Telecom Hardware & Fiber Optic Transceivers | Aerless

Aerless by TechFoundry supplies fiber optic transceivers and connectivity hardware for telecom networks across the United States and Canada, with products sourced and manufactured in Taiwan. The range includes 1G SFP, 10G SFP+, 25G SFP28, 100G QSFP28, and MPO fiber cables, all available with industrial temperature ratings (-40°C to +85°C) for outdoor cabinet and cell site deployments. Modules are coded for the buyer’s switch model and software version before shipping, with lead times of 4 to 6 weeks and two-year warranty coverage.

What telecom hardware does Aerless supply?

Aerless provides optical transceivers in SFP, SFP+, SFP28, and QSFP28 form factors, covering data rates from 1G to 100G. The product line includes both multimode and singlemode modules for short-reach and long-reach applications, plus MPO/MTP fiber cables for trunk and breakout configurations. Every module operates at industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C) and includes digital diagnostics monitoring (DDM) for real-time link health reporting.

The catalogue spans 1000BASE-SX and 1000BASE-T for gigabit Ethernet, 10GBASE-SR and 10GBASE-LR for 10G networks, 25GBASE-SR and 25GBASE-LR for 25G fronthaul and backhaul, and 100GBASE-SR4 for high-capacity transport. All modules meet IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standards and SFF MSA specifications for mechanical and electrical interfaces.

Fiber optic transceivers for telecom infrastructure

Aerless modules are designed for telecom operators, wireless infrastructure providers, and data center operators who need reliable optical connectivity in demanding environments. The transceivers support 25G Ethernet (25.78G), CPRI option 10 (24.33G), and eCPRI for 5G mobile networks, meeting the requirements for fronthaul links between baseband units and remote radio heads. Each module complies with IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standards and SFF MSA specifications for form factor, electrical interface, and management functions.

The industrial temperature rating (-40°C to +85°C) allows deployment in outdoor cabinets, rooftop installations, and cell sites without climate control. All modules include hot-pluggable design, single +3.3V power supply, and 2-wire interface for management and diagnostic monitoring. RoHS compliance and Class 1 laser safety certification are standard across the product line.

25G SFP28 modules for fronthaul and backhaul

The SFP28-25G-eSR-IT is a 25G eSR multimode transceiver using an 850nm VCSEL transmitter for 300m reach on OM4 fiber and 200m on OM3 fiber. It operates at data rates from 24.3 to 25.78 Gb/s, supporting 25GBASE-SR Ethernet (25.78G), CPRI option 10 (24.33G), and eCPRI for 5G mobile networks. The module meets IEEE 802.3by 25GBASE-SR and SFF-8402 SFP28 MSA standards, with duplex LC connector and maximum power consumption of 1W. Transmit power ranges from -6.4 to +2.4 dBm average, with receiver sensitivity of -10.3 dBm OMA. Built-in CDR on both transmitter and receiver ensures signal integrity over the full temperature range.

The SFP28-25G-LR-IT is a 25G LR singlemode transceiver using a 1310nm DFB laser for 10km reach on 9/125μm singlemode fiber. It supports the same protocols and data rates as the multimode version (25GBASE-LR Ethernet at 25.78G, CPRI option 10 at 24.33G, and eCPRI), meeting IEEE 802.3cc 25GBASE-LR and SFF-8402 SFP28 MSA standards. Power consumption is 1.4W, with transmit power from -7 to +2 dBm and receiver sensitivity of -11.3 dBm. The duplex LC connector and built-in CDR match the multimode module’s interface, allowing consistent deployment practices across short-reach and long-reach links.

Both 25G SFP28 modules operate from -40°C to +85°C and include DDM support for monitoring transmit power, receive power, temperature, voltage, and laser bias current. Each module is coded for the buyer’s switch model and software version before shipping, as described in How Aerless modules are coded for your switch.

10G SFP+ modules for legacy and aggregation links

The SFP+-10G-SR-IT is a 10G SR multimode transceiver using an 850nm VCSEL transmitter for reaches of 400m on OM4, 300m on OM3, 82m on OM2, and 33m on OM1 fiber. It operates at data rates from 8.5 to 11.32 Gb/s, supporting 10GBASE-SR/SW Ethernet (10.3125G), 8GFC Fibre Channel (8.5G), 10GFC Fibre Channel (10.51875G), SONET OC-192 and SDH STM-64 (9.953G), and CPRI options 7 (9.83G) and 8. The module meets IEEE 802.3ae 10GBASE-SR/SW and SFF-8431/8432 SFP+ MSA standards, with duplex LC connector and single +3.3V power supply. Transmit power ranges from -6.5 to -1 dBm, with receiver sensitivity of -10 dBm.

