All form factors
SFP2825G·since 2014 (IEEE 802.3by)
SFP28, 25G server access, the current default for new server NICs.
SFP28 (SFF-8402) raises the SFP+ envelope to 25.78 Gbps NRZ. Mechanically backward-compatible, an SFP+ module fits and links at 10G inside an SFP28 cage, so existing cabling and panels carry over to a 25G refresh.
Specifications
MSA references
SFF-8402 (mechanical / electrical) · SFF-8472 rev 12 (DDM)
Electrical interface
1 lane × 25.78125 Gbps NRZ SerDes
Power consumption
1.0 W – 2.5 W per module
Signalling
64B/66B encoded NRZ
FEC
RS-FEC (528,514) required and on by default on most platforms
Connector types
LC duplex · SFP28 DAC · MPO-12 (SR4 variants on QSFP28 host with breakout)
Available SKUs
| Part number | Spec | Wavelength | Fiber | Reach | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NAP-SFP28-SR | 25GBASE-SR | 850 nm | MM OM3/4 | 70 / 100 m | VCSEL, RS-FEC required |
NAP-SFP28-LR | 25GBASE-LR | 1310 nm | SM | 10 km | DFB |
NAP-SFP28-ER | 25GBASE-ER | 1310 nm | SM | 30–40 km | EML |
NAP-SFP28-BX-D / BX-U | 25G BiDi | 1270/1330 nm | SM, single strand | 10 km | Single-fiber pair |
NAP-SFP28-DAC-1M…5M | 25G DAC | — | Twinax copper | 1–5 m | Passive direct attach |
NAP-SFP28-AOC-10M…30M | 25G AOC | 850 nm | — | 10–30 m | Active optical |
In production with
SFP28 modules are deployed across these platforms today. Full coding details are on the compatibility matrix.
- Cisco Nexus 9300-FX/FX2/FX3, Catalyst 9300X
- Juniper QFX5110/5120/5200/5220
- Arista 7050X3, 7060X, 7280R3
- Dell S5232F/S5248F/S5296F, Z9332F
- NVIDIA Spectrum-2/3/4, ConnectX-6/7 NICs
Operational notes
25GBASE-SR reaches only 100 m on OM4, significantly shorter than 10GBASE-SR (400 m). Plan around it for longer runs in retrofit deployments.
Most platforms default to RS-FEC (528,514) on at 25G, if you see CRC errors with a stable link, FEC mismatch is the first thing to check.
Recommended for
- Modern 25G server NICs (Intel E810, Mellanox ConnectX-6/7, Broadcom NetXtreme)
- ToR-to-server runs in greenfield data centers
- Storage fabric (NVMe-oF, 25G iSCSI)
- 4×25G breakout from 100G QSFP28 spine ports