fully seated and the locking mechanism engages with an audible click. The LED indicators on the host port should indicate presence and link status after insertion.
• Connect the multimode fiber cable to the LC duplex connector on the transceiver, ensuring proper fiber polarity. Use OM3 or OM4 fiber appropriate for the desired SR reach, and verify the fiber ferrule is clean and free of dust.
• Power up the port and verify link establishment. Check port statistics and LED indicators on both the transceiver and the switch. If a link is not established, confirm that the fiber type, cable quality, and SFP28 compatibility are correct, and re-test with a known-good fiber patch cord.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Finisar 25GE SR SFP28 Optical Transceiver? It is a 25 Gbps SR (short-reach) transceiver in the SFP28 form factor designed for multimode fiber, enabling high-speed connections between servers, switches, and storage within data centers.
• What fiber is required for SR links? Short-reach SR links use multimode fiber, typically OM3 or OM4, with 850 nm VCSEL optics optimized for low-loss, short-distance transmission.
• What are the typical link distances? Distances vary by fiber type: up to roughly 100 m on OM3 and up to roughly 150 m on OM4, with actual reach depending on cable quality, connectors, and network margin.
• Is this module compatible with all 25G switches? The Finisar FTLF8536P4BCL is designed for broad interoperability under the SFP28 MSA and IEEE 802.3by specification, but always verify with your switch vendor’s compatibility matrix for your specific hardware revision.
• Is the transceiver RoHS compliant? Yes, the module is RoHS compliant, aligning with environmental and regulatory requirements for modern data-center deployments.
• How do I know if I’m installing it correctly? Follow hot-swap guidelines from your equipment vendor, ensure clean optical connections, verify LC duplex fiber seating, and confirm link status through the switch’s management interface after installation.