The SFP+-10G-LR-IT is a 10G LR singlemode transceiver using a 1310nm DFB laser for 10km reach on singlemode fiber. It supports the same protocols and data rates as the multimode version, meeting IEEE 802.3ae 10GBASE-LR/LW and SFF-8431/8432 SFP+ MSA standards. Power consumption is 1.2W, with transmit power from -8.2 to +0.5 dBm and receiver sensitivity of -14.5 dBm. The duplex LC connector and hot-pluggable design match the multimode module’s interface.

Both 10G SFP+ modules operate from -40°C to +85°C and include DDM support via 2-wire interface. Each module is coded for the buyer’s switch before shipping.

100G QSFP28 for high-capacity transport

The QSFP28-100G-SR4-IT is a 100G SR4 transceiver using a 4-channel 850nm VCSEL array for 100m reach on OM4 fiber and 70m on OM3 fiber. The module meets IEEE 802.3ba and 802.3bm 100GBASE-SR4 standards and SFF-8665 QSFP28 MSA specifications, with MPO-12 (MPO/MTP) connector and 2.5W power consumption. Transmit power ranges from -8.4 to +2.4 dBm per lane, with receiver sensitivity of -10.3 dBm per lane.

The module includes built-in quad transmitter CDR and receiver CDR, 4 independent full-duplex channels, and single 3.3V power supply. It operates from -40°C to +85°C and includes DDM support for monitoring all four lanes. The MPO-12 connector interfaces with MPO trunk cables or MPO to 4 x LC breakout cables for connection to four separate 25G ports.

1G SFP for management and low-speed links

The SFP-1G-SX-IT is a 1000BASE-SX multimode transceiver using an 850nm VCSEL transmitter for 550m reach on OM2 fiber and 275m on OM1 fiber. It operates at 1.25 Gb/s for Gigabit Ethernet and 1.0625 Gb/s for 1GFC Fibre Channel, meeting IEEE 802.3z Gigabit Ethernet and INF 8074i SFP MSA standards. The module uses a duplex LC connector, single +3.3V power supply, and operates from -40°C to +85°C. Transmit power ranges from -9 to -3 dBm, with receiver sensitivity of -18 dBm.

The SFP-1G-T-IT is a 1000BASE-T copper transceiver using an RJ-45 connector for 100m reach on Cat.5 UTP cable. It supports auto-negotiation for 10/100/1000 Mb/s operation, auto-detect MDI/MDI-X, and compatibility with both 1000BASE-X and 1000BASE-T standards. Power consumption is 1.2W, and the module operates from -40°C to +85°C. This active copper SFP provides a hot-pluggable copper interface in the same form factor as optical SFPs.

Both 1G SFP modules include DDM support and are coded for the buyer’s switch before shipping.

MPO and fiber patch cables

Aerless supplies MPO-12 trunk cables and MPO to 4 x duplex LC breakout cables for multimode fiber installations. The MPO-OM4-2M is a 2-meter MPO-12 to MPO-12 trunk cable using OM4 aqua fiber with LSZH jacket, operating from -40°C to +70°C. It meets IEC 61754-7, TIA/EIA 604-5, GR-326, and GR-1435 standards, with insertion loss ≤0.75 dB standard or ≤0.35 dB for low-loss (elite) grade, and return loss ≥20 dB.

The MPO-4LC-OM4-2M is a 2-meter MPO-12 to 4 x duplex LC breakout cable using OM4 aqua fiber with 8 cores and LSZH jacket. Total length is 2 meters with 0.5-meter branches to each LC connector. It operates from -40°C to +70°C and meets the same standards as the trunk cable, with MPO insertion loss ≤0.75 dB standard or ≤0.35 dB for low-loss grade, and other connector insertion loss ≤0.3 dB. This cable connects a 100G QSFP28 SR4 module to four separate 25G SFP28 modules or connects a 40G QSFP+ SR4 module to four separate 10G SFP+ modules.

Industrial temperature rating for outdoor deployments

All Aerless optical modules operate from -40°C to +85°C, meeting the thermal requirements for outdoor cabinets, rooftop installations, and cell sites without climate control. This industrial temperature range exceeds the commercial temperature range (0°C to +70°C) used in climate-controlled data centers and indoor equipment rooms. The extended range allows deployment in environments where ambient temperature can reach extreme highs in direct sunlight or extreme lows in winter conditions.

As explained in Industrial vs Commercial Temperature SFPs, temperature rating alone does not guarantee compatibility. The module must also match the supported port speed, optical interface, fiber type, and equipment configuration. Aerless validates coding requirements and compatibility for each buyer’s specific switch model and software version before manufacturing.

