AA094688 Dell 25GBPS SFP28 LC-LC 1310nm LR Transceiver

Overview of Dell AA094688 SFP28 Optical Transceiver

The DELL AA094688 SFP28 optical transceiver is engineered to support demanding 25 Gigabit Ethernet environments where speed, stability, and long-range optical performance are critical. Designed for enterprise data centers, service providers, and high-performance computing infrastructures, this module enables reliable data transmission over single-mode fiber with consistent signal integrity.

General Specification

• Brand: Dell
• Part Number: AA094688
• Device Type: Optical Transceiver

Optimized for 25G Ethernet Deployments

• Supports 25 Gigabit Ethernet optical links
• Designed for long-distance fiber connections
• Ideal for enterprise and carrier-grade networks

Interface Characteristics

• Industry-standard SFP28 connector interface
• LC duplex optical connector for secure fiber termination
• Low-profile design suitable for high-density ports

Single-Mode Fiber Optimization

• Optimized for single-mode fiber (SMF)
• Reduced signal loss across extended distances
• Consistent optical output for mission-critical links

Long-Range Use Cases

• Data center interconnects
• Enterprise campus backbones
• Service provider access and aggregation layers

Supported Data Link Protocol

• 25 Gigabit Ethernet (25GbE)
• Compatible with modern LAN architectures
• Optimized for low-latency data transmission

Interoperability Advantages

• Meets industry SFP28 standards
• Supports multi-vendor network environments
• Ensures predictable performance across deployments

Stable Operation in Continuous Workloads

• Designed for 24/7 network operation
• Maintains performance under sustained traffic loads
• Suitable for enterprise-grade environments

Key Advantages  

• 25GBASE-LR optical standard
• 1310nm wavelength for long-distance fiber links
• Up to 10 km transmission range
• LC connector with SFP28 interface
• High reliability for enterprise and carrier networks

Outline of 25GbE SFP28 Optical Transceivers

The DELL AA094688 Transceiver 25GbE SFP28 LC-LC 1310nm LR up to 10km belongs to the high-performance category of 25 Gigabit Ethernet optical transceivers designed for enterprise, data center, and service provider networking environments. This category focuses on reliable, standards-compliant SFP28 modules that deliver consistent high-speed connectivity over single-mode fiber infrastructure. These transceivers are engineered to meet the growing demand for higher bandwidth, lower latency, and scalable network architectures while maintaining compatibility with modern switching and routing platforms.

25GbE SFP28 transceivers represent a major evolution from earlier 10GbE technologies, offering significantly increased throughput without a proportional rise in power consumption or operational complexity. By using advanced modulation techniques and optimized optical components, this category supports efficient data transmission across extended distances, making it suitable for both intra-data-center and inter-building links.

Role of SFP28 Form Factor in Modern Networks

The SFP28 form factor is a compact, hot-pluggable interface that allows network administrators to deploy high-speed optical connectivity with flexibility and ease. Within this category, the SFP28 interface ensures interoperability with a wide range of network devices while supporting higher port densities on switches and routers. This is particularly valuable in environments where rack space and power efficiency are critical considerations.

DELL-branded SFP28 transceivers are designed to integrate seamlessly with Dell networking hardware, providing consistent performance and validated compatibility. The AA094688 model reflects the broader category’s emphasis on enterprise-grade reliability, ensuring stable operation even under sustained high-traffic conditions.

25GbE LR Technology and Long-Range Optical Transmission

Long Range, commonly abbreviated as LR, defines a specific class of optical transceivers optimized for extended reach over single-mode fiber. In this category, LR SFP28 transceivers operate at a wavelength of 1310nm, which is well-suited for minimizing signal attenuation over longer distances. The DELL AA094688 transceiver supports transmission distances of up to 10 kilometers, making it ideal for campus networks, metropolitan area links, and data center interconnects.

The ability to transmit data over long distances without signal degradation is a defining characteristic of this category. Advanced laser technology and precise optical alignment ensure consistent signal quality, while robust error handling mechanisms help maintain data integrity across the entire link.

Single-Mode Fiber Compatibility

This category of transceivers is specifically designed for use with single-mode fiber cabling. Single-mode fiber offers lower attenuation and higher bandwidth potential compared to multimode alternatives, making it the preferred choice for long-distance and high-speed connections. The LC-LC connector interface used by the DELL AA094688 ensures secure, low-loss connections that are widely supported across enterprise and carrier-grade installations.

By leveraging single-mode fiber infrastructure, networks can achieve greater scalability and future-proofing, as the same cabling can often support higher data rates with upgraded transceivers.

Optical Signal Stability and Performance

Signal stability is a critical factor in long-range optical communication. Within this category, transceivers are designed with strict tolerances for optical power output, receiver sensitivity, and wavelength accuracy. These characteristics help ensure that data transmission remains stable across varying environmental conditions, including temperature fluctuations commonly found in data center and outdoor installations.

The DELL AA094688 transceiver reflects these design principles, offering consistent performance across its specified operating range while adhering to industry standards for 25GbE Ethernet.

Enterprise and Data Center Applications

25GbE SFP28 LR transceivers are widely used in enterprise and data center environments where high-speed connectivity and long-distance reach are required. This category supports a variety of use cases, including core-to-distribution layer connections, aggregation switches, and high-capacity uplinks between network segments. The increased bandwidth of 25GbE enables organizations to consolidate multiple lower-speed links into fewer high-speed connections, simplifying network design and management.

