Cisco SFP-25G-ER-I
25GBASE-ER SFP28 iTemp Module, Original Cisco
Product Highlights
Extending 25-Gigabit Ethernet connectivity across long metro distances — especially in harsh outdoor environments — demands an optic that combines extended reach with industrial-grade resilience. The Cisco SFP-25G-ER-I is a 25GBASE-ER SFP28 transceiver module purpose-built for exactly this challenge.
Operating at 1310nm over duplex single-mode fiber (G.652), the SFP-25G-ER-I supports link lengths of up to 40km with RS-FEC enabled on the host port. Its industrial temperature rating of -40°C to +85°C makes it ideal for deployments in outdoor cabinets, remote cell sites, roadside enclosures, and other uncontrolled environments where commercial-grade optics would fail. An EML laser transmitter paired with an APD photodiode receiver delivers a minimum optical budget of 16 dB, ensuring reliable signal integrity across extended fiber spans.
Beyond standard 25G Ethernet, the module supports CPRI data rate options 7 through 10, making it a versatile choice for 5G/LTE fronthaul architectures. Built-in Digital Diagnostic Monitoring (DDM/DOM) provides real-time visibility into key operating parameters — including optical power levels, temperature, and bias current — enabling proactive fault management. Fully compliant with the SFP28 MSA and IEEE 802.3cc, the SFP-25G-ER-I integrates seamlessly into Cisco switching platforms with SFP28 port support.
Features & Benefits
Extended 40km Reach
The SFP-25G-ER-I supports link lengths of up to 40km on standard single-mode fiber (G.652) when RS-FEC is enabled on the host port. This extended reach eliminates the need for intermediate regeneration equipment on metro and inter-campus links, reducing infrastructure cost and complexity.
Industrial Temperature Hardening
Rated for an industrial operating range of -40°C to +85°C, this module is engineered for deployment in uncontrolled environments such as outdoor cabinets, remote cell towers, and roadside enclosures. It delivers consistent optical performance regardless of ambient temperature extremes.
High-Performance Optical Engine
An EML (Electro-absorption Modulated Laser) transmitter at 1310nm paired with an APD (Avalanche Photodiode) receiver provides a minimum guaranteed optical budget of 16 dB. This combination ensures reliable signal quality over the full 40km reach, even in challenging fiber plant conditions.
CPRI/eCPRI Fronthaul Ready
Beyond 25G Ethernet, the SFP-25G-ER-I supports CPRI data rate options 7, 8, 9, and 10, making it suitable for 4G LTE and 5G fronthaul transport between baseband units and remote radio heads. This multi-rate flexibility consolidates optics inventory across Ethernet and mobile transport use cases.
Real-Time Diagnostics (DDM/DOM)
Built-in Digital Diagnostic Monitoring exposes real-time telemetry — including transmit/receive optical power, module temperature, laser bias current, and supply voltage — via a standard 2-wire serial interface (SFF-8472). This enables proactive monitoring and faster troubleshooting.
Standards-Based Interoperability
Fully compliant with the SFP28 MSA, IEEE 802.3cc, SFF-8472, and SFF-8432, the module interoperates with other IEEE-compliant 25G interfaces. The hot-pluggable SFP28 form factor ensures tool-free installation in any standard SFP28 slot.
Deployment Scenarios
5G/LTE Fronthaul Transport
Deploy the SFP-25G-ER-I in CPRI/eCPRI fronthaul links between centralized baseband units and remote radio heads. Its industrial temperature rating and 40km reach make it ideal for outdoor cell-site installations where environmental conditions are unpredictable and fiber spans are long.
Metro & Inter-Campus Connectivity
Bridge geographically separated campus buildings or metro data center sites with 25Gbps links over existing single-mode fiber plant. The 40km reach with RS-FEC eliminates the need for signal regeneration on most metro ring segments, simplifying the network and reducing latency.
Outdoor & Harsh-Environment Edge Nodes
Equip roadside cabinets, utility substations, or industrial edge switches with a transceiver that withstands temperature extremes from -40°C to +85°C. The SFP-25G-ER-I ensures uninterrupted 25G connectivity in environments where commercial-temperature optics would be unreliable.
Service Provider Access & Aggregation
Use the SFP-25G-ER-I in service provider access rings or aggregation tiers where 25G bandwidth is needed over extended single-mode fiber distances. DDM/DOM support enables centralized monitoring of optic health across large-scale deployments.
General
Performance
Physical
Environmental
Compliance
Compatibility Notes
The Cisco SFP-25G-ER-I is supported on Cisco switches with SFP28 ports. For the definitive list of compatible platforms and required software versions, consult the Cisco Transceiver Module Group (TMG) Compatibility Matrix at tmgmatrix.cisco.com. Common Cisco platforms with SFP28 port support include the Catalyst 9300, 9500, and 9600 Series as well as the Nexus 9000 Series — but always verify your specific model and software release against the TMG matrix.
Note: RS-FEC must be enabled on the host port for full 40km reach operation at 25G.
Downloads & Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
| Part Number | Product | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
| SFP-25G-ER-S | Cisco 25GBASE-ER SFP28 (Commercial Temp) | Standard commercial temperature range (0°C to 70°C) — choose when industrial hardening is not required to reduce cost. |
| SFP-25G-ER-S-I | Cisco 25GBASE-ER SFP28 iTemp (S-Class) | S-class industrial temp ER variant with 30km reach — select when 30km is sufficient and S-class licensing applies. |
| SFP-10/25G-LR-I | Cisco 10/25GBASE-LR SFP28 iTemp | Dual-rate 10/25G with 10km reach and industrial temp — ideal when shorter distances suffice and 10G backward compatibility is needed. |
| SFP-25G-LR-S | Cisco 25GBASE-LR SFP28 (Commercial Temp) | 10km reach at commercial temperature — a lower-cost option for shorter SMF links in climate-controlled environments. |