Switch compatibility and vendor coding

Each Aerless module is programmed with the vendor code that the buyer’s switch firmware expects, so the switch recognizes the module as a supported transceiver when it comes up. 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.

This approach avoids compatibility surprises when you install the modules. Without correct coding, a switch may reject a module even if the optical specifications, form factor, and data rate are correct. The coding validation process also identifies any special requirements such as FEC configuration for 25G links or specific firmware versions needed for CPRI or eCPRI operation. More details are available in How Aerless modules are coded for your switch.

Taiwan sourcing and manufacturing

Aerless products are sourced and manufactured in Taiwan, not China. This addresses procurement policies for telecom operators, government contractors, and critical infrastructure providers who require non-Chinese supply chains. Taiwan manufacturing provides access to established optical component suppliers, precision assembly facilities, and quality control processes that meet international standards for telecom equipment.

The Taiwan supply chain also supports the coding and customization process that Aerless uses to ensure switch compatibility. Each module is programmed and tested before shipping, with validation against the buyer’s specific switch model and software version.

Standards compliance

Aerless modules meet IEEE 802.3 Ethernet standards including 802.3z for 1000BASE-SX, 802.3ae for 10GBASE-SR and 10GBASE-LR, 802.3by for 25GBASE-SR, 802.3cc for 25GBASE-LR, and 802.3ba/802.3bm for 100GBASE-SR4. Form factor and electrical interface compliance includes SFF-8074i SFP MSA, SFF-8431/8432 SFP+ MSA, SFF-8402 SFP28 MSA, and SFF-8665 QSFP28 MSA. Digital diagnostics monitoring follows SFF-8472 for SFP/SFP+/SFP28 and SFF-8636 for QSFP28.

Fiber Channel standards include 1GFC, 8GFC, and 10GFC for storage networks. SONET/SDH standards include OC-192 and STM-64 for telecom transport. CPRI standards include options 7, 8, and 10 for mobile fronthaul. All modules are RoHS compliant and meet Class 1 laser safety requirements under 21 CFR 1040.10 and 1040.11 except for conformance with IEC 60825-1 Ed. 3, as described in Laser Notice No. 56, dated May 8, 2019.

Digital diagnostics monitoring (DDM)

All Aerless SFP, SFP+, SFP28, and QSFP28 modules include DDM (also called DOM, digital optical monitoring) via 2-wire interface. The module reports real-time transmit power, receive power, temperature, voltage, and laser bias current to the host switch or router. This allows network management systems to monitor link health, detect degraded fiber or connectors before they cause outages, and verify that transmit and receive power levels are within specification.

DDM data is accessible through the switch CLI or SNMP interface, depending on the switch platform. The monitoring function operates continuously without affecting data transmission. For QSFP28 modules, DDM reports separate values for each of the four lanes, allowing identification of problems in individual fibers within an MPO cable.

Warranty and support

Aerless modules and cables carry a two-year warranty. Technical support is available for compatibility validation, coding requirements, and fiber type selection. When you request a quote, include your switch model, software version, fiber type (multimode or singlemode), reach requirement, and quantity. The Aerless team confirms coding and compatibility before the order is placed, reducing the risk of deployment problems.

Lead time and pricing

Lead time is 4 to 6 weeks from order confirmation. Pricing is provided by quote, with volume discounts available for larger deployments. To request a quote, provide your switch model and software version, fiber type, reach requirement, and quantity. The Aerless team will confirm compatibility, coding requirements, and pricing before manufacturing begins.

Choosing multimode or singlemode for your deployment

Multimode fiber (OM3 or OM4) uses 850nm VCSEL transmitters for reaches up to 400m at 10G or 300m at 25G. Multimode modules cost less per unit than singlemode modules, making them economical for short-reach links within a building or between adjacent buildings. OM4 fiber supports longer reaches than OM3 at the same data rate, and both fiber types use the same 50/125μm core and cladding dimensions with duplex LC connectors.

Singlemode fiber uses 1310nm DFB lasers for 10km reaches at both 10G and 25G. Singlemode modules cost more per unit than multimode modules, but the fiber itself costs less per meter and supports much longer distances. For links longer than 400m at 10G or 300m at 25G, singlemode is the only option. Singlemode fiber uses 9/125μm core and cladding dimensions with duplex LC connectors, the same connector type as multimode.

The choice depends on the distance between endpoints, the number of links, and the total cost of modules plus fiber installation. For a single 5km link, singlemode is required. For 50 links of 200m each within a data center, multimode may be more economical despite the higher module cost, because the fiber installation cost dominates. For more guidance, see Understanding SFP Ports and Their Types: A Practical Guide.

Fiber types: OM3, OM4, and singlemode

OM3 is 50/125μm laser-optimized multimode fiber supporting 300m at 10G (10GBASE-SR) and 200m at 25G (25GBASE-SR). OM4 is 50/125μm laser-optimized multimode fiber with lower attenuation and modal dispersion, supporting 400m at 10G and 300m at 25G. Both OM3 and OM4 use 850nm VCSEL transmitters and duplex LC connectors. OM4 fiber costs slightly more than OM3 but provides longer reach at the same data rate, reducing the number of links that require singlemode modules.

Singlemode fiber is 9/125μm fiber supporting 10km at both 10G (10GBASE-LR) and 25G (25GBASE-LR) with 1310nm DFB laser transmitters. Singlemode fiber uses duplex LC connectors, the same connector type as multimode, but the smaller core diameter (9μm vs. 50μm) requires more precise alignment during connector installation and cleaning.

CPRI and eCPRI support for mobile networks

Aerless 10G SFP+ modules support CPRI options 7 (9.83G) and 8 for 4G LTE fronthaul between baseband units (BBUs) and remote radio heads (RRHs). Aerless 25G SFP28 modules support CPRI option 10 (24.33G) and eCPRI for 5G fronthaul. CPRI is a constant-bit-rate protocol that carries digitized radio samples over fiber, requiring precise timing and low latency. eCPRI is a packet-based protocol that reduces fronthaul bandwidth by moving some baseband processing functions to the radio site.

For CPRI deployments, the module must support the specific CPRI option (line rate) required by the BBU and RRH. For eCPRI deployments, the module operates as a standard Ethernet transceiver, but the switch or router must support the timing and quality-of-service requirements for 5G fronthaul. When you request a quote for a mobile network application, identify the CPRI line rate or eCPRI application and the equipment at both ends, so Aerless can confirm compatibility and coding requirements.

Ordering process

To request a quote, provide your switch model, software version, fiber type (multimode or singlemode), reach requirement, and quantity. For telecom applications, identify the CPRI line rate or eCPRI application and the equipment at both ends. Aerless confirms coding and compatibility before manufacturing, so you avoid surprises when you install the modules. Lead time is 4 to 6 weeks from order confirmation, with volume pricing available for larger deployments.

Browse the full product range at the Aerless catalogue or read more telecom infrastructure insights. For questions about compatibility, coding, or fiber selection, contact TechFoundry through the About TechFoundry page.

FAQ

Where are Aerless fiber optic transceivers manufactured?

Aerless products are sourced and manufactured in Taiwan, not China. This addresses procurement requirements for telecom operators and government contractors who need non-Chinese supply chains for critical infrastructure deployments.

Do Aerless SFP28 modules work in outdoor cabinets?

Yes, both the SFP28-25G-eSR-IT (25G eSR multimode) and SFP28-25G-LR-IT (25G LR singlemode) are rated for industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C case temperature), meeting the thermal requirements for outdoor cabinets, rooftop installations, and cell sites without climate control. Aerless also supplies commercial-grade 40G and 100G SR4 modules rated 0°C to +70°C; for commercial 10G or 25G modules, contact TechFoundry to confirm availability. The modules include hot-pluggable design and RoHS-compliant materials. Read more about choosing the right temperature grade at Industrial vs Commercial Temperature SFPs.

How do I know if an Aerless module will work in my switch?

Aerless codes each module for your specific switch model and software version before shipping, so the switch firmware recognizes it as a supported transceiver. You provide the switch model and software version when you request a quote, and the Aerless team validates compatibility and coding requirements before the order is placed. This process is described in detail at How Aerless modules are coded for your switch.

What is the difference between the 25G eSR and 25G LR modules?

The SFP28-25G-eSR-IT (25G eSR) uses an 850nm VCSEL for multimode fiber, reaching 300m on OM4 or 200m on OM3, and costs less per module. The SFP28-25G-LR-IT (25G LR) uses a 1310nm DFB laser for singlemode fiber, reaching 10km, and costs more per module but supports much longer distances. Both operate at -40°C to +85°C and support 25G Ethernet (25.78G), CPRI option 10 (24.33G), and eCPRI for 5G mobile networks.

Do Aerless modules support digital diagnostics monitoring?

Yes, all Aerless SFP, SFP+, SFP28, and QSFP28 modules include DDM (also called DOM) via 2-wire interface, reporting real-time transmit power, receive power, temperature, voltage, and laser bias current. This allows network management systems to monitor link health and diagnose fiber or connector problems before they cause outages. For QSFP28 modules, DDM reports separate values for each of the four lanes.

What warranty does Aerless offer on modules and cables?

Aerless provides a two-year warranty on all optical modules and fiber cables.