In data centers, these transceivers are often deployed to connect top-of-rack switches to aggregation or spine switches, supporting modern leaf-spine architectures. The extended reach capability allows flexibility in physical layout, enabling equipment to be distributed across large facilities or multiple buildings.

Support for Virtualized and Cloud Environments

As virtualization and cloud computing continue to drive network traffic growth, the demand for high-capacity, low-latency connections has become increasingly important. This category of transceivers supports the high throughput required for virtual machine migration, distributed storage, and cloud service delivery. By providing reliable 25GbE connectivity over long distances, these modules help ensure consistent application performance and user experience.

DELL SFP28 transceivers are commonly used in private cloud and hybrid cloud deployments, where validated compatibility and predictable performance are essential.

Scalability and Future Network Expansion

One of the key advantages of this category is its scalability. Networks built with 25GbE SFP28 LR transceivers can be expanded or upgraded without major changes to the underlying fiber infrastructure. This allows organizations to plan for future growth while protecting their existing investments.

The DELL AA094688 transceiver supports this scalable approach by adhering to standardized specifications, ensuring compatibility with current and future network equipment.

Standards Compliance and Interoperability

Compliance with industry standards is a defining feature of enterprise-grade optical transceivers. This category conforms to IEEE 802.3 specifications for 25 Gigabit Ethernet, ensuring interoperability with compliant switches, routers, and network interface cards. Standards compliance simplifies deployment and reduces the risk of compatibility issues in multi-vendor environments.

DELL transceivers undergo rigorous validation and testing to ensure they meet both industry standards and Dell’s internal quality requirements. This dual level of validation enhances reliability and minimizes downtime.

Hot-Pluggable Design and Operational Flexibility

The hot-pluggable nature of SFP28 transceivers allows installation and replacement without powering down network equipment. This capability is particularly valuable in mission-critical environments where uptime is essential. Within this category, hot-plug support enables network administrators to perform maintenance, upgrades, or troubleshooting with minimal disruption.

The DELL AA094688 transceiver is designed for seamless insertion and removal, supporting efficient network operations and reduced maintenance windows.

Power Efficiency and Thermal Management

Power consumption and heat generation are important considerations in high-density networking environments. This category of transceivers is engineered to deliver high performance while maintaining efficient power usage. Optimized thermal design helps ensure stable operation even when multiple transceivers are installed in close proximity.

Effective thermal management contributes to longer component lifespan and improved overall network reliability, aligning with the operational goals of enterprise and data center environments.

Reliability, Quality, and Vendor Assurance

Reliability is a cornerstone of this category, as optical transceivers play a critical role in maintaining continuous network connectivity. DELL AA094688 transceivers are built using high-quality optical and electronic components designed to withstand extended operational use. Quality assurance processes include comprehensive testing for optical performance, electrical characteristics, and environmental resilience.

Vendor assurance is another key aspect, as DELL-branded transceivers are supported by Dell’s hardware compatibility and support ecosystem. This provides added confidence for organizations deploying these modules in production environments.

Use in Mission-Critical Networks

In mission-critical networks, even brief connectivity interruptions can have significant operational and financial impacts. This category of transceivers is designed to support such environments by offering consistent performance, low error rates, and robust construction. The long-range capability further enhances reliability by reducing the need for intermediate equipment or signal regeneration.

The DELL AA094688 transceiver is commonly used in scenarios where dependable long-distance connectivity is essential, such as inter-building links and core network connections.

Integration with Dell Networking Ecosystem

The DELL AA094688 transceiver is designed to integrate seamlessly within the Dell networking ecosystem. This integration ensures that firmware, monitoring, and management tools can accurately detect and report transceiver status, enabling proactive network management. Such integration enhances visibility into optical link performance and simplifies troubleshooting.

This level of integration is a defining characteristic of the category, providing added value beyond basic connectivity by supporting comprehensive network monitoring and control.

Advantages of 25GbE SFP28 LR Transceivers in Modern Infrastructure

The adoption of 25GbE SFP28 LR transceivers offers several advantages for modern network infrastructure. Higher bandwidth per port enables more efficient use of switch resources, while long-range capability supports flexible network topologies. This category strikes a balance between performance, reach, and cost, making it a practical choice for a wide range of deployment scenarios.

The DELL AA094688 exemplifies these advantages by delivering reliable 25GbE connectivity over distances of up to 10km, supporting both current networking needs and future expansion.

Optimized for High-Density Deployments

High-density switch deployments require transceivers that can operate reliably in close proximity with minimal interference or thermal issues. This category is optimized for such environments, supporting dense port configurations without compromising performance. Efficient design and strict adherence to standards ensure stable operation even under heavy network loads.

These characteristics make 25GbE SFP28 LR transceivers well-suited for modern data centers where space and efficiency are at a premium.

Support for Network Modernization Initiatives

Network modernization efforts often involve upgrading from legacy 10GbE connections to higher-speed alternatives. This category provides a straightforward upgrade path by offering increased bandwidth while leveraging existing single-mode fiber infrastructure. Organizations can modernize their networks incrementally, reducing disruption and controlling costs.