Chelsio 25Gb Optical Module

The Chelsio SM25G-LR is a high-performance 25Gb/s SFP28 transceiver designed for long-range Ethernet links over single-mode fiber. Engineered to deliver dependable, scalable connectivity, this module supports 25 Gigabit Ethernet up to 10 kilometers, making it an ideal choice for data centers, campus networks, and service provider deployments that demand speed, efficiency, and reliability. Certified for use with Chelsio’s 25 Gigabit Ethernet Unified Wire adapters, the SM25G-LR combines advanced optics with a compact form factor to simplify rack space, reduce power draw per Gbps, and enable seamless upgrades to next-generation high-speed fabric without replacing existing infrastructure.

• The SM25G-LR provides a true 25 Gbps data rate through a small-form-factor SFP28 housing, enabling dense, scalable uplinks in modern data centers. Its long-reach capabilities are optimized for single-mode fiber, supporting link distances up to 10 kilometers, which makes it suitable for campus backbones, data-center interconnects, and inter-building links. With a 1310 nm wavelength optimized for LR operation and a duplex LC connector, it pairs with standard fiber components to deliver robust, industry-standard performance across multi-vendor networks.
• Designed for efficiency and total-cost-of-ownership advantages, this module emphasizes power-conscious operation without compromising throughput. By leveraging advanced optical design and low-pin-count I/O, the SM25G-LR minimizes power per gigabit and reduces heat generation in dense rack environments. Its energy-efficient profile complements modern green-data-center initiatives, enabling higher port densities per rack while maintaining favorable power budgets for large-scale deployments.
• Compatibility and reliability are at the core of Chelsio’s 25G ecosystem. The SM25G-LR is certified for use with Chelsio’s 25 Gigabit Ethernet Unified Wire adapters, ensuring streamlined management, unified drivers, and predictable interoperability across a mix of equipment from Chelsio and select third-party vendors. This transceiver supports hot-swappable operation in compliant switch, router, and server NIC slots, minimizing downtime during maintenance or upgrades and preserving network uptime for critical workloads such as virtualization, AI inference, and high-performance storage access.
• Versatile deployment scenarios meet diverse networking needs. Whether powering high-speed uplinks in leaf-spine data center fabrics, linking blade servers to top-of-rack switches, or connecting dispersed campuses via fiber backbones, the SM25G-LR enables flexible architectures. Its compact SFP28 form factor allows for dense cabling within 1U and 2U equipment racks, while the LR reach supports longer-haul connections between data centers, disaster recovery sites, and cloud-edge deployments without requiring mid-span amplification or repeaters.
• With robust diagnostics and management features, the SM25G-LR provides visibility and control essential for proactive network operations. Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM) compatibility lets administrators monitor real-time optical power, temperature, and other critical parameters, aiding in predictive maintenance and rapid fault isolation. The module’s predictable performance, combined with straightforward plug-and-play installation, reduces mean time to repair and supports consistent, repeatable network behavior across firmware revisions and hardware cohorts.

Technical Details of Chelsio 25Gb Optical Module

• Model: SM25G-LR (Chelsio 25Gb/s SFP28 long-reach transceiver)
• Interface: SFP28 optical transceiver module
• Data rate: 25 Gbps (25GBASE-LR standard)
• Optical fiber type: Single-mode fiber (SMF)
• Reach: Up to 10 kilometers
• Wavelength: 1310 nm (LR optimized)
• Connector: LC duplex
• Compliance: IEEE 802.3/25GBASE-LR and related 25G Ethernet standards
• Diagnostics: Digital Diagnostics Monitoring (DDM) support for real-time fiber/link health monitoring
• Operating environment: Designed for data-center-grade operation with hot-swappable capability in compatible equipment
• Color/stealth indicators: Standard SFP28 form-factor conventions for easy management and replacement

How to install Chelsio 25Gb Optical Module

• Power down or place the host device into a safe maintenance state, then verify compatibility of the SFP28 slot with the SM25G-LR module.
• Hold the module by its ends and align the SFP28 connector with the slot, ensuring the latch on the connector engages smoothly.
• Insert the SM25G-LR fully into the slot until you hear or feel the latch engage, indicating a secure connection.
• Connect a suitable single-mode fiber patch cable with LC duplex connectors to the LC ports on the module, ensuring correct fiber polarity and a clean, dust-free connector interface.
• Power up the device, configure the port as 25GBASE-LR in the system’s interface settings, and verify link status via the management interface. If available, monitor DDM readouts to confirm optical power levels and temperature are within expected ranges. Perform a basic throughput verification to confirm the 25 Gbps link is stable under typical traffic profiles.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the maximum distance Chelsio SM25G-LR supports over single-mode fiber? A: Up to 10 kilometers, using 1310 nm LR optics and standard LC duplex fiber.
• Q: Which adapters are compatible with the SM25G-LR? A: The transceiver is designed for use with Chelsio’s 25 Gigabit Ethernet Unified Wire adapters and is compatible with many standard SFP28 host interfaces that support 25GBASE-LR, subject to vendor interoperability policies.
• Q: Does the SM25G-LR support digital diagnostics monitoring (DDM)? A: Yes, it supports DDM, enabling real-time monitoring of optical power, temperature, and other critical parameters for proactive maintenance.
• Q: Is the module hot-swappable? A: Yes, the SM25G-LR is designed for hot-swapping in compliant switches, routers, and network interface cards to minimize downtime.
• Q: Can this module be used in multi-vendor environments? A: While it is certified for Chelsio Unified Wire adapters, it is recommended to verify interoperability with other vendors’ devices in your specific environment to ensure full feature compatibility and support.