25G SFP28 Switch Compatibility & Coding | Aerless

Aerless 25G SFP28 modules—both the SFP28-25G-eSR-IT (25G eSR multimode) and SFP28-25G-LR-IT (25G LR singlemode)—are coded to present the vendor code your switch expects, so they appear as supported optics rather than unrecognized third-party modules. We confirm coding against your specific switch model and software version before you order, and we support you through testing and qualification if modules need to be proven in your environment before a wider rollout. Coding is available for Cisco, Juniper, Arista, HPE, Aruba, Dell and Extreme Networks platforms.

How Aerless modules are coded for your switch

Each Aerless 25G SFP28 module is programmed with the vendor code that your switch firmware expects, so the module is recognized as a supported transceiver when it comes up. We confirm coding for your switch model and software version before the modules ship, so you avoid compatibility surprises when you install them.

The coding process happens before the modules leave Taiwan. You send your switch model and software version when you request a quote, and the Aerless team validates that the coding will work with your specific platform. The module then ships with the correct vendor code already programmed into its EEPROM, so it presents itself to your switch as a native optic rather than a generic third-party transceiver.

Both the SFP28-25G-eSR-IT (25G eSR multimode, 850 nm VCSEL, 300 m on OM4 fiber, duplex LC connector) and the SFP28-25G-LR-IT (25G LR singlemode, 1310 nm DFB laser, 10 km on singlemode fiber, duplex LC connector) can be coded for any of the supported switch platforms. Both modules support 25G Ethernet (25.78 Gbit/s), CPRI option 10 (24.33 Gbit/s) and eCPRI, and both meet the SFF-8402 SFP28 MSA specification.

Supported switch platforms

When you request a quote, specify your switch model and software version, and the Aerless team will confirm that coding is available and tested for your configuration.

Firmware versions and testing

We confirm coding against the software version running on your switch before you order.

The coding validation process checks that the vendor code programmed into the module will be recognised by the specific firmware version you are running. Different firmware releases can change the way a switch validates third-party optics, so confirming the software version before the modules ship avoids compatibility issues when you install them.

If you are planning a firmware upgrade or running a version that has not been tested with Aerless modules, we support you through qualification so you can validate the modules in your environment before committing to a volume order.

How to specify coding when you order

When you request a quote, send your switch model, software version, fiber type, distance and quantities. The Aerless team will confirm coding compatibility and recommend the right module—SFP28-25G-eSR-IT for multimode links up to 300 m on OM4 (or 200 m on OM3), or SFP28-25G-LR-IT for singlemode links up to 10 km.

The information we need to confirm coding and recommend the right module:

• Switch model: The exact model number of the switch where the module will be installed (e.g., Cisco Catalyst 9300-48P, Juniper EX4650-48Y).

• Software version: The firmware or operating system version running on the switch (e.g., Cisco IOS XE 17.6.3, Junos OS 20.4R3).

• Fiber type: Multimode (OM3 or OM4) or singlemode (OS2).

• Distance: The length of the fiber link you need to support.

• Quantities: The number of modules you need, so we can provide volume pricing.

If you are working from an existing part number or specification, send that as well. The Aerless team will translate it into the correct Aerless module and confirm that coding is available for your platform.

Pricing is by quote with volume pricing available. Lead time is 4 to 6 weeks from order confirmation.

Qualification support

If a module has to be proven in your environment before you commit to a rollout, we support you through testing and qualification rather than handing over a part number and leaving you to it. We stay with you through the qualification process so you can validate performance and compatibility in your network before ordering volume.

Qualification typically involves installing a small number of modules in your production or test environment, verifying that they come up as supported optics, and running traffic to confirm that they meet your performance and stability requirements. The Aerless team works with you to define the qualification criteria, interpret the results, and address any issues that come up during testing.

This approach is particularly useful if you are deploying modules in a new switch platform, upgrading firmware, or replacing an incumbent vendor’s optics with coded third-party modules for the first time. It reduces the risk of compatibility surprises when you scale the deployment.

Lead time and availability

Aerless 25G SFP28 modules are manufactured in Taiwan and supplied to customers across the United States and Canada. Lead time is 4 to 6 weeks from order confirmation. Pricing is by quote with volume pricing available.

The lead time includes coding the modules for your switch platform, manufacturing, quality testing, and shipping to your location. If you need modules on a shorter timeline, contact the Aerless team to discuss expedited options.

Both the SFP28-25G-eSR-IT and SFP28-25G-LR-IT are built to industrial temperature specifications (-40°C to +85°C), so they are suitable for outdoor cabinets, factory floors, and other environments where commercial-grade optics would fail. Both modules meet IEEE 802.3by (25GBASE-SR for multimode) and IEEE 802.3cc (25GBASE-LR for singlemode) standards.

FAQ

Can you code 25G LR optics for Cisco Catalyst 9300 compatibility?
Yes, the Aerless SFP28-25G-LR-IT (25G LR singlemode) can be coded for Cisco Catalyst 9300 switches. Share your switch model and software version when you request a quote, and we will confirm coding before the modules ship.

Can you code 25G LR optics for Juniper EX4650 compatibility?
Yes, the Aerless SFP28-25G-LR-IT can be coded for Juniper EX4650 switches. We confirm coding against your specific switch model and software version before you order.

Which firmware versions have you tested for 25G LR optics? We confirm coding for your software version before you order, and we support you through qualification if the module needs to be proven in your environment.

What is the difference between the 25G eSR and 25G LR modules?
The SFP28-25G-eSR-IT (25G eSR) is a multimode module with an 850 nm VCSEL, specified for up to 300 m on OM4 fiber and 200 m on OM3 fiber. The SFP28-25G-LR-IT (25G LR) is a singlemode module with a 1310 nm DFB laser, specified for up to 10 km on singlemode fiber. Both can be coded for your switch platform. Actual link distances depend on the loss of the cabling you install.

Do Aerless modules work in industrial temperature environments?
Yes, both the SFP28-25G-eSR-IT and SFP28-25G-LR-IT support an industrial temperature range of -40°C to +85°C, so they are suitable for outdoor cabinets, factory floors and other environments where commercial-grade optics would fail.

How do I get a quote for coded 25G SFP28 modules?
Send your switch model, software version, fiber type, distance and quantities to the Aerless team. We will confirm coding compatibility, recommend the right module and provide volume pricing. Lead time is 4 to 6 weeks.

What standards do Aerless 25G SFP28 modules meet?
The SFP28-25G-eSR-IT meets IEEE 802.3by (25GBASE-SR) for multimode links. The SFP28-25G-LR-IT meets IEEE 802.3cc (25GBASE-LR) for singlemode links. Both modules meet the SFF-8402 SFP28 MSA specification and support 25G Ethernet (25.78 Gbit/s), CPRI option 10 (24.33 Gbit/s) and eCPRI.

Can I use Aerless modules in a mix-and-match deployment with OEM optics?
Yes, Aerless modules are coded to present the same vendor code as OEM optics, so they can be deployed alongside native modules in the same switch or network. We recommend qualifying a small number of modules in your environment before scaling the deployment, particularly if you are mixing vendors for the first time.

Aerless SFP28 25G LR Industrial | SFP28-25G-LR-IT – Full specifications and coding details for the 25G LR singlemode